Metaphor: ReFantazio Conjures an Image From a Classic Zelda Game

Summary

Metaphor: ReFantaziois one of Atlus' darker games, even more so than anyPersonagame released so far. Most of this is due toMetaphor: ReFantazio’s medieval fantasy setting, which inevitably opens the floodgates for things like betrayal, murder, and powerful ancient magic. One such magic spell, in fact, conjures the same horrific image as one of the bestZeldagames ever made.

The Moon is one ofZelda: Majora’s Mask’s most memorable pictures, though not for the most positive reasons. Now, somehow, that same terrifying image fromZelda: Majora’s Maskhas found its way intoMetaphor: ReFantazioby way of the Royal Magic of King Hythlodaeus V.

Metaphor ReFantazio Tag Page Cover Art

Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Royal Magic Resembles the Moon From Zelda: Majora’s Mask

The Moon From Zelda: Majora’s Mask Is One of Its Creepiest Images

WhileThe Legend of Zeldahas seen plenty of dark and often spine-tingling moments, there has perhaps never been anything more willing to singe itself in players' minds than the Moon fromZelda: Majora’s Mask. The horrific countenance distinguished by bloodshot eyes and gritted teeth, a face that looks bent on revenge and unstoppable destruction, is not easily forgotten, to the point that the 24-year-old image is still brought up inZelda-centric discussions to this day. The Moon alone is among the reasonsZelda: Majora’s Maskis regarded as one of thedarkestLegend ofZeldagamesever made, and rightly so.

Before the events ofZelda: Majora’s Mask, the Skull Kidstole Majora’s Mask from the Happy Mask Salesman, not realizing what it was. Before long, Majora’s Mask possessed the Skull Kid and began using him to do its will, including sending the Moon slowly drifting toward Clock Town. Shortly after Link arrives in Termina, he learns that he only has 72 hours to stop the Moon from wiping out all of Termina. As the days progress inZelda: Majora’s Mask, players can witness the Moon growing larger as it inches ever closer to Clock Town, each day the Moon’s face becoming increasingly nightmarish to look at.

No official explanation has ever been given about whyZelda: Majora’s Mask’s Moon has a face, other than it’s likely the Moon always had a face long before the game’s story begins.

Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Royal Magic Is a Horrific Reminder of the Moon From Zelda: Majora’s Mask

The events ofMetaphor: ReFantazioare set up with King Hythlodaeus V’s death at the hands ofLouis Guiabern. Shortly thereafter, the Royal Magic spell is cast, causing the royal palace to float into the sky with a giant, haunting image of the king’s face peering down beneath it. According toMetaphorlore, the Royal Magic is a powerful magic that has been passed down through generations of Euchronian kings, a magic that is invoked through a special igniter known as the Royal Scepter. With the Royal Scepter, Euchronian kings can have anything they desire. In the case of King Hythlodaeus V, he wanted to ensure the next king was elected through democratic means rather than by birthright or circumstance.

While the king’s face isn’t a moon as the giant face inZelda: Majora’s Maskis, the two bear a striking resemblance, evoking that same fear that has permanently etched itself intoZeldahistory. Though still frightening, one of the king’s eyes is normal. The other, however, has the faces of those currently being considered by the populace to inherit the throne of the late king. The mouth on this face doesn’t possess teeth as the Moon does inZelda: Majora’s Mask, but the orange glow emanating from it is still remarkably eerie. The two are so similar that it would be surprising to learnZelda: Majora’s Mask’s Moonwas not an inspiration forMetaphor’s Royal Magic spell.