Summary
Atlus' upcoming titleMetaphor: ReFantaziolooks to be a fresh take on the typicalPersonaandShin Megami Tenseiformula with a variety of new gameplay elements being introduced. One of these new mechanics players can expect to find inMetaphor: ReFantaziois the Archetype system, which appears to govern the different types of play styles party members will be able to utilize. WhileAtlushasn’t gone into too much depth about how this system will work, it seems like Archetypes inMetaphor: ReFantaziowill function very similarly to Personas in thePersonaseries.
A lot of the elements ofMetaphor: ReFantazioseem to have clear inspirations fromPersona 5, from its visual style to thepolitical themesMetaphor: ReFantaziowill explore. On top of these elements,Metaphor: ReFantaziois shaking up Atlus' traditional gameplay formula by incorporating elements of both action-based combat and standard turn-based JRPG combat. However, blended in with these aspects is the Archetype system at the heart ofMetaphor: ReFantazio’s gameplay, and it looks like it will be familiar to seasonedPersonafans and JRPG players.
Understanding Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio
Archetypes from a Lore Perspective
Within theworld ofMetaphor: ReFantazio, there are clear class distinctions based on who has the ability to use magic and who doesn’t. According to the game’s developers, magic exists in this world and can be controlled by one’s imagination, but the ability to use it has been forgotten by the general population. Instead, individuals who can afford to use special tools to channel magic have the advantage in society, meaning the wealthy nobility have a distinct influence over those who lack the means to use magic, which could allow them to sway the election at the heart ofMetaphor: ReFantazio’s story in their favor.
However, the main party members ofMetaphor: ReFantazioare said to be called Archetypes, or individuals who can awaken to their potential to transform into magical weapons. The developers describe these Archetypes as individuals who embody the traits of typical fantasy classes like a knight or warrior, who can then transform into their Archetype once they awaken to this knowledge. From this description, the awakening of anArchetype sounds very similar to thePersonaseries, where characters can awaken to their powers as Persona users once they discover or address a core part of their identity.
The Gameplay Implications of Archetypes
In thePersonaseries, party members aside from the protagonist typically can only use one Persona, giving them access to a single defined role within the team. However, from what can be seen fromMetaphor: ReFantazio’s deep dive trailer, party members seem to be able to take on multiple Archetypes, with one character shown to be what looks like a healer in one scene, but a fighter or knight in another. This could mean that Archetypes function more like a job system, which is a classic JRPG mechanic that would give players more flexibility inbuilding their party than a game likePersona 5allows.
While the explanation given by the developers makes it seem like not all characters will have access to every Archetype, there seems to be enough variety to keep gameplay interesting and parties unique. It’s also not clear how elemental magic will play into the Archetype system, but it seems likely thatMetaphor: ReFantaziowill feature this type of magic in some way, given Atlus' extensive use of elemental damage in previous titles. Archetypes may also function like Personas in that they only become apparent once in turn-based combat, so it will be interesting to see how the Archetype system comes into play duringMetaphor: ReFantazio’s action combatsegments.
