Atlus came out swinging at this year’s Tokyo Game Show with the showcase of their upcoming epic high fantasy JRPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio. Coming off the excitement from the World Metaphor Summit, ATLUS director Katsura Hashino and lead interface designer Koji Ise gave us a bit of insight on the game’s development and conceptualization during an exclusive interview.
This new title marks a departure from the studio’s previous modern everyday settings–and as such, looks to blend medieval high fantasy with contemporary themes and supernatural elements.
Hashino explained the game’s unique approach to the fantasy genre, stating, “We wanted to include this concept of time in the game, in the journey of the game.” He emphasized that unlike traditional RPGs where time seems endless, Metaphor: ReFantazio incorporates a sense of limited time, mirroring real-life constraints.
The game’s distinctive UI design was a focal point of the discussion. Ise revealed that the team went through “about five complete versions of the game” before settling on the final design. He described the evolution: “Initially it was more of like a sort of poppy design, similar to the persona series, but we thought it was boring.” The team eventually landed on a medieval-inspired style that they felt was “stylish and chic”–akin to the earlier Persona titles, but from a different time period.
Hashino also shared a profound perspective on fantasy storytelling through the game’s central themes. “We don’t create fantasy because reality will never change. We create it because it can change, it will change. And that’s why we decided to create the game,” he said.
The interview also touched on the game’s “archetype” system, which Hashino described as a fresh take on the traditional job system. He explained, “When the character gains that power of the archetype, it’s more about what kind of hero do they want to be?”
Discussing the game’s narrative focus on the competition for kingship, Hashino expressed interest in exploring leadership qualities. “What we thought was really interesting was when someone goes on that side of taking on people’s anxieties and their worries in that way, like, what sort of virtues do they need to have?”
Both Hashino and Ise emphasized the game’s journey aspect. “The thing that really sets it apart is the fact that you get to go on a journey,” Hashino stated, highlighting how this impacts gameplay and player choices.
As for his personal goals for the game, Ise simply stated that he was “to create the coolest fantasy game.” Hashino, on the other hand, hopes that players will finish the game with “the feeling of they’ve gained some kind of strength, even if it’s something small.”
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a callback to the studio’s signature style, but with a fresh coat of paint alongside new fantasy elements. As Hashino concluded, “We think they will definitely enjoy playing metaphor. So please do try it this time.”
Metaphor: Refantazio is set for release on October 11, 2024, For more information, check out the official website or social media page.