Atlus' Persona follow-up Metaphor: ReFantazio gets release date

Metaphor: ReFantazio, the next game from Persona developer Atlus, finally has a release date: 11th October 2024.

We already knew Metaphor was destined for release this year, but in a new streamed showcase the game’s exact date was confirmed along with an in-depth look at gameplay for the first time.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is set to be a “culmination of our RPGs,” said director Katsura Hashino, following the studio’s work on the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series. Its release marks the 35th anniversary of Atlus’ first game. Hashino explained more about Metaphor’s fantasy setting and election twist on familiar Persona gameplay.

The story focuses on a young protagonist drawn into a magical election when the world’s king dies. Any person of any social status can become the next king by gaining support of the population, leading to a world-spanning adventure and battle for the throne.

The protagonist is of a lower status, but is still determined to win the throne – along with his fairy companion. But is the world worth ruling over?

Unlike previous Atlus RPGs, players can battle in real time with attacks and dodges, which ensures field exploration is dynamic and should make grinding quicker. Of course, turn-based combat remains in which players utilise a job system known as Archetypes. The protagonists access these heroic figures by confronting their anxieties, with special powers manifesting in various forms – yes, a bit like personas.