Metaphor: ReFantazio categorizes its principal quests as “operations”—a fitting terminology that reflects the game’s structured approach, allowing players ample preparation before undertaking their goals. Throughout your journey, you will encounter a total of 10 operations, with each revealing different aspects of the overarching narrative. Some operations center on specific regions linked to the Tournament for the Throne, while others explore the hidden motives of your party.
With each new operation, players get the chance to strategize and strengthen their party. This involves enhancing relationships with followers, refining the protagonist’s skills, completing side quests, and navigating dungeons. This cycle persists until all operations are completed and the game reaches its conclusion.
Note: This article includes spoilers regarding the primary story of Metaphor: ReFantazio.
10. Thwart Zorba’s Plan
Pretty Much a Boss Fight
The operation, Thwart Zorba’s Plan, may appear disjointed due to its brevity—largely consisting of a singular boss fight located in the Regalith Grand Cathedral. After completing Necromancer Takedown, Zorba revives a human in Grand Trad’s square, prompting your party to eliminate this threat before it wreaks havoc across the capital, reminiscent of scenes from Attack on Titan.
This face-off against the Homo Avades is unique for its intricate battle mechanics, requiring players to strategize rather than rely on mindless attacks. However, given its short duration and the opportunity to combine it with other operations, it left me wanting more when compared to the overall experience of the game.
9. Eliminate Virga Island’s Threat
Another One-Boss-Fight-Only Operation
Echoing the structure of its predecessor, Eliminate Virga Island’s Threat propels the player straight into another boss encounter shortly after acquiring the Drakodios and exiting the Dragon Temple. Although the fight is manageable, it requires tactical awareness to exploit the boss’s vulnerabilities, especially with the newly joined Eupha wielding her powerful Summoner Archetype.
Once victorious, the threat to Virga Island dissipates, and your possession of the Drakodio concludes this unimposing yet necessary operation.
8. Obtain Drakodios
Prepare for the Worst Dungeon
The quest to retrieve the Drakodios marks the second challenge in the Tournament for the Throne, leading players into the expansive Dragon Temple dungeon. While the Operation introduces interesting themes, particularly regarding Eupha and the religions presented within Metaphor: ReFantazio, my interest waned when it came to the Mustari’s struggles.
A particularly memorable moment occurs when players stumble into Shinjuku, unveiling references to our world that enhance the narrative’s mystery. Unfortunately, the lengthy nature of the Dragon Temple dungeon began to detract from my enjoyment. I found myself eager to uncover the next exciting twist in the story instead of wandering through tedious encounters.
7. Necromancer Takedown
The Calendar System Starts
The operation Necromancer Takedown marks the transition from a lengthy prologue to full gameplay control, introducing the calendar system that allows you to strategize for upcoming challenges. Players can either rush through the task or utilize their remaining days for side quests, making it a flexible experience.
This operation focuses on thwarting Zorba’s plan to seize the king’s Royal Scepter, leading to the revival of the Homo Avades, which sets in motion the actions of Thwart Zorba’s Plan. As the first significant operation in Metaphor: ReFantazio, it effectively sets a high bar for future quests. While seasoned players might navigate the Regalith Grand Cathedral in a day, others might want to take their time given its complexity.
6. Apprehend the Real Kidnapper
A Tale of Parenthood
After the events in Grand Trad, your party proceeds to Martira, aiming for recognition in the Tournament and a notable quest to rescue the prince. Initially believed to be the kidnapper, Heismay’s character evolves when the truth unfolds, leading to the Apprehend the Real Kidnapper mission—a title that reveals all.
The operation allows for a few days of preparation before plunging into Kriegante Castle to confront one of the most unusual bosses, unraveling the background behind the kidnappings. This narrative is particularly impactful, especially for parents, as it touches on themes of loss and maternal grief—despite Joanna’s wrongful actions, you can empathize with her plight.
5. Infiltrate the Charadrius
Mission Impossible-esque Operation
The Infiltrate the Charadrius operation initiates the exploration of the group’s hidden motives while advancing the protagonist’s objective in the Tournament for the Throne. This mission involves boarding Louis’s airship, Skyrunner Charadrius, to locate the prince’s curse formula and a possible antidote.
Players will experience a distinct blend of stealth elements, with choices that lead to different encounters. This exhilarating operation mimics elements of a Mission Impossible adventure, as the protagonist navigates unexpected challenges and twists along the way. Just as confidence builds, unforeseen complications arise, requiring agile thinking and the support of Junah, who proves vital when the protagonist faces scrutiny for their actions.
4. Save the Country
The Last Operation
As the final operation, Save the Country challenges you to vanquish the last dungeon, Tyrant’s Star, culminating in a confrontation with Louis in his grandest and most tyrannical form. This operation provides players with one last chance to prepare, complete outstanding quests, discover formidable bosses, and attain the game’s finest weaponry before the ultimate showdown.
In typical JRPG fashion, this last hurrah is filled with dramatic revelations, action-packed cutscenes, and compelling character arcs, where the conclusion is bound to resonate differently with each player. A satisfying resolution emerges for the protagonist, though it may feel overly optimistic in relation to the mature themes explored throughout the game’s narrative journey.
3. Skybound Avatar Conquest
The Power of Democracy
With the support of the populace and no remaining adversaries, Louis discards the veil of secrecy, making his way toward the royal palace to realize his ambitions in the Skybound Avatar Conquest operation. The surrounding environment mirrors the rising tension, as chaos unfolds, offering a fascinating glimpse into NPC perspectives amid the turmoil.
This operation emphasizes the thematic undercurrents of democracy, incorporating narrative nuances that distinguish it from typical dungeon layouts. Players will encounter obstacles fed by public anxiety, which informs gameplay and drives character engagement. By dismantling these structures of fear, followers gather momentum, symbolizing the populace’s liberation from Louis’s manipulation as they unite behind the protagonist.
2. Prepare for the Final Battle
Not Exactly Final
Following the Eliminate Virga Island’s Threat operation, players find themselves at Altabury Heights, where an array of plot twists unfold—some more believable than others, yet all engaging. During this segment, there is no new operation; instead, players focus on the culmination of efforts to save the prince from his deadly curse.
The climax builds toward a decisive confrontation with Louis, culminating in the Prepare for the Final Battle operation. This moment allows players to solidify relationships, enhance their party members, and gear up for the infamous showdown, which presents one of the toughest challenges in Metaphor: ReFantazio. After the battle, Louis’s performance almost turns the entire world against the protagonist, creating a gripping round of tension as the party regroups at the Ancient Eldan Sanctum.
1. Save the Prince from Death’s Curse
The Game’s Main Objective
At the core of Metaphor: ReFantazio lies the mission to rescue the cursed prince. This encompassing objective underpins the entire JRPG, guiding players through other main quests, recruiting allies, and exploring a myriad of dungeons. While avoiding significant spoilers, it is essential to recognize that this operation is foundational to the character’s motivations and serves as a compass for all ensuing adventures.
What sets Metaphor apart from other JRPG narratives is its unwavering commitment to a cohesive story, where antagonists and conflicts evolve systematically, allowing players to remain immersed as stakes steadily escalate throughout their journey.
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