Metaphor: ReFantaziois shaping up to walk its own distinctive path, though itsShin Megami TenseiandPersonainspirations look like they’ll enhance much of its turn-based combat, from its press turn system to its stylish battle HUD. Utilizing the strengths of Archetypes,Metaphor’s supporting cast will have access to different jobs to inform their spells and skills, working from a wide range of versatility in party composition. Like in thePersonagames, the power of the Archetypes is defined as one that is dormant, present in bothMetaphor: ReFantazio’s protagonistand his allies; manifested from the inherent will to face their fears and anxieties, Archetypes can be wielded much like Personas can, taking on new forms via a “shared resolve.”
The Archetypes are enhanced through both combat and the protagonist’s deepening bonds with his team, a feature that bears resemblance toPersona 3–5’s own progression. Much like Awakened Personas, the Archetypes ofMetaphor: ReFantaziohave a chance to evolve, becoming stronger versions of themselves with enhanced abilities. The party is given free rein of whichever Archetypes they wish to harness, not bound to the same constraints as the “other selves” of thePersonagames' casts. With this said, the trailer does refer to the protagonist unlocking an “Archetype whose existence was only theoretical,” which might imply that there is a specific Archetype that only he can wield.
Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Archetypes Are Both Distinct and Inspired
Advanced Archetypes Will Become Available Through Social Dynamics
Metaphor’s social dynamics are said to play a heavy role in the Archetype job system. While Archetypes are able to gain experience through combat, the game’s emphasis on creating bonds seems to be key in opening up Archetype availabilities, particularly for more advanced types.
This plays intoPersona’s own social sim gameplay, as the ways that the protagonist can inspire those around him will impact how strategic combat can become. The showcase described that the protagonist’s supporters will control certain lineages, like Catherina’s focus on the Brawler Archetype, suggesting that there will be events similar toSocial Linksthat allow for each lineage to be expanded on.
The Akademeia Shares Similarities to the Velvet Room
The “Akademeia,” an otherworldly location resemblingPersona’s use of the Velvet Room, can be used to swap the party’s Archetypes, inherit new skills, and view the different Archetype trees.
Occupying this space is a figure known as “More,” who looks to be the game’s own version of Igor, or at least a Velvet Room attendant, helping to guide the protagonist’s journey. Though information is still limited on this More character, there is text that alludes to his confinement in Akademeia, which could be an interesting parallel toPersona 5’s own plot with Igor and Yaldabaoth. Whether he is working with the protagonist out of his own volition remains unseen, though his services seem key to putting Awakened Archetypes to the test.
Awakening New Archetypes
An example given of an Archetype’s lineage was the protagonist’s Seeker Archetype, which can evolve into “Magic Seeker,” gaining access to support and passive skills, and then to the even more powerful"Soul Hacker," a neat nod to the eponymous Atlus series. The sheer number of Archetypes is an exciting feat to look forward to, drawing from more conventional fantasy vocations like the Merchant or Healer to more novel concepts like the “Faker,” an Archetype that can exploit skills with random effects at the cost of having many weaknesses.
Based on which lineage the player wants to focus on, it looks like they will be able to prioritize that corresponding supporter, much like players inPersona 5could prioritize certain confidantsfor their skills. This gives the Archetype system an even greater degree of freedom for players to experiment with, as they can focus on strengthening one supporter’s bond to quickly unlock the new Archetypes of their lineage, or branch out to other supporters at a more evenly distributed pace. This will ultimately tie intoMetaphor’s story potential, as the protagonist unites his team in the race for the king’s throne.
