The following contains spoilers for Metaphor: ReFantazio and Game of Thrones.
The long-awaited new Atlus IP, Metaphor: ReFantazio, is finally here, bringing with it an evolution of the long-standing Persona formula and a brand-new story for players to witness unfold. Metaphor: ReFantazio is quite a bit different from Persona, despite bearing plenty of characteristics reminiscent of a Persona game. Rather than being set in the modern-day Japan of the Persona series, Metaphor: ReFantazio is set in a medieval fantasy world. As such, its themes are naturally a bit darker and its story more mature.
While Metaphor: ReFantazio's Persona influences are abundantly clear — and understandable, considering they're both Atlus games — its story and writing seem to draw a lot of inspiration from Game of Thrones as well. Most of these influences are found in Metaphor: ReFantazio's political intrigue and dark themes, but its storytelling approach and mature imagery are also strikingly akin to that of Game of Thrones. Ultimately, this makes it a somewhat different game than the Persona series, despite using the same art style and fresh iterations of several Persona gameplay elements.
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 Game of Thrones Influences Are Clear
Metaphor: ReFantazio is Chock-Full of Political Intrigue
The Game of Thrones series revolves around dense political intrigue involving shifting alliances, power struggles, betrayals, deception, and ruthless ambition. In fact, the driving force of Game of Thrones' overarching narrative is politics and the activities of those who will do anything to get what they want. In the same way, Metaphor: ReFantazio's premise relies on its politically charged world, which is also deeply entrenched in centuries of tribal prejudices and now a war for the throne of the Kingdom of Euchronia after the death of King Hythlodaeus V.
The story of Metaphor: ReFantazio opens with the death of King Hythlodaeus V at the hands of Louis Guiabern. By this time, the prince who was in line to take the throne vanished more than ten years ago during an attack on the royal palace, and with no one left to take the throne, it was now up for grabs. This setup is much like that of Game of Thrones and the Iron Throne, especially after King Hythlodaeus V's death triggers "the royal magic" and prompts a competition for the throne's succession in which every member of the kingdom is eligible.
Like Game of Thrones, Metaphor: ReFantazio Features Surprising Plot Twists
Another characteristic Metaphor: ReFantazio unabashedly shares with Game of Thrones is its unexpected plot twists and untimely deaths. During Game of Thrones' first season, just when hope rises that Ned Stark will be given mercy, he is sentenced to death by Joffrey in a surprising and heartbreaking turn of events. For the most part, this is something Game of Thrones specializes in, ensuring viewers grow attached to a character just before the story kills them off in a surprise attack with nearly no build-up.
Metaphor accomplishes something very similar at the end of its prologue.
Players are introduced to Grius very early on during Metaphor: ReFantazio's prologue and he is very easy to love. He is a bit rough around the edges but still has a heart of gold that simply wants to protect those he has been entrusted with. Unfortunately, he is unexpectedly killed when he attempts to kill Louis, leaving his body lying in a pool of blood in a rather graphic death scene. It is one of those moments where there is a hint of hope that he might not really be gone, but as time passes, it becomes clear that he is gone for good.
While these are only a couple of similarities Metaphor: ReFantazio shares with Game of Thrones, it is more the tone and atmosphere that they set, as well as the storytelling motifs that they establish, that show Game of Thrones' influence. This not only shows how influential Game of Thrones has been, but also the evolution of storytelling in gaming.
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
