Over the past year, Atlus enthusiasts have been treated to a slew of fantastic releases, with Metaphor: ReFantazio standing out as a major success. This new franchise from the developer has been met with widespread acclaim, and it even snagged some prestigious honors at The Game Awards 2024, taking home titles like Best RPG, Best Narrative, and Best Art Direction. Given all this, the prospect of a sequel seems pretty likely, and fans are buzzing with anticipation about where a follow-up might lead.
Although director Katsura Hashino has mentioned there are no fixed plans for a Metaphor: ReFantazio series, he has expressed hope that one day it might expand into one. While it may take a while before we see a sequel materialize, the original game offers an excellent groundwork for future adventures. There’s some speculation that any new installment could serve as a spiritual successor rather than a direct continuation, but the way the first game wraps up leaves a notable thread that suggests a direct sequel could be in the cards.
Before we delve any deeper, brace yourself for some major spoilers if you haven’t finished Metaphor: ReFantazio yet.
Our journey picks up after Louis is defeated and the protagonist rises as the new ruler of Euchronia. In the epilogue, we see where everyone fits into the new royal court; Strohl, for instance, becomes the Royal Army’s general, while Hulkenberg takes charge of the King’s Royal Guard. However, Catherina might just hold the key to what comes next.
A chat with Catherina reveals her new role as an emissary exploring other realms beyond Euchronia. While players have ventured across much of Euchronia’s kingdom, her dialogue hints at unexplored continents with their own unique challenges. A sequel could very well explore these new lands, embarking on fresh narratives in uncharted territories while still remaining part of the Metaphor universe.
Catherina’s character offers a seamless bridge between the original game and a sequel, even if not all characters return. Acting as an envoy not only within the game’s universe but also to the players, she can tie the two installments together, offering continuity and new experiences. This approach keeps the world of Metaphor intriguing, delving into unsolved mysteries like the ancient world’s backstory, while embracing fresh adventures.
Drawing parallels with the Persona series, framing a sequel in this way would allow room for a separate narrative while maintaining cohesion through shared elements like recurring characters or themes.
There’s also untapped potential in Catherina’s character—it was a missed opportunity in the first game not to have her as a playable character. Including her as a party member in the sequel, perhaps on a temporary basis, would address this and add depth to the storyline. Her role as an emissary could see her aiding another nation, diving into new dimensions of the Metaphor world.
To sum up, from the team that brought us Persona 3, 4, and 5, Metaphor: ReFantazio is no ordinary fantasy realm. It’s a place where your protagonist, together with his fairy sidekick, Gallica, embarks on a mission to break a prince’s curse. Awakening essential Archetype powers along the way, players are invited to form bonds, strategize, and tackle formidable foes, all while uncovering the kingdom’s true nature. With a mixture of RPG elements, JRPG, action, and adventure, it’s a game that leaves players anticipating what’s next.
