Atlus Introduces Metaphor: ReFantazio Character Popularity Poll with Unexpected Current Rankings

Atlus has kicked off an exciting election to determine the fan-favorite character from their latest game, Metaphor: ReFantazio. As voting progresses, initial results have surfaced, revealing both anticipated outcomes and unexpected surprises. Many fans are expressing their confusion over the standings, as numerous characters appear to be underrepresented in the voting results.

Although the voting period is still ongoing, Atlus has already unveiled mid-election statistics through an infographic and a concise video on their official Atlustube YouTube channel. The current standings for character popularity are:

3rd Place: Protagonist (3,483 votes)
2nd Place: Louis (4,408 votes)
1st Place: Strohl (4,637 votes)

It’s speculated that the demographics of the game’s fanbase might influence the voting results, with suggestions of a heavier representation of female players, though this claim remains anecdotal without substantial data. It’s important to note that these results are still fluid and could shift as the voting process continues.

Fans are encouraged to participate daily until the voting deadline on January 31. Voting can be done via the Japanese RPG site.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA7kDwliIME

『メタファー：リファンタジオ』キャラクター総選挙　中間結果発表動画 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA7kDwliIME)

Regional Favorites in Metaphor: ReFantazio

How Voting Shows Regional Preferences

Mid-election voting results for Metaphor: ReFantazio in Japan

Current results from Japan display a clear hierarchy among character preferences, with interest waning significantly after the top contenders. Meanwhile, Atlus SEA is also conducting its own popularity poll, where participants can cast a single vote throughout the voting period. The preliminary results shared on the Atlus SEA Facebook page depict a markedly different order of favorites compared to Japan.

Although exact vote counts remain undisclosed, the SEA popularity contest shows Strohl in third, Heismay in second, and Hulkenberg at the top. This divergence implies that fans may prioritize different aspects when voting for their preferred character. It also raises the possibility that more avid supporters are returning to the Japanese voting platform daily, contrasting with the single-vote approach of the SEA event.

Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Reception Among Fans and Critics

Celebrating Award-Winning Features

Since its release in October 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio has captivated audiences and achieved remarkable success, selling over a million copies within the first 24 hours—marking it as Atlus’ fastest-selling game to date. This milestone underscores the game’s strong ties to the beloved Persona series, from which it draws substantial inspiration.

In the short time since its launch, Metaphor: ReFantazio has collected several prestigious accolades, including Best RPG, Best Narrative, and Best Art Direction at The Game Awards 2024. Despite varied opinions on character preferences, one consensus remains clear: Metaphor: ReFantazio offers an unforgettable JRPG experience filled with compelling characters.

Source: RPG, Atlustube/YouTube, Atlus SEA/Facebook, Persona Central

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