Metaphor: ReFantazio Wears Its Game of Thrones Influences on Its Sleeve

The following contains spoilers forMetaphor: ReFantazioandGame of Thrones.

The long-awaited new Atlus IP,Metaphor: ReFantazio, is finally here, bringing with it an evolution of the long-standingPersonaformula and a brand-new story for players to witness unfold.Metaphor: ReFantaziois quite a bit different fromPersona, despite bearing plenty of characteristics reminiscent of aPersonagame. Rather than being set in the modern-day Japan of thePersonaseries,Metaphor: ReFantaziois set in a medieval fantasy world. As such, its themes are naturally a bit darker and its story more mature.

WhileMetaphor: ReFantazio’sPersonainfluences are abundantly clear — and understandable, considering they’re bothAtlus games— its story and writing seem to draw a lot of inspiration fromGame of Thronesas well. Most of these influences are found inMetaphor: ReFantazio’s political intrigue and dark themes, but its storytelling approach and mature imagery are also strikingly akin to that ofGame of Thrones. Ultimately, this makes it a somewhat different game than thePersonaseries, despite using the same art style and fresh iterations of severalPersonagameplay elements.

Metaphor ReFantazio Tag Page Cover Art

Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Game of Thrones Influences Are Clear

Metaphor: ReFantazio is Chock-Full of Political Intrigue

TheGame of Thronesseries revolves around dense political intrigue involving shifting alliances, power struggles, betrayals, deception, and ruthless ambition. In fact, the driving force ofGame of Thrones' overarching narrative is politics and the activities of those who will do anything to get what they want. In the same way,Metaphor: ReFantazio’s premise relies on its politically charged world, which is also deeply entrenched in centuries of tribal prejudices and now a war for the throne of theKingdom of Euchroniaafter the death of King Hythlodaeus V.

The story ofMetaphor: ReFantazioopens with the death of King Hythlodaeus V at the hands ofLouis Guiabern. By this time, the prince who was in line to take the throne vanished more than ten years ago during an attack on the royal palace, and with no one left to take the throne, it was now up for grabs. This setup is much like that ofGame of Thronesand the Iron Throne, especially after King Hythlodaeus V’s death triggers “the royal magic” and prompts a competition for the throne’s succession in which every member of the kingdom is eligible.

Like Game of Thrones, Metaphor: ReFantazio Features Surprising Plot Twists

Another characteristicMetaphor: ReFantaziounabashedly shares withGame of Thronesis its unexpected plot twists and untimely deaths. DuringGame of Thrones' first season, just when hope rises thatNed Starkwill be given mercy, he is sentenced to death by Joffrey in a surprising and heartbreaking turn of events. For the most part, this is somethingGame of Thronesspecializes in, ensuring viewers grow attached to a character just before the story kills them off in a surprise attack with nearly no build-up.

Metaphoraccomplishes something very similar at the end of its prologue.

Players are introduced to Grius very early on duringMetaphor: ReFantazio’s prologueand he is very easy to love. He is a bit rough around the edges but still has a heart of gold that simply wants to protect those he has been entrusted with. Unfortunately, he is unexpectedly killed when he attempts to kill Louis, leaving his body lying in a pool of blood in a rather graphic death scene. It is one of those moments where there is a hint of hope that he might not really be gone, but as time passes, it becomes clear that he is gone for good.

While these are only a couple of similaritiesMetaphor: ReFantazioshares withGame of Thrones, it is more the tone and atmosphere that they set, as well as the storytelling motifs that they establish, that showGame of Thrones' influence. This not only shows how influentialGame of Throneshas been, but also the evolution of storytelling in gaming.