5 best RPGS to play before Metaphor ReFantazio

Metaphor ReFantazio is Atlus’s newest JRPG that lets you carve your own adventure. While making deep connections with other characters, you can ascend toward an enemy throne after the death of the king. The connections you make with other characters are vital in this game because their support will determine if your claim for the throne is worthwhile or not.

Metaphor ReFantazio is scheduled to be released on 11 October, 2024. However, if you are looking similar games while waiting for the global release, here are five games that you should give a shot before playing Metaphor ReFantazio.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer’s opinions and biases. This is not a ranked list.

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5 Best RPGs that you should definitely play before Metaphor ReFantazio

1) Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

One of the best SMT experiences (Image via Atlus)

• Release date: Enhanced Port - June 2024
• Publisher: Atlus
• Genre: JRPG, Turn-based Combat

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance builds upon the traditional SMT experience by incorporating open-world exploration with varied movement mechanics. It breaks away from the confined maps and environments seen in its predecessors. Combat remains the core focus with its unique turn-based system that rewards tactical decision-making but the real hook is the demons that you encounter and even collect to use in your next fights.

While lesser known in the West compared to Atlus’s Persona series, Vengeance reinvigorates the Shin Megami Tensei brand by breaking the tedious norms of the franchise and giving it a more fluid gameplay. Players can enjoy expansive and atmospheric worlds while still engaging with a deep narrative, making it a perfect experience for those who enjoy deeper, philosophical RPGs like Metaphor ReFantazio.

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2) 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

One of the best narrative RPGs ever (Image via SEGA)

• Release date: 2020
• Publisher: Atlus
• Genre: Strategy RPG, Visual Novel

13 Sentinels is a mind-bending story-focused strategy RPG with time-travel mechanics, where your decisions in dialogue affect the outcome of the game. The plot revolves around 13 different characters, each playing a crucial role in unraveling a complex narrative involving giant mechs and time loops. The combat is a top-down strategy where you defend humanity from the monstrous Kaiju.

What sets this game apart is its unique method of mixing tactical gameplay with heavy narrative elements, giving players the chance to influence the story’s direction through the innovative “story analysis” system. This feature can help you get ready for the choice and action-based narrative of Metaphor ReFantazio, where your actions and choices will be directly responsible for your ascension to the throne.

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3) Tales of Arise

A good introduction to the Tales series (Image via Bandai Namco)

• Release date: 2021
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Genre: Action RPG

Tales of Arise revitalizes the long-standing Tales franchise, focusing on action-oriented combat and breathtaking visuals, thanks to its use of Unreal Engine 4. The story follows two protagonists from opposing worlds—Dahna and Rena—on their journey to bring justice and end oppression.

Like Metaphor ReFantazio, this game doesn’t include a dating simulation mechanic but does feature strong relationship-building and character interaction systems. The character relationships in Metaphor ReFantazio are very important as they determine if you will get the throne. If you want a taste of it, you can definitely give Tales of Arise a chance.

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4) Etrian Odyssey III HD

Take a dive into the nostalgia (Image via Atlus)

• Release date: HD Remaster - 2023
• Publisher: Atlus
• Genre: Dungeon-Crawling JRPG

For fans of traditional, tactical turn-based combat, Etrian Odyssey III HD is a standout. Players explore labyrinthine dungeons while manually mapping out the terrain. Every move in the game feels tense as enemies and traps only activate when the player makes a move, making it one of the most hardcore RPG games available.

This remaster retains the charm of its original release, focusing on careful strategy, dungeon exploration, keeping true to the original artstyles and mapping mechanics. If you appreciate methodical gameplay that emphasizes resource management and tactical planning, this title will be a good choice for you to dive into the grander, more open-world approach of Metaphor ReFantazio.

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5) Persona 5 Royal

One of the best Persona games ever made (Image via Atlus)

• Release date: 2019 (Royal Edition)
• Publisher: Atlus
• Genre: JRPG, Social Simulation

Widely considered one of the best JRPGs of all time, Persona 5 Royal is an essential play for fans of modern RPGs. The game blends turn-based combat with social simulation elements, allowing players to manage both their relationships and supernatural battles against Shadows.

With a gripping, stylish story about rebellion and identity, Persona 5 Royal expands on its predecessor with additional content, characters, and refined mechanics. The game’s freeform exploration, combined with its social elements, creates a richly detailed world that feels alive. Furthermore, it’s RPGxSocial Simulator formula is an inspiration for Metaphor ReFantazio, so if you can’t wait for the game’s release, you should give Persona 5 Royal a shot.