Metaphor ReFantazio Summer Game Fest 2024 gameplay trailer breakdown

Atlus has shared an extensive look at its new upcoming RPG, Metaphor ReFantazio during the Summer Game Fest 2024. The new JRPG from the creators of the Megaten and Persona series is shaping up to be one of the best games that the studio has to offer. Besides showcasing the gameplay, Atlus revealed a new trailer for Metaphor ReFantazio, titled AWAKEN.

Before the trailer was shown, the game director, Katsura Hashino, and character artist, Shigenori Soejima took to the stage to talk about the Archetypes, which is essentially the class system for Metaphor ReFatazio. Later, Atlus released a video in which the developers discussed more regarding the Archetype system among other gameplay features.

This article will break down the AWAKEN trailer for Metaphor ReFantazio as well as share with you all the relevant information regarding the gameplay revealed in the ATLUS Exclusive 2 Showcase for the game.

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Metaphor ReFantazio AWAKEN trailer breakdown

The AWAKEN trailer begins with a snippet introducing us to the harsh world of Fantazio—a world dominated by absolute monarchy, where you must prevail at any cost.

Then, the narrator explains that we, the protagonists have found a way to wield true magic before it transitions to one of the many Archetypes we will be able to use. This is where the game opens up with its Social Link system; where we will be able to talk with various people in our journey, enhancing both their and the protagonist's power and able to unlock more Archetypes.

A screen showing the Archetype function for Metaphor ReFantazio (Image via Atlus)

Each Archetype is unique, and we get a glimpse of a few of them. The way to grow stronger in Metaphor ReFantazio is by unlocking more powerful of these Archetypes.

The video concludes with the narrator saying the following:

"So now you have acquired a most interesting power. An Archetype whose existence was only theoretical....you wield power now."

The AWAKEN trailer showcased the Archetype feature of the game, using which you can become stronger as you progress through the story. Atlus later held an exclusive showcase for its upcoming RPG, which revealed more information regarding the gameplay mechanics.

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Atlus Exclusive 2 Showcase unveils the many Metaphor ReFantazio gameplay features

The Official ATLUS West YouTube channel later released a showcase for Metaphor, which showed some of the features related to Archetypes you can experience.

Here is a brief overview of all the important features:

• There are a total of 14 Archetype Lineages that will give you access to over 40 Archetypes.
• Metaphor's battle system is a combination of real-time combat with turn-based. You will be able to dispatch weaker foes in real time, but your battlefield will become turn-based when encountering a higher-level foe.
• You will be able to learn new Archetypes from a place called Akademia.
• Archetypes can be leveled up through battle. You will also be able to evolve your existing Archetypes into more powerful ones by leveling them up.
• ReFantazio features several features from the Shin Megami Tensei or Persona series such as Press Turns, Advantages and Disadvantages while entering battle, enemy and player weaknesses, and more.
• You will be able to change your party formation to Frontline or Backline during combat. This will come especially in handy as weaker Archetypes with low survival stats can be put in Backline with Brawlers and Fighters taking the front.
• A special function Synthesis allows you to combine party members' Archetypes and unleash powerful skills.
• You will be able to move Archetype's skill to a new one similar to the Fusion function from SMT or Persona games.
• Archetypes also alter the real-time combat of Metaphor ReFantazio. For example, the Seeker class allows you to quickly dispatch singular foes, while the Mage is effective when you are dealing with a large number of enemies during a real-time battle.
• A new Retry feature will reset the squad battle and allow you to strategize properly.
• You will also be able to view what party setup other players used to clear a dungeon using the Traveler's Voices feature in Metaphor ReFantazio. This will also give you a chance to form new strategies if a dungeon becomes too challenging for you.

Atlus has taken a bit different approach with Metaphor ReFantazio, as this game is clearly inspired by classic JRPGs. While most of the studio's previous works like Persona, and Devil Summoner worked in the confines of the Megaten titles, it will not be the case for Fantazio. The upcoming RPG is Atlus' most ambitious work yet, and it has the potential to branch into its own series.