Summary
- Metaphor: ReFantazio's mascot, Gallica, differs from other mascots in the Persona series by being loyal, kind, and supportive.
- Gallica offers a fresh approach, as she is humble, never controlling, and provides lively commentary in somber moments.
- Although not playable, Gallica stands out as an easy-to-love mascot and a valuable asset in battles in Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Naturally, Metaphor: ReFantazio has been compared to the Persona series, as it bears a striking resemblance to the franchise's art style. However, Metaphor: ReFantazio exhibits other features similar to the Persona series, like its mascot character, Gallica.
The Persona series has featured three memorable mascots over its last few mainline games — Koromaru, Teddie, and Morgana — each with a distinct personality and role. Now, Metaphor: ReFantazio's Gallica joins that roster, despite not belonging to a Persona game, and she stands out from the others with what she brings to Metaphor's protagonist and the rest of the party.
Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Leon Strohl Is the Game’s Breakout Star
Of all the characters in Metaphor: ReFantazio, Leon Strohl is arguably the best on account of his kindness, compassion, strength, and leadership.
Metaphor: ReFantazio's Gallica Is Starkly Different From Persona's Mascots
Persona's Koromaru, Teddie, and Morgana Each Have Unique Personalities and Roles
Koromaru is Persona 3's mascot and has proven to be a fan favorite, likely because he's a dog. While Teddie and Morgana are both animal-like, Koromaru really is just a dog, thereby creating a different dynamic between him and the party. As a dog, Koromaru arguably has an advantage over Teddie and Morgana, as he is nothing but fiercely loyal and unreservedly kind, and he cannot speak directly — a characteristic that has been known to tarnish the reputation of Persona's mascots.
Koromaru is also a playable character and has his own Persona, Cerberus.
Persona 4's Teddie is a textbook mascot, as lighthearted and as goofy as they come, spouting off bear-related puns whenever the opportunity presents itself. He also has an extremely awkward side to him that creeps up occasionally, especially when it comes to human customs and idioms, but this is a large part of what makes him so endearing. Like Persona 3's Koromaru, Teddie is a playable character in Persona 4 with his own Persona, Kintoki-Douji.
Finally, Persona 5's Morgana has maintained a rather infamous reputation despite being the mascot of what is widely recognized as one of the best role-playing games ever made. Unlike Koromaru and Teddie, Morgana tends to be very bossy and controlling, often exuding overconfidence and arrogance. Those unfortunate qualities aside, Morgana is deeply loyal to Persona 5's protagonist, and his development from a smug deuteragonist to a relatable character makes the journey alongside him worth it.
Morgana is also playable in Persona 5 and has his own Persona, Zorro.
Metaphor: ReFantazio's Gallica Offers a Fresh Approach to Persona's Mascot Formula
While it might seem like Persona has covered all its bases when it comes to mascots, Metaphor: ReFantazio's Gallica is yet another unique iteration of the formula and could even be considered a step forward that the Persona series needs to take. Firstly, Gallica is extremely tenderhearted and humble, and she is never controlling, smug, or arrogant, as Persona 5's Morgana can be at times. Though her undying loyalty and kindness to Metaphor's protagonist echoes that of Koromaru's loyalty, she has an advantage over Koromaru in being able to speak to her protagonist, assisting him on and off the field of battle.
As a fairy, Gallica fits right in with the fantasy setting of Metaphor: ReFantazio, and her charming design isn't easily forgotten. She's not quite as goofy as Teddie, Persona 4's mascot, but she does provide lively commentary and tends to chime in with a lighthearted anecdote during Metaphor's more somber moments. Where she ultimately pales in comparison to Persona's mascots, however, is that she is not a playable character. Nevertheless, she can be of tremendous assistance in battle, directing the player's attention to where it needs to be.
While she might not be a playable character in Metaphor: ReFantazio, Gallica might have topped the list when it comes to Persona mascots. She is loyal, kind, helpful, and charming, and she is far from a burden to the protagonist and party in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Hopefully, Persona 6 keeps up with this design and gives fans another mascot who is as easy to love as Gallica.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 93 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
- Released
- October 11, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Studio Zero
- Publisher(s)
- Atlus
- Engine
- GFD
- Number of Players
- 1
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Playable
WHERE TO PLAY
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.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
