ATLUS’ newest IP, Metaphor: ReFantazio is just around the corner. Fortunately, it won’t be too long before we hear more, as the company has announced a new special showcase for the title coming July 5. This also correlates with its big appearance at this year’sAnime Expo.
As mentioned above, the newest turn-based actionRPGfromPersonaseries veterans, will make an appearance at this year’sAnime Expoin Los Angeles, CA. A panel, called “ATLUS Presents: The World of Metaphor: ReFantazio Featuring Katsura Hashino & Shigenori Soejima” will be held at the event on July 5 at 10:30 a.m. PT/ 1:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. CET. at Petree Hall. The two guests, director Katsura Hashino and character designer Shigenori Soejima, are the Anime Expo Guests of Honor and will be open for signings at given times, as well as play booths for Metaphor for fans to play. The panel will have new information regarding the game, as well as some behind-the-scenes content on its development. Unfortunately, the panel itself will not be live-streamed, so those who want to know what’ll be there will have to attend it in person. However, it’s not all bad news for those hungry for some Metaphor.
Metaphor: ReFantazio Gets Early October Release, New Gameplay Revealed
Announced during ATLUS West’s livestream, Metaphor: ReFantazio will launch on October 11th with thrilling new gameplay.
At 8 p.m. PT/ 11 p.m. ET/ 5 a.m. CET, ATLUS, on their Official ATLUS West YouTube channel, will live stream a new showcase, focused on story, for Metaphor: ReFantazio. Going by the title “Metaphor: ReFantazio ‘ATLUS Exclusive’ Showcase - Story”, it’ll be the third one, as thefirst one aired on April 22andthe second on June 7. As said before, the showcase will focus on the narrative of Metaphor: ReFanazio, as well as the characters we’ll meet and interact with on our quest. If it’s like the other ones, the estimated runtime will be around 20-25 minutes. The link to the showcase on YouTube will be availablehere.
A Fairly New Fairy Tale
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a new IP from Studio Zero, formed by former Persona series director Katsura Hashino alongside frequent collaborators fromPersonaandShin Megami Tensei. The game’s story is set to follow a nameless Protagonist in the United Kingdom of Euchronia, where the sudden assassination of their king causes major turmoil. You, alongside your fairy companion Gallica, are tasked with lifting the curse from the thought-dead prince while competing in the “Royal Tournament.” They’ll need to gain the trust of the populous and ensure the safety and wellness of their livelihoods over a six-month deadline, which happens in-game.
They’ll need to gain the trust of the populous and ensure the safety and wellness of their livelihoods over a six-month deadline, which happens in-game.
Despite the same people, Metaphor: ReFantazio differs from other ATLUS franchises likeShin Megami Tenseiand Persona with its new hybrid form of battle gameplay. In this title, players can switch between real-time action and turn-based combat. As the game involves dungeon exploring, the real-time action, called “Fast”, gives players a way to efficiently tackle low-level enemies in different ways, depending on the equipped Archetype (basically a Persona/Demon), without going into full combat via simple commands. For tough enemies, going turn-based, called “Squad”, brings about the standard Shin Megami Tensei and Persona gameplay, alongside three of your companions.
We’ve seen bits and pieces of who our companions on our journey will be, but getting to know more about them will be a joy to see. Their designs are quite appealing and befitting of Soejima’s style, so finding out their stories and personalities will be icing on an already delicious cake. This title marks ATLUS’ 35th anniversary and all eyes are on it to deliver something great. However, it seems we may be getting something truly special by how things have been shaping up to be.
Metaphor: ReFantazio enters the arena on June 19, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC. For those in attendance at Anime Expo, the event, “ATLUS Presents: The World of Metaphor: ReFantazio Featuring Katsura Hashino & Shigenori Soejima”, will be held at Petree Hall on July 5 at 10:30 a.m. PT/ 1:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. CET. Meanwhile, “Metaphor: ReFantazio ‘ATLUS Exclusive’ Showcase - Story” premieres at 6 p.m. PT/ 9 p.m. ET/ 3 a.m. CET onYouTube.
Metaphor: ReFantazio Unpacks New Gameplay Details, Battle System, Archetypes
SEGA and ATLUS West released new details surrounding Metaphor: ReFantazio’s gameplay and mechanics for players to dig into.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
From the creative minds behind Persona 3, 4, and 5 comes Metaphor: ReFantazio, a unique fantasy world, where your protagonist will journey alongside his fairy companion, Gallica, to lift the curse from the kingdom’s lost prince.Control your destiny, face your fears, and awaken magical Archetype powers that lie dormant in your heart. By awakening to an Archetype, you will unlock the power to channel and combine the abilities of unique job classes. Strengthen your bonds and build your party to take down powerful foes and discover the kingdom’s true nature.
