Despite its polished gameplay mechanics, Metaphor: ReFantazio fails to distinguish itself from the Persona franchise, leaving many players disappointed.
Studio Zero's Missed Opportunity
Studio Zero's decision to maintain Persona's gameplay formula in Metaphor feels like a missed opportunity for innovation.
Superficial Societal Themes
The societal themes of racial discrimination in ReFantazio lack depth and fail to impact gameplay significantly, missing the mark on meaningful storytelling.
Gameplay Resemblance to Persona
Metaphor's gameplay heavily mirrors Persona, featuring turn-based battles, calendar mechanics, and a lack of fast travel options, making it feel like a carbon copy. Despite its refined gameplay loop, Metaphor: ReFantazio struggles to deliver a world and characters as captivating as Persona 5, ultimately hindering its ability to establish a unique identity. Fans of the Persona series may find Metaphor lacking in originality and depth, making it a challenging sell for those seeking a fresh gaming experience.