Summary
The developers ofMetaphor: ReFantaziorecently revealed one of the inspirations behind the JRPG’s setting, citing J.R.R. Tolkien’sLord of the Ringsas one of its initial references.Metaphor: ReFantaziois the latest JRPG from Atlus subsidiary Studio Zero, with the game having a number of former developers from thePersonaseries spearheading the game. Much like Atlus' past works,Metaphor: ReFantaziois a JRPG that has turn-based combat accompanied by other time management and social building mechanics.
WhencomparingPersonaandMetaphor: ReFantazio, one of the biggest differences is the setting. UnlikePersona, which is an urban fantasy RPG that takes place in relatively modern day Japan,Metaphor: ReFantaziois a part of the high-fantasy genre. Many have cited the completely different setting compared toPersonaas a welcome change of pace. Director Katsura Hashino recently commented on how the developers approached making the world ofMetaphor: ReFantazio, along with one of the inspirations of the game’s setting.
In an interview with Hashino on the Official Xbox Podcast, host Jeff Rubenstein noted the very different parts ofMetaphor: ReFantazio’s worldare inspired by Belle Époque Europe, along with how the game’s world incorporated various anachronistic technologies and fantastical elements, and asked what the developers were looking at in terms of planning the world. Hashino explains that the developers were looking at traditional fantasy culture at the start of development, mentioningThe Lord of the Ringsby J.R.R. Tolkien. Specifically, they were looking to see not only what traditional fantasy was, but the how, why, and other inspirations that made the genre.
Metaphor: ReFantazio Was Originally Inspired by LOTR, But Then Went for Something Different
Hashino noted that, as they were trying to bring this aspect into the game, the more they realized that they couldn’t make a game that was in the same line as a traditional fantasy, saying it wouldn’t feel “original” to the developers. Hashino also said that sticking strictly to the conventions of the traditional fantasy genre would lack the originality that defined Atlus. The team decided to abandon some of the inspirations they had and create something new, while also incorporating things that they did like into the game. This explains a lot of thecreative liberties used for the medieval setting ofMetaphor: ReFantazio.
WhileThe Lord of the Ringsand other pieces of art like those by Hieronymus Bosch were starting points in development, Atlus and Studio Zero aimed to makeMetaphor: ReFantaziohave a distinct identity, even if parts of it were familiar. WhileMetaphor: ReFantaziodoesn’t strictly adhere to the traditional conventions of the genre, it is shaping up to be one ofthe best fantasy RPGsever made.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
WHERE TO PLAY
From the creative minds behind Persona 3, 4, and 5 comes Metaphor: ReFantazio, a unique fantasy world, where your protagonist will journey alongside his fairy companion, Gallica, to lift the curse from the kingdom’s lost prince.Control your destiny, face your fears, and awaken magical Archetype powers that lie dormant in your heart. By awakening to an Archetype, you will unlock the power to channel and combine the abilities of unique job classes. Strengthen your bonds and build your party to take down powerful foes and discover the kingdom’s true nature.
