Atlus shares new details on Metaphor: ReFantazio battle system

After revealing the game’s Collector’s Edition recently, Atlus shared new details about the battle system of Metaphor: ReFantazio, the upcoming RPG from the creators of Persona.

In case you missed its reveal, Metaphor: ReFantazio is the next RPG from Studio Zero, and its development is headed by Katsura Hoshino, the director of Persona 3, 4, and 5. It also features character designs by Shigenori Soejima who is best known for his work on the Persona series.

To hype up the game’s release later this year, Atlus revealed new info about the game’s combat, along with other details about the party.

To start, Metaphor: ReFantazio features a new battle system that mixes turn-based and action-centric gameplay, and it’s called Fast Battle. This allows players to directly attack enemies in the overworld, though there are also Squad Battles featuring turn-based combat a la Persona.

Here are some details in specific combat elements and features (via Atlus):

• Fae Sight
  • With the help of the protagonist’s fairy ally, Gallica, you’ll be able to detect the danger level posed by the enemies around you. Scope out monsters lurking nearby and choose your combat style accordingly.
• Fast Battles
  • Fast Battles are an effective way to take on lower-level enemies you’ve already fought before. Lock on to your enemies, dash, and evade your attackers as you explore, or take them out in one fell swoop. Each Archetype has a different type of attack, so discover which ones suit you best!
• Squad Battles
  • When Gallica identifies yellow or red enemies with Fae Sight, these enemies can pose a threat to your party, so stay on the lookout. Gain advantage over these foes by repeatedly striking them in Fast Battle to stun them, then switch to Squad Battle to finish them off.
• Turn-Based Combat
  • Take on enemies with up to 4 characters in your party. As the story unfolds, you’ll be able to choose from 7 characters, so use each of their strengths to your advantage as you assemble your party. Metaphor: ReFantazio simplifies combat by letting you perform each action with the tap of a single button!
  • During battle, the protagonist and his allies will be able to transform into the Archetypes they’ve awakened. Each Archetype wields unique skill sets that help you turn the tides of battle. Use them to effectively target your opponents’ weaknesses and control the flow of combat.
    Your Archetypes also come with their own weaknesses and disadvantages as well—so choose wisely. The composition of your party also plays a crucial role. You can change up your party members’ turn order, swap them out mid-battle, or even move them to the front or back. Use these tactical maneuvers to shift the odds in your favor!
  • Metaphor: ReFantazio has a high difficulty setting to keep players on the edge of their seats, but if you’re finding it too challenging, you don’t need to worry, as you’ll be able to freely adjust the game’s difficulty at any time. Other helpful features have also been added to allow you to play according to your preferred style.

Along with the specific combat details, Atlus also shared info on labyrinths which are dungeons that feature formidable monsters but reward powerful gear.

There’s also the Archetype system. Players and their party members awaken Archetypes that let them use powerful abilities. The game’s Archetype system is reminiscent of Personas mixed with a class system as there are different Archetypes such as Seekers, Mages, and Thieves. Plus, Arhchetypes can awaken as the bond between followers deepen.

Speaking of the team, assembling a party is a key component of the game as the proper mix of Archetypes will make battles easier. What’s more, deepening bonds is also a thing to consider as building strong ties with followers can make them stronger. This can be done through interacting with them and unlocking substories.

Metaphor: ReFantazio will be released on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on October 11, 2024.