The game director for Metaphor ReFantazio, Katsura Hashino, has expressed his ambition for the new JRPG to become a cornerstone of Atlus, akin to the successful Persona and Shin Megami Tensei franchises. Released in October 2024, the game features turn-based combat, in-game monthly calendars, social statistics, and character development through interactions, drawing parallels with the Persona series.
In an interview with Game Informer (via Gamesradar), Hashino stated, “When we set out to create Metaphor ReFantazio, we had the ambitions of hoping to cultivate this game into one of our brands within Atlus, like a pillar.” He emphasized the importance of taking time to develop a potential sequel, stating, “Just because we had a certain level of success, we don’t want to just jump on that and quickly put out something as a sequel.”
The director underlined the commitment to ensuring that any continuation of the series would enhance the values established in the original game. He noted, “We want to really give it some thought and make sure that if we are able to continue on in this series, we’re putting together something that is building on the values that we were able to infuse into this game, and something that would be worthwhile for the fans.”
Metaphor ReFantazio has garnered critical acclaim, winning awards for Best RPG, Best Narrative, and Best Art Direction at The Game Awards 2024. It was also nominated for Game of the Year, showcasing its strong reception among both critics and players.
While the possibility of a sequel exists, Atlus is currently focusing on its next major title, Persona 6. The Persona series is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, and developers have hinted at new information regarding Persona 6 set to be released in 2026. Additionally, more details about a Persona 4 Remake are anticipated, suggesting that Atlus has a robust lineup planned for fans of the franchise.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Hashino’s vision for Metaphor ReFantazio underscores Atlus’ commitment to developing new intellectual properties while honoring the legacy of its established series. The balance between innovation and fan expectations will be crucial as the studio navigates its future in the competitive JRPG market.
