Hannan Mundia 
The Persona-like game Metaphor: ReFantazio was officially announced earlier this year. Here’s everything known about its gameplay and release date.
Metaphor: ReFantazio was first announced to be in development in 2016 alongside the inception of its developers Studio Zero, after which a six-year news drought ensued. The game’s name and release year were both finally announced earlier this year and fans are now waiting to receive more information on ReFantazio since there’s reportedly some time until Persona 6 hits store shelves.
With less than a year left for Metaphor: ReFantazio to be released, there’s already a bunch of information to keep Atlus’ fanbase hyped. There has also been an official announcement on X informing fans of when they can expect to get even more information on the game.
Is Metaphor: ReFantazio a Persona game?
Metaphor: ReFantazio is not a Persona game, but is a new RPG franchise from the same publisher that has a similar gameplay and graphical style.
The game is set to be developed by the new Studio Zero, and will be published by Atlus. It has RPG elements taken from the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series including social stats and a calendar system. Instead of the collectible creatures players use in battle being called “Demons” or “Personas,” they’re called Archetypes.
Metaphor: ReFantazio has turn-based gameplay when in missions including the Press Turn combat system introduced in Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne, which allows players to acquire extra turns in battle. Interestingly, the game shifts to play more like a traditional hack-and-slash JRPG akin to the combat found in the Kingdom Hearts series when the player is traversing the open-world environment.
Some of the social aspects from the Persona titles will also make an appearance in the new game, including the game’s confidant system. There are also segments where the protagonist interacts with the kingdom’s people and has to make decisions that win the hearts of the people. (edited)
Metaphor: ReFantazio release date
Metaphor: ReFantazio is confirmed by Atlus for a 2024 launch, although a specific release date has not been given yet.
It was shown in the game’s reveal trailer that Metaphor: ReFantazio will be released in 2024, and both the official word and leaks about the game suggest this remains the case. With Persona 3 Reload releasing in early 2024, it’s speculated that ReFantazio’s release date will be much later that year.
Unlike other Persona titles which have historically been timed exclusives on launch, Metaphor: ReFantazio will be released on every major platform including the Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.
