Summary

  • The first chapter of the Metaphor: ReFantazio manga series is now available to read for free.
  • Chapter One makes some changes to the game's intro, with Strohl saving the protagonist from bandits instead of Hulkenberg.
  • The game may get an anime adaptation in the future.

The official Metaphor: ReFantazio manga has been released, and the first chapter has already introduced changes to the game's story. Atlus partnered with Shueisha to publish the Metaphor: ReFantazio manga monthly in V Jump magazine, and some readers have noticed that the narrative quickly differs from that of the game. These changes were likely made to optimize the story for the manga format, and it remains to be seen if more adjustments will follow in the coming chapters.

Metaphor: ReFantazio was developed by Studio Zero, a subsidiary of Atlus. The JRPG took the industry by storm, breaking sales records for Atlus titles and earning some of the highest fan and critic scores of 2024. On top of that, Metaphor: ReFantazio won RPG of the Year at The Game Awards 2024 along with several other accolades, further solidifying its excellence. Since its release, in addition to receiving updates to enhance the gameplay experience, Atlus has been working on its official manga adaptation.

Metaphor ReFantazio protagonist succeeding in cooking with Hulkenberg on the gauntlet runner fist pump gesture
Metaphor: ReFantazio Poll Reveals the Game's Most Popular Characters

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The first chapter of the Metaphor: ReFantazio manga is already available for free on the Manga Plus website. Those familiar with the story will quickly notice that the introduction has made some changes when compared to the game. In the beginning, before the protagonist, whose canonical name is now confirmed as Will, arrives in the capital city of Grand Trad alongside his fairy companion Gallica, they are ambushed by bandits. In the game, they are rescued by Hulkenberg, but in the manga, the noble knight Strohl comes to their aid.

Metaphor: ReFantazio Manga Now Available

When Will arrives in Grand Trad, he crosses paths with Maria before she's kidnapped. Alongside Strohl, Will helps rescue her. He then takes Maria to the Hushed Honeybee, where Gallica meets Grius, and they immediately start planning Louis' assassination for the next day. The entire plotline in which Will and Strohl join the army, face a human, and awaken their Archetype powers was removed, streamlining the game's events and adapting them to the manga's pacing. It remains to be seen when the manga will introduce Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio, as they serve both as the catalyst for the characters' development and as the source of their power to fight the game's villains.

This isn't the first time Atlus has adapted one of its games into a manga series and made changes to the narrative. Although the beginning of Metaphor: ReFantazio in manga form differs from the game, the main events will likely follow the same continuity, even if some parts are cut to improve pacing. In the future, the manga might be adapted into an anime series, just like several Persona titles. While there's no news yet about Studio Zero's next project or plans for a sequel to Metaphor: ReFantazio, fans can relive the fantastical tale by following the manga.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Metaphor ReFantazio Tag Page Cover Art
10 /10

Metaphor: ReFantazio
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RPG
JRPG
Action
Adventure
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Systems
PlayStation-1 Xbox-1 PC-1
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Top Critic Avg: 93 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
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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
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
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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.

PC Release Date
October 11, 2024
Xbox Series X|S Release Date
October 11, 2024
PS5 Release Date
October 11, 2024
Genre(s)
RPG, JRPG, Action, Adventure
How Long To Beat
65 Hours
X|S Optimized
Yes
File Size Xbox Series
81.15 GB
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty
Fighting a battle in the Regalith Grand Cathedral dungeon in Metaphor ReFantazio