Metaphor: ReFantazio, developed by the renowned Japanese studio Atlus, emerged as a standout title in the gaming landscape of 2024. Competing against heavyweight JRPGs such as Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Persona 3 Reload, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and Granblue Fantasy: Relink, this fantasy role-playing game carved its own niche, showcasing its distinct charm and innovative gameplay. While there was considerable confidence in the game due to Atlus’s legacy with hits like Persona 5, Metaphor: ReFantazio not only met expectations but consistently exceeded them, much to the delight of its fans.
Upon its launch in October 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio garnered widespread acclaim, achieving impressive scores above 90 on sites like OpenCritic and Metacritic. This led to its nomination for the prestigious Game of the Year award at The Game Awards 2024. The game didn’t just shine critically; it also set commercial records, selling a staggering 1 million copies on launch day, securing its title as the fastest-selling game in Atlus’s history. Given this level of success, it’s only natural to anticipate that Atlus will look to leverage its newfound popularity, potentially establishing it as a flagship franchise alongside the revered Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series.
The Future of Metaphor: ReFantazio Within Atlus’s Legacy
Atlus has been a significant player in the gaming industry for nearly four decades, yet many of its titles, including Trauma Center, Etrian Odyssey, and Growlanser, have not achieved the mainstream recognition of franchises like Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest. As it stands, the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series are the only Atlus properties with substantial followings, boasting nearly 100 games between them, consistently releasing new titles since the 1980s.
It’s important to note that the Persona series originates from the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, meaning each Persona game can be considered part of the wider Shin Megami Tensei universe.
Vision for Expansion: Insights from the Director
While the prospect of numerous Metaphor installments may seem far-fetched, it is logical to anticipate that Atlus will eventually expand this intellectual property. In a recent interview with Famitsu, director Katsura Hashino expressed a desire to evolve Metaphor: ReFantazio into a flagship series for the company, indicating he has a multitude of ideas for future sequels, although no formal plans have yet been established.
If Hashino’s aspirations materialize, it is plausible that Atlus could alternate between new titles in the Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, and Metaphor series. The richly developed world of Metaphor: ReFantazio lends itself to sequels or spin-offs featuring either returning characters or entirely new ones. There’s also the potential for Metaphor to branch into various genres; a tactical spin-off inspired by games like Tactics Ogre could provide an exciting fresh perspective for fans.
Exciting Prospects for Atlus Enthusiasts
Though there has been no official confirmation regarding a sequel to Metaphor: ReFantazio, rumors are circulating about a potential spin-off for mobile platforms being developed in collaboration with Netflix Games. If this turns out to be true, announcements may take time, but fans can take solace in the unfolding journey of the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona franchises, with exciting new titles likely on the horizon.
Leave a Reply