Atlus posts launch trailer for Metaphor: ReFantazio
Jerry on 2024-10-09 
Atlus has published the playable demo for Metaphor: ReFantazio, available for Xbox Series X|S, PS4 and PlayStation 5 consoles, and Windows through Steam. The Collector's Edition, scheduled for release on October 11th, includes the Atlus 35th Anniversary Digital History Book + Digital All-Time Best Soundtrack.
Metaphor represents a significant milestone for Studio Zero director Katsura Hashino, following the 2019 release of the expanded port Catherine: Full Body. A previously posted creator message video from the director also features commentary by character designer Shigenori Soejima, and composer Shoji Meguro.
Hashino describes the large-scale epic fantasy as an effort to develop a third major franchise for Atlus to complement the popularity of Shin Megami Tensei and Persona, which found a dedicated audience by exploring a "counterculture" of role-paying game stories set in modern times.
"We originally developed the game in a more Western, medieval setting," relates Hashino, "but quickly realized it was turning into a rather conventional fantasy game. To give it a more unique twist, we thought about the modern world and elements that we could bring into this fantasy setting, so that's there's an underlying feeling of connection between the two worlds."
Meguro departed Atlus in October of 2021, stating his goal to pursue independent development on the title later revealed as Guns Undarkness. On Metaphor: ReFantazio, he is contributing to the game's score as an independent contractor. "When I was first told about Metaphor: ReFantazio, I was told it would be an epic high-fantasy RPG," he recalls. "Immediately, I heard the sound of grand orchestras playing..."
The composer explains, "The core concept of the scoring is 'music used in religion.' How can we fuse that with a traditional RPG? And how can we give that a unique twist that people expect from Atlus games? A spiritual music style, that also evokes a classical, fantasy feel. That was the main concept we tried to experiment with."
Atlus - Metaphor: ReFantazio
Metaphor represents a significant milestone for Studio Zero director Katsura Hashino, following the 2019 release of the expanded port Catherine: Full Body. A previously posted creator message video from the director also features commentary by character designer Shigenori Soejima, and composer Shoji Meguro.
Hashino describes the large-scale epic fantasy as an effort to develop a third major franchise for Atlus to complement the popularity of Shin Megami Tensei and Persona, which found a dedicated audience by exploring a "counterculture" of role-paying game stories set in modern times.
"We originally developed the game in a more Western, medieval setting," relates Hashino, "but quickly realized it was turning into a rather conventional fantasy game. To give it a more unique twist, we thought about the modern world and elements that we could bring into this fantasy setting, so that's there's an underlying feeling of connection between the two worlds."
Meguro departed Atlus in October of 2021, stating his goal to pursue independent development on the title later revealed as Guns Undarkness. On Metaphor: ReFantazio, he is contributing to the game's score as an independent contractor. "When I was first told about Metaphor: ReFantazio, I was told it would be an epic high-fantasy RPG," he recalls. "Immediately, I heard the sound of grand orchestras playing..."
The composer explains, "The core concept of the scoring is 'music used in religion.' How can we fuse that with a traditional RPG? And how can we give that a unique twist that people expect from Atlus games? A spiritual music style, that also evokes a classical, fantasy feel. That was the main concept we tried to experiment with."
Atlus - Metaphor: ReFantazio
Harness the strength in your heart. 💓
— Official ATLUS West (@Atlus_West) October 9, 2024
Metaphor: ReFantazio releases this Friday, October 11!
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