A special broadcast for Atlus’ upcoming RPG Metaphor: ReFantzio showcased not only a new trailer (with a release date), but also new gameplay details.
The 20-minute-ish gameplay showcase, narrated by game director Katsura Hashino, shows the main gameplay loop of the new game by developer Studio Zero, a team consists of veterans that worked on Persona 3, 4 and 5 (as well as Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne).
Here are some interesting gameplay details that was highlighted on the showcase:
- Title screen is shown, featuring a crossroad
- You can name your protagonist, just like in Persona
- Game starts with a cryptic questionnaire
- The fairy Gallica is your navigator and guide from the start of the game
- First dungeon shows a large, open field with monsters, some too strong to take on
- You can do simple attacks, dodges and dashes while navigating the dungeon- more than just one hit like in Persona 3,4,5
- Fae Sight- the game’s detective vision- highlights enemies
- City map is segmented into various parts- not an open world
- Fast travel to any visited location in town is available
- You can skate on the sword while in town
- Bounty missions are available
- You can buy hints from informants
- You can sleep at an inn
- The Gauntlet Runner is your mobile base. Looks like a ship, literally runs on land (it uses giant feet and magic to run)
- Features various rooms and amenities including a kitchen (to cook food) and common room (where companions hang out)
- Travelling to other locations via Gauntlet Runner takes in-game time. Time advances forward
- Time is important just like in Persona. Story dungeons have a time limit on when it should be cleared
- Beautiful UI- the dev team knows it too
- There’s a job system called Archetypes
- Functions sort of like a Persona in Persona. Studio Zero trading one Jungian concept for another
- Every party member can switch Archetypes. And you can have a whole party with the same Archetypes if you want
- Weak enemies can die by a sword slash, skipping turn-based battles altogether
- You can combo this as multiple slashes, taking out groups of enemies with ease without having to do turn-based battles
- Turn-based menu similar to Persona/Like A Dragon
- One menu item is “Retry”. Functionality isn’t shown, but from the UI it looks like you have to turn the analog stick counter-clockwise to likely regain a turn
- You can form bonds with Followers (i.e. Social Links, Confidants)
- New Followers unlock new Archetypes
Metaphor looks to be an evolution from the Persona formula established since Persona 3. Though this time the setting is a fantasy themed one (though not without its urban landscapes).
Metaphor: ReFantazio will be out on October 11 for the PS4, PS5, PC (Steam, Windows) and Xbox Series X|S.