Publisher ATLUS and developer Studio Zero have revealed new information about the upcoming fantasy JRPG Metaphor: ReFantazio. The information includes the tribes, gameplay mechanics, the story, and more. A new creator’s voice deep dive video was also released. Metaphor: ReFantazio will launch in fall 2024 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store.
The details via the publisher:
Story Setting
A world separate from our own, inhabited by eight tribes.
In this world is a land known as the United Kingdom of Euchronia.
The union, founded by the heroic first king and ruled by a strong royal family that inherited powerful magic, has gradually succumbed to corruption over the years, and is descending into a “virtueless nation” torn apart by inequality and discrimination.
In the vast realm, dangerous animals and mysterious monsters known as “Humans” run rampant, making the lands outside city walls seldom safe. And the assassinations of Euchronia’s prince and king have unleashed further chaos and unrest unto a kingdom now without a ruler.
The Eight Tribes
Clemar
A tribe characterized by the horns on each side of their heads. Their physique and physical capabilities are average. They occupy a number of important positions in the royal family and monarchy, and are often considered the central tribe of the kingdom. They themselves tend to subconsciously internalize the sense that this is true.
Roussainte
A tribe characterized by their long, protruding ears. With a remarkable physique and physical capabilities, many of them are soldiers or occupy important positions in the military. Many possess a combative nature, fixated on victory versus defeat and seeking to determine the inferiority or superiority of anything and everything.
Ichthyia (spelling to be confirmed)
A tribe characterized by the elegant wings on various parts of their bodies. They possess greater intellect than other tribes. Many hold high positions in intellectual labor, such as scholars and clergymen, and many are wealthy. Coupled with their appearance, they are a tribe that is sometimes admired, but as there are also those who tend to look down upon others, they are equally despised.
Rogue (spelling to be confirmed)
A tribe characterized by their long lifespan. Some live more than twice the average life expectancy of other tribes. Their aging is unique, with middle and old ages occupying the majority of their lifetime. In traditionally seniority-based positions, they consequently tend to hold higher positions. Their culture emphasizes great value in “passing down” knowledge and purpose.
Nydia (spelling to be confirmed)
A tribe characterized by their large eyes and eye color. Despite lacking any particularly extraordinary traits, many are said to be sociable and charismatic. However, their nature is often taken negatively by some, who consider them “untrustworthy smooth talkers” or “weirdos.”
Palipas (spelling to be confirmed)
A tribe characterized by their beast-like ears and tail. While physically very strong, their senses are also physical, and they are for better or worse pleasure seekers. While their love for feasting and liveliness, and their carefree cheerfulness can at times be a strength, it can also manifest as an impulsiveness that does not favor deep contemplation. They lack political dominance and are looked down upon by other tribes.
Eugief
A tribe characterized by their bat-like wings and ears. Due to their difference in appearance and abilities compared to the humanoid tribes, they are often seen as creepy and discriminated against. For that reason, the majority live life without wealth and are lower in rank among the other tribes. They are generally mild-mannered and cooperative. However, they are not good at making big decisions and tend to hesitate due to their constant concern for others.
Mutsutari (spelling to be confirmed)
A tribe characterized by the “third eye” on their foreheads. They are often viewed as strange due to their unique masks and traditional attire. Since they follow their own faith separate from the state religion, they are often persecuted as “heretics” in the mainland, and are somewhat mysterious.
The Monstrosities Known as “Humans”
Unidentifiable creatures with bizarre appearances unlike any other known animal. Each one harbors a substantial amount of rampant Magra in their systems, prompting them to indiscriminately attack everything around them. While generally unintelligent and aggressive, their biology is a mystery, such as their use of a magic far too advanced for people to easily handle. Their bodies are robust, and the larger ones are capable of annihilating even entire armies.
Prologue
A boy and his fairy set out on a journey to break a course…
The protagonist is a boy of the elda tribe, a detested tribe few in number. Together with his partner, the fairy Galica, he must find a way to break the curse that has been placed on the prince.
The only way to break the death curse consuming the prince—“to take the life of the sorcerer who cursed him.”
As he travels across the vast continent, the boy will meet and form bonds with many people, and eventually come to learn the true nature of the kingdom.
The boy’s journey begins with a major incident that shakes the entire kingdom.
Introduction
A battle for the throne breaks out through “election-enforcing magic”…
The king falls to an assassin’s blade, and the United Kingdom of Euchronia loses its ruler without a successor. Who will become the next king? In the midst of the chaos, a “magic” that no one could have seen coming is invoked at the king’s funeral.
“On Hero’s Day in the 10th Month… by the day my soul truly departs this world, the one who has gathered the most trust from the people of the land will become the next king.”
The sky had suddenly echoed with the voice of a king supposedly dead. In exchange for his life, the king devised a grand magic that would allow the nation to compete for the throne via national ballet.
To carry out his mission, the protagonist throws himself into the great race for the throne that will envelop the entire kingdom.
Unique Gameplay Mechanics
Battle
Point 1: A unique battle system evolved from Persona 5 that combines action and command-based mechanics. While command-based mechanics are the core battle system, lower-ranked enemies on the field can be defeated with action-based mechanics.
Point 2: All party members can be customized, allowing for a wide variety of party formations.
Travel
Point 1: The realistic “daily life” mechanics of the Persona series have evolved! Enjoy a realistic daily life experience as if you were actually planning a journey.
Point 2: Travel around the world aboard your Gauntlet Runner. Move between multiple bases and set off on a worldwide journey!
ATLUS’s 35th Anniversary
The ATLUS brand will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2024.
ATLUS Brand 35th World Tour: Road to Metaphor: ReFantazio
In celebration of the ATLUS brand’s 35th anniversary, ATLUS is planning a worldwide premium tour featuring the latest information on Metaphor: ReFantazio. Please look forward to more details to be announced!
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A Nintendo Switch trailer was also released.
According to SteamDB.
An announcement trailer was also released.