The Japanese RPG came to conquer The Game Awards. What is Metaphor: ReFantazio, one of the nominations for Game of the Year?
The Game Awards will happen on December 12 and we have an interesting surprise at this year's nominations for Game of The Year: Metaphor: ReFantazio. The RPG came out in October 2024 and was launched by Studio Zero, a subsidiary of Sega Corporation. Why is this game so special? Let's dive into it.
What is Metaphor: ReFantazio about?
"This is a story of how people must find unity to elect a new king," as we can read from the game's official page. The Japanese RPG happens in the United Kingdom of Euchronia, a medieval fantasy realm. The assassination of its former King brought chaos and unrest to the land. One day, a magic called "Royal Magic" sets free and the world becomes embroiled in a royal tournament for the throne.
Will and a fairy called Gallica enter a journey to way to break the curse placed on the son and heir to the throne of King Hythlodaeus V. The prince, attacked during his youth, is also his childhood friend. The duo participates in the tournament for the throne, making allies and various enemies along the way. Will comes from the Elda tribe and Gallicia is a little fairy that senses magic.
ESRB rating: Teen
The game is "suitable for persons ages 13 and older", according to the ESRB rating. As a player, you follow a "mysterious and exciting story" with a "gauntlet runner" in many faraway dungeons and towns across an expansive world. You're immersed in a captivating soundtrack as well as in the beautiful landscapes and anime cutscenes.
In the Metaphor: ReFantazio, bonding with the locals of Euchronia's regions is going to increase the public's favor towards you. To achieve this "good perception," you need to complete structured day-to-day activities.
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Metaphor: ReFantazio combat system
You'll fight in an "exhilarating turn-based combat system with a blend real-time action" as well as party customization through "Archetype" powers. Besides that, you need to go on quests, dive into dungeons, and hunt for treasures to strengthen your relationships. The game incorporates a hybrid system that combines traditional Press-Turn-based battle mechanics during encounters and boss fights with real-time action combat in the field.
Why was Metaphor: ReFantazio nominated for Game of the Year?
Metaphor: ReFantazio counts with a 94 Metascore score, which is tied for the highest of the year alongside Sony’s Astro Bot and Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Secondly, according to one of the developers, Metaphor: ReFantazio broke the milestone of one million sold copies on its worldwide launch day. The numbers included both physical and digital copies of the game which is amazing.
The game is also nominated for Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, Best Narrative, Best RPG, and Best Game Direction. The Game Awards has a voting jury of over 100 video game media and influencer outlets, specifically selected for their work in critically evaluating video games.
The Game Awards nominees prove that 2024 is the year of the Japanese RPG, with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Metaphor: ReFantazio leading the field. Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth have seven nominations, followed by Metaphor: ReFantazio with six.
Metaphor: ReFantazio aims to be Atlus' next big series. It was developed by the internal studio Studio Zero, which was created to develop new universes beyond the Megami Tensei and Persona sagas. Based on the players' acceptance and general criticism, it will not be difficult to guess that Atlus can continue to explore this universe in the future.
Where can you play the game?
The RPG is available for Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. You can play the demo for free, but the game's price is $69.99.
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