Metaphor: ReFantazio

Well, well, well, we meet again Atlus. The best way I can interprest Metaphor: ReFantazio (M:RF) is as the halfway point between Shin Megami Tensei (SMT) and its spinoff, Persona (P) (though my experience of the former is comically limited). As usual, let's get this started and see what Euchronia has to offer. The Yay!: + The themes of M:RF are much more unapologetic and bleak. The social commentary overtones are much more intense and wide than say, a P game. It's overall much more reminicent of a SMT, set in a medieval fantasy setting. It really adds to the messaging and the world building. + That does not mean there aren't moments of levity or humour though. It did get a chuckle out of me once or twice. See what I mean by M:RF being a crossroads of SMT and P? + The plot twits were actually plot twists and solid! An overall solid story exploring collective thoughts, emotions, and what we can learn from eachother for the better (like most P games). + The characters, espacially the party members, offer different view points and have good character arcs, espicially the ones you have bonds with. Some are bettet than others for sure, but all do add to the game. + The villain is at least tied for the most interesting antagonist in an Atlus game I've played. + While not phonmenal like the P games, the music is still quite good, and some orchestration choices stick out. + As usual, the character and set design are fantastic. While not the prettiest game I've played, it still quite lovely to look at for the most part. + Still lots of contents such as optional side quests, the aforementionned bond scenes, upgrating stats and skills, etc. However, I did not find it as arduous or instense as the P games. + Combat is great! It uses an action point system like the SMT games, making the strategizing with buffs and weakenesses that much more impactful (as are misses and repels/blocks). I love the quick battle restart feature. + Customization is probably the best it's ever been. The archetype system sacrifices at little bit of depth compared to the Persona system (and I do mean just a little bit), to obtain a LOT of breadth. Now all your party membeers are customizable (with certain inclinations) and building powerful, decently rounded party to your brain's desires is quite fun! + As usual, very good game customization options. The Nay...: - One of my biggest gripes is the pacing with regards to story sequences vs gameplay. M:RF is a very dialogue heavy RPG, and there was a section of the game were I swaer it felt like a two-hour succession of cut scenes, with a sprinkle of gameplay (maybe). I know this might not be a drawback for some, but I'd like a bit more of player agency here. It's not the only sequence where many non-plyable sections take up a bit of time, but that one is pretty egregious and makes the others feel heavier. - The dungeon design is nothing to write home about, There are very nice set pieces, but the actual exploring was not endearing to me. - Not sure if this is an actual critique or I just need to git gud, but the first real dungeon is surpringly hard if you don't know exactly what your doing. It felt brutal and quite limiting for that point in the adventure, especially for a game that is pretty OK with you trying stuff later on. - Many of the other story quests areas were surpisingly small and quick to finish. The Oh's * Unlike the P games, this one had basically none of the stereotypical anime tropes that are considered, well... not as digestible. * As mentionned a little before, M:RF is much harder than any P game I've played (at least on normal). I suspect it's closer to your average SMT game. If you come from Psersona, some habits will not translate well depending on playstyle. * The social management part is a lot more tame here. It's clearly less of a focus. Overall, M:RF is a fantastic addition to the Atlus catalogue, though not my personal favourite. I'm certain that it will dethrone to top spot for some. 9/10 would fight shadow clones again.