cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/21621969

> Naoki Yoshida, also known as Yoshi-P, the director and producer of Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XVI, has expressed his desire for Square Enix to re-release two classic PlayStation 1 RPGs: Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy Tactics.

I'm a little late, but I finally got around to taking on the demos that caught my eye during Steam's Next Fest this past month. All positive experiences, with one big stand-out.

Uncle Chop's Rocket Shop is a repair sim with a wild story driven by roguelite progression. Think of it as Papers, Please or Hardspace: Shipbreaker but with the grimy, whimsical styling of Spongebob Squarepants or (dating myself here) Ren & Stimpy. At first, I felt like a fish out of water and couldn't tell my encoder from my pancake, surely by design. It wasn't long at all before everything clicked in a big way--gameplay, story, themes, visual design--and I was happily clearing alien waste out of toilets. Very much looking forward to this release.

Keep Driving is a nostalgic road trip sim. Hitchhikers make up your "party" as you take on harrowing encounters such as slow tractors on country roads and birds that won't move. Great soundtrack and UI design that's all evocative of a low-information time when roads meant possibilities and places to discover. I think I'd need to get my hands on the full game to be more sure about the gameplay loop and the meta-progression. I'm also not entirely sure about the drunk driving quest.

Keylocker describes itself as an "unforgiving Turn Based Rhythm JRPG." This is timed hits turned up to 11. The game's combat doesn't integrate music like I was expecting, at least not as far as I got in the game. Lack of music is a plot point for the game, and most spaces have some great ambient sound design to fill in the soundspace. The difficulty is certainly challenging, but the visual and audio cues for it are designed well. The sprite art is gorgeous stuff, with plenty of animation and distinct character design. It's still rough around the edges, and the writing is a bit much (even for me, as someone with built-up tolerance for this sort of thing), but I'm interested after it gets a little more polish.

Knights in Tight Spaces is a high-fantasy follow-up to the well-received Fights in Tight Spaces. I loved Nitro Kid, a similar melee card battler with 80's styling, and this is right up my alley. I'm much more into the detailed environments and characters here than Fights' minimalist silhouettes. If the animations/camera perspectives get polished up a bit, it'll be a treat. That said, I do want to know how much content I'll get out of this before I buy, so the price point is going to be important.

How about you? Any finds from Next Fest?

The question of difficulty came to mind while playing Metaphor. It was pretty challenging early on when resources were very limited and I was also learning the gameplay systems, but I'm starting to feel powerful now mid-game (while still being challenged a bit). That's where I like to end up, typically. It has a nice ludonarrative feel for the games that typically have you killing god.

What do you like?

Game Information --------------------

Game Title: Ys X: Nordics

Platforms:

• PC (Mar 13, 2024)

Trailers:

• Steam Ys X: Nordics Announcement Trailer
• Ys X: Nordics Launch Trailer
• Ys X: Nordics Promo Trailer

Developer: Falcom

Publisher: Clouded Leopard Entertainment

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 80 average - 87% recommended - 23 reviews

Critic Reviews -------------

33bits - Fernando Sánchez - Spanish - 91 / 100

>Ys X: Nordics is presented as a solid addition to the franchise, offering evolved gameplay and new playable elements. The Mana String is quite interesting and gives many new possibilities to the protagonists that make the game more dynamic and fun. On the other hand, the naval combats, although interesting, have left us a little cold. Still, Ys fans are in luck because the spirit of Ys is still intact and in top form, and it's still devilishly fun.

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Checkpoint Gaming - Charlie Kelly - 7 / 10

>Ys X: Nordics may not have been the flourishing and vibrant first venture in the series I was after, but I'm also far from turned off by the franchise. Its fast-paced action combat with a plethora of strategies and abilities to employ never ceased to satisfy my brain's often insatiable need for flashy fighting. Backing it is kickass battle music with a heavy emphasis on electric guitar riffs that never get old. Though I wish the story, world and lore found within were more captivating, pretty and memorable, I can't fault how fun and solid the gameplay loop of perusing both the vast seas and involved islands is. There are plenty of secrets, fun gameplay moments and goodies that await. Having considered all that, I'd call Ys X: Nordics a damn fine seaworthy ride indeed. Nothing more. Nothing less.

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Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10

>Ys X: Nordics showcases many outstanding elements the series excels at — combat, skills, music, and characters are on-point and some of the best we've seen in the nearly 40 years the series has existed.

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Final Weapon - Raul Ochoa - 4.5 / 5

>Ys X: Nordics is a crowning achievement for Falcom as one of its most vibrant and compelling action RPGs yet. The setting of the Obelia Gulf invokes a sense of adventure and mystery, while its characters, locations, and lore keeps players engaged. As the young hero Adol and the pirate princess Karja, players experience a combat system that sets the new standard for the franchise as well.

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GameBlast - Farley Santos - Portuguese - 7.5 / 10

>Ys X: Nordics brings back the classic spirit of the franchise with fast-paced combat and revamped mechanics. The dynamic between Adol and Karja, united by a spell, creates a good starting point for the plot, and the duo combat system offers exciting moments, especially against bosses. The protagonists' customizations and abilities also give plenty of room to explore different combinations. However, the game stumbles in several aspects. The narrative, although promising, gets lost in superficial developments and unmemorable characters. Exploration, although well-intentioned with the addition of naval combat and transversal abilities, suffers from simplified maps and a lack of incentive to revisit areas. Overall, Ys X: Nordics is a fun adventure, but it could have been more memorable if it had made better use of its ideas.

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GameMAG - Russian - 8 / 10

>Ys X: Noridcs is a competent development of a long-running series, and a great opportunity for new players to get to know it better.

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Gamersky - 心灵奇兵 - Chinese - 8 / 10

>As the latest game in the Ys series, Ys X: Nordics doesn't stray far from the familiar formula. It takes a cautious approach, delivering a JRPG experience of consistent quality that lasts around 30-40 hours. If you're looking for a return to a classic RPG adventure with well-rounded combat, systems and gameplay, or if you have a deep affection for the Ys series, then this game will certainly meet your expectations.

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God is a Geek - Lyle Pendle - 7 / 10

>Ys X: Nordics is a fun enough RPG with enjoyable combat, but dull sailing sections and subpar visuals make it a slightly disappointing sequel.

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Hardcore Gamer - Chris Shive - 4 / 5

>Ys X: Nordics brings welcome changes to the template that made its predecessors enjoyable. The ship exploration and naval battles add a new dimension to exploration that wasn't present in previous games. The shift from a three-member party to two does put limit on play variety, but having two constant playable characters brings a different dynamic which works well in the greater context of the story. These changes help differentiate Ys X: Nordics from other entries in the franchise, but it maintains the elements fans have come to expect, such as recruiting people for their base and watching it grow. The story takes interesting turns, especially later in the game, and all is done with a great accompanying soundtrack and frenetic mana-enhanced combat. Returning Ys players will find many elements that are familiar, but enough changes were made to make this new entry stand out from what came before it.

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Hey Poor Player - Kenny McKee - 4.5 / 5

>As far as Ys chronology goes, Adol’s latest adventure is nothing if not a big step backward. If you ask me, however, this game is a major step forward. Offering an incredibly compelling story, intuitive new mechanics, and a refreshing and unique take on the Ys formula without compromising its identity, Ys X: Nordics is a literal boatload of fun that series fans and newcomers alike. I’d say that good things are on the horizon for Adol from here on out, but, well, we already know that’s true.

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Hobby Consolas - Álvaro Alonso - Spanish - 80 / 100

>Hard-hitting action, naval battles, a wide variety of mechanics and systems... It has its problems (some very obvious), but once you get on the boat of Ys X: Nordics, you won't want to jump overboard.

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IGN Korea - Seongho Moon - Korean - 8 / 10

>One of the developer interviews mentioned something about implementing a Souls-like element to the game, which was a bit of a concern. Once the game was released, it kept the classic taste of Ys, all while adding creative cinematics thus if you’re once a fan, this game won’t disappoint. Classic ARPG masterpiece as Ys would be, we recommend everyone to give it a try.

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INVEN - Youngseok Yang - Korean - 8.3 / 10

>Ys X successfully expands and evolves Falcom's action style. A clean, flowing story that befits the adventures of the young Adol is presented, accompanied by excellent BGM. Moreover, offering plenty of additional enjoyment through New Game+ was also delightful. The challenging content is also quite engaging, giving a glimpse of Falcom's efforts in preparing for a new era.

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Nintendo Life - Mitch Vogel - 8 / 10

>Ys X stands as another great entry in this long-running action series, bringing in some cool ideas of its own without straying too far from what made its predecessors so beloved. Enjoyable combat, an excellent soundtrack, and an engaging world to explore all make this one an easy recommendation, even if it can stumble a bit with its performance and doesn't totally stick the landing with all its new ideas. We'd highly recommend Ys X if you're at all a fan of the past entries or are looking for another solid action RPG to add to your collection.

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NookGaming - Isaiah Parker - 9 / 10

>I’m thrilled to report that Ys X: Nordics isn’t just good, but in many ways it represents Ys at its best. I have some foibles with it, such as an occasionally inconsistent presentation and a comparative lack of memorable environments. However, it’s a mostly successful modernization and refreshment in a series that was in need of exactly that. Coupling this with improvements to cutscenes elevating an already great story and some of the best boss fights in the series, and you have a game that won’t be leaving my mind any time soon. I’m always excited for what’s coming next with Ys, but as I reflect on this title, I’m downright impatient as I think of the ways they can push its changes even further. Our 10th is always a big deal, and it’s clear that Ys understood that.

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PSX Brasil - Portuguese - 90 / 100

>Quote not yet available

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Saudi Gamer - Arabic - 9 / 10

>Just when I finally got burned out of the franchise after Ys IX, Ys X took all the necessary steps to elevate the franchise to higher heights and make one of the best games in the long running franchise by providing the most action packed RPG in Falcom's history despite the obvious budget choices.

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Spaziogames - Gianluca Arena - Italian - 8 / 10

>Ys X Nordics is an intuitive and refreshing action JRPG (more action than RPG, to tell the truth) that captures the spirit of the old episodes of the franchise and gives the player a lot of room to explore, loot and fight across the islands of the Obelia Gulf. Not the prettiest PS5 title to date, but certainly a funny and intuitive one.

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The Outerhaven Productions - Scott Adams - 4 / 5

>Ys X: Nordics showcases the impressive capabilities of the new engine developed by Nihon Falcom. Adol controls exceptionally well, and Karja adds depth to the roster of characters he encounters. Although the game starts off slowly, once you acquire all the necessary tools, it plays like a dream.

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TheSixthAxis - Miguel Moran - 8 / 10

>Ys X: Nordics maintains a lot of the qualities that this series has come to be known for. Some of those qualities aren't necessarily a positive, like the familiarly linear dungeon encounters and the less-than-impressive visuals of the game, but a lot of it works great. Combat is the best it's ever been, naval gameplay is a fresh and welcome addition, and Ys X: Nordics introduces refreshing character moments with Adol and Karja that I'm desperate to see more of in the next entry.

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VGChartz - Thomas Froehlicher - 7 / 10

>I have deeply conflicting feelings towards Ys X: Nordics, to such an extent that it turns out to be difficult to score. The part of me that really enjoyed the battle system and sense of exploration, which are both better than ever before in a Falcom release, would opt for a high mark; the part of me that's disappointed with the characters, narrative, and visuals would score it lower.

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Video Chums - A.J. Maciejewski - 8.5 / 10

>I had an excellent time with Ys X: Nordics and it's outstanding that after all these years, Adol's adventures are still taking him to such refreshingly different worlds that are home to distinctly memorable characters. It makes me wonder: where will he end up next? ⚓

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Wccftech - Francesco De Meo - 9.3 / 10

>Ys X Nordics stands as one of the best entries in the series, second only to the excellent YS VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana. With a cast of charming characters, an engaging story, and fast-paced action gameplay powered by some interesting mechanics that force players to balance offense and defense, the franchise by Falcom has taken a decisive step forward, delivering a highly polished and satisfying experience.

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oprainfall - Patrick Aguda - 4 / 5

>Ys X: Nordics is a very fun action game with loveable characters and a soundtrack that’s sure to have one or two tracks that’ll stick in your mind. The Cross Action System allows for players to enact beautiful destruction and is sure to be a hit with action fans. It has a story that does enough to capture your attention and keep it through the duration of the game, and is a perfect starting point for those new to the Ys series. The naval gameplay does need some polish, but Falcom gave an excellent first attempt. While the game was hampered by some technical and visual issues, this should not deter you from playing this game. Longtime fans of the Ys series, as well as newcomers, will find a lot to enjoy in this game. I certainly had a lot of fun playing through it.

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games@lemmy.world

Game Information --------------------

Game Title: Metaphor: ReFantazio

Platforms:

• Xbox Series X/S (Oct 11, 2024)
• PlayStation 5 (Oct 11, 2024)
• PC (Oct 11, 2024)
• PlayStation 4 (Oct 11, 2024)

Trailers:

• Metaphor: ReFantazio — Demo Trailer | Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC
• Metaphor: ReFantazio — Travel Beyond Fantasy | Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC
• Metaphor: ReFantazio — Story Trailer | Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC

Developer: ATLUS

Publisher: SEGA

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 92 average - 98% recommended - 53 reviews

Critic Reviews -------------

But Why Tho? - Jesse Vitelli - 9.5 / 10

>Metaphor: Refantazio is the culmination of everything that came before it. It’s a mixture of Atlus’ RPG track record crafted into something bold and new. It takes stock of the fictional stories Atlus has told in the past and how people have resonated with them for years.

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CGMagazine - Justin Wood - 9 / 10

>Metaphor: Refantazio is a masterfully crafted JRPG that combines political intrigue, rich storytelling, and strategic combat into a gripping and emotional experience. While the pacing can occasionally falter, and some areas may feel visually repetitive, the game’s strengths far outweigh its shortcomings.

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Cerealkillerz - Nick Erlenhof - German - 9.5 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is the almost perfect evolution of the studio's earlier games. It takes everything familiar from the genre to an incredibly high level of quality, surprises with its story and direction and impresses throughout with its presentation and accompanying soundtrack. The loop of great battles and the motivating calendar system will eat up your free time in an instant.

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Checkpoint Gaming - Charlie Kelly - 10 / 10

>I've always wanted Atlus to tackle political fantasy as a genre and of course when they finally do it with Metaphor: ReFantazio it's one of the best RPGs in years. This is the result of 20 years of incredible game craft that has taken shape in the best and most refined version of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei formula that we've ever received. Probably the best we'll ever get. This is their magnum opus. With immensely satisfying and tactile turn-based combat, and a memorable cast of characters including the alluring and ever-intimidating villain Count Louis, you'll be taken by the world and story to explore within Euchronia. Much like the protagonist, you'll be compelled to save its people. Metaphor: ReFantazio is a crowning achievement under Atlus' long-running and award-winning belt. You should join them on the throne. The view is beautiful from up here.

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ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9.5 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is a stellar role-playing game and one of the best to be released this generation. Atlus’ latest foray into fantasy provides familiar trappings for Persona fans while changing the formula up enough for it to fully be its own thing.

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Console Creatures - Matt Sowinski - 9 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantastic experience, built on the foundation set by Persona but becoming something all of its own. The story is great, the characters are interesting, and a brand-new combat system delivers one of the most exciting games this year.

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Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - 4 / 5

>Metaphor: ReFantazio presents a few nips and tucks to a template true JRPG fans will recognize without ever losing the essence of what made its predecessors so enthralling in the first place. And true, while there are some areas where it would have been nice to see it stray further away from aspects that both Persona and Shin Megami Tensei popularised, it’s hard to complain when said titles are considered some of the best JRPGs ever made.

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Dexerto - Anyka Pettigrew - 5 / 5

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is the ultimate culmination of everything Atlus has learned from its best games and is a huge step forward for the future of its JRPGs. > >The delightful combat, incredible cast of characters, and intricate fantasy setting all make for a brilliant experience that no Shin Megami Tensei or Persona fan should miss out on. It’s certainly a game-of-the-year-worthy title and a smash hit for Atlus to end the year with.

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Digital Spy - Jess Lee - 3.5 / 5

>Metaphor borrows defining features of Persona yet executes these ideas in a less meaningful way, and in taking much from the beloved series, it takes a long time for Atlus' latest to carve out its own identity.

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Digital Trends - George Yang - 4 / 5

>In many ways, Metaphor: ReFantazio feels like the next mainline entry in the Persona series in all but name. In others, it carves out an identity all its own. The strategic turn-based combat system is just as satisfying as ever, while Archetypes and globe-trotting put a new perspective on an otherwise familiar experience. I could see the plot twists coming a mile away, but the endearing cast of characters made the journey worthwhile. It’s not perfect, but Atlus has earned my vote of confidence. Consider me a follower.

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Digitally Downloaded - Matt Sainsbury - 5 / 5

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is gorgeous, looking every bit as great as Persona 5, with the same ultra-slick presentational and a cracking good score. And, just like Persona 5 you’re also looking at a truly lengthy experience – anyone who finishes it with their play clock in two digits has played through it quickly.

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DualShockers - 9 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is a masterfully crafted JRPG that seamlessly takes all that was excellent about the Persona series and weaves a fantasy tale like no other. It's a tale with layers and levels that is wonderfully paced, offering a wealth of familiar mechanics and systems.

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Enternity.gr - Christos Chatzisavvas - Greek - 9.5 / 10

>Offering an ever-evolving combat system that rewards experimentation, along with a goal-focused plot and parallel activities that don't alter the mix, Studio Zero's first major title is a real gem at its peak.

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Eurogamer - Ed Nightingale - 5 / 5

>Persona veteran Atlus flexes its expertise with a fresh take on high fantasy. What it lacks in subtlety, it makes up for in grandeur and heart.

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Eurogamer.pt - Bruno Galvão - Portuguese - 5 / 5

>Persona's design has been adapted into a truly mesmerizing medieval fantasy that you won't want to put down. Drama, politics, social intrigue and much more mark out a game whose characters, art, plot, combat, systems and music win you over.

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Game Rant - Matt Karoglou - 10 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio leverages its Persona influence along with more classic RPG inspiration to deliver an unmissable role-playing experience.

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GameBlast - Farley Santos - Portuguese - 9 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio combines tactical combat, social interactions, and exploration into a rich experience set in a unique fantasy world. The flexibility provided by the Archetype system encourages the creation of varied strategies, while the progression structured in days adds a layer of planning that enriches the journey. With so many options for activities, from side quests to moments of socializing, it is difficult to have two days the same. However, there are some limitations, such as the repetition of activities and the lack of creativity in some optional dungeons, making the experience tiring at times. In addition, the inconsistent graphic quality and the drop in performance are points that weaken the immersion. In the end, with an extensive campaign and a competent localization, Metaphor: ReFantazio offers a robust and memorable RPG. The title does not revolutionize the studio's formula, but it is still an immersive and engaging experience.

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GamePro - Jonas Herrmann - German - 89 / 100

>An excellent role-playing game with fantastic stories and a large scope, but which technically has room for improvement.

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GameSpot - Jess Cogswell - 10 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio combines Atlus' skill in crafting emotionally charged RPGs with brilliant plot twists, a keen sense of adventure, and fantastical idealism to create one of its greatest games yet.

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Gamer Guides - Ben Chard - 97 / 100

>At the end of its massive runtime, Metaphor: ReFantazio never suffers from pacing issues and tells a captivating story that stirs your imagination. With fantastic additions to the familiar Press Turn battle system and one of my favorite casts in a long time, this is one fantasy you won’t want to miss.

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Gamers Heroes - Blaine Smith - 85 / 100

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is a deep, stylish, and rewarding adventure, but it’s not for the faint of heart.

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GamingTrend - Jack Zustiak - 100 / 100

>Overall, Metaphor plays like a dream from start to finish. There's less downtime than Persona and fewer frustrating moments than Shin Megami Tensei, with the whole game feeling like a high-stakes road trip with your best friends. The road to the throne is a tough one, but it's one well worth walking.

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God is a Geek - Lyle Pendle - 9.5 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is another landmark game from the Persona team, with top tier combat and a gripping story that I couldn't stop playing.

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IGN - Michael Higham - 9 / 10

>Refining the Atlus RPG formula of weaving tough turn-based combat into compelling social sim mechanics, Metaphor: ReFantazio doesn’t just send a powerful message across its political drama, it becomes a beautiful expression of the real impact storytelling can have on all of us.

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IGN Italy - Alessandra Borgonovo - Italian - 8.5 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is a narrative-engaged RPG with a familiar and well-structured DNA. A few flaws here and there don't undermine its solid foundations.

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IGN Spain - Esteban Canle - Spanish - 9 / 10

>Metaphor ReFantazio iterates on series like Persona and Shin Megami Tensei but strives to create something unique and can find its direction in gameplay and narrative. It's a refreshing experience for those familiar with Atlus' RPGs while also creating something accessible enough for those approaching them for the first time.

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LevelUp - Fernando Salinas - Spanish - 9 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is Atlus' new bet to bring us a high quality JRPG. Their experience with the Persona saga is poured into this fantasy world that captures you with its great story. Its political and philosophical load, excellent art direction and simple but deep gameplay mechanics make it one of the best exponents of the genre of the last decade.

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NoesPaisparaFrikis - Oscar Garcia Mompean - Spanish - 9.9 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is an ode to fantasy, to imagination, a game full of metalanguage, with a story and fascinating characters within a world as complex as it is wonderful. There are no words to define the magnitude of this game and the perfection with which each and every one of the systems that compose it work and behave with each other and with the player. It is a declaration of intentions, it is a slap in the face with an open hand to all those who think that evolving is breaking with the past and it is once again the benchmark against which the next games of the genre will have to be measured.

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PC Gamer - Lewis Parker - 95 / 100

>A beautiful, 100-hour-long journey from beginning to end, Metaphor: ReFantazio takes the best elements of Persona 5 and somehow improves on them.

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PCGamesN - Aaron Down - 9 / 10

>Metaphor ReFantazio is the culmination of everything that makes Atlus' turn-based RPGs so special. Sporting a fantastic cast of instantly lovable characters, a gripping tale that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, and a robust evolution of its combat systems, Metaphor ReFantazio is a must-play for anyone with even a passing interest in JRPGs.

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PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 9.5 / 10

>A new world built on familiar foundations. Metaphor: ReFantazio does not revolutionize the genre, but encourages more players to the systems and mechanics offered by the developers of Persona.

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PSX Brasil - Thiago de Alencar Moura - Portuguese - 95 / 100

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is an excellent JRPG with exceptional storytelling, combat, and atmosphere, enhanced by one of the most exquisite graphical styles and soundtracks ever seen. Excellent in every little detail, it is further proof that, when it is at its best, Atlus is incomparable.

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Press Start - Harry Kalogirou - 9 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is another banger RPG from ATLUS. It doesn't reinvent the wheel that Shin Megami Tensei and Persona have established as the studios bread and butter, but it iterates on them in unique ways with an undeniably fresh setting. It's hard not to applaud ATLUS for embracing something so tonally different from what they're known for nowadays.

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Push Square - Robert Ramsey - 9 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is one of the most memorable RPGs we've played in years. In pursuing a new property, complete with a fantasy setting, Atlus has allowed its creativity to blossom, resulting in a brilliantly rich experience - both in terms of narrative and audiovisual design. While Metaphor takes obvious gameplay and structural cues from the developer's previous projects, it combines and refines those elements to make an epic, kingdom-hopping adventure that feels unique and deeply fulfilling.

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Quest Daily - Shaun Fullard - 10 / 10

>I’m not going to beat around the bush, Metaphor: ReFantazio is my game of the year. Atlus and Studio Zero have taken the best bits of the Persona series and somehow made them work within a medieval fantasy setting. But it’s no mere Persona 'holiday special'. The new IP enhances and evolves the formula, becoming a shining example of how to do JRPGs right. When it comes to my games, I value story and character above all else, and Metaphor delivers that in spades.

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Rock, Paper, Shotgun - Ed Thorn - Unscored

>A wonderful RPG that builds on many of Persona's foundations, with a strong sense of exploration and a lovely suite of pals. But its heavy combat focus may mean it remains in the memory less than its high school predecessors.

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Shacknews - Donovan Erskine - 10 / 10

>Quote not yet avaMetaphor: ReFantazio is, in the simplest of terms, a Persona game in a fantasy setting. While it would have been exciting to see a few more risks taken to separate itself from that beloved franchise, I can’t deny how thoroughly enjoyable this game is.

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Siliconera - Stephanie Liu - 8 / 10

>A fantastical adventure full of themes that can apply to the real world. While its takes are hit or miss, the smooth battle system and charming characters more than make up for the story issues in this epic tale.

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Spaziogames - Italian - 8.8 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is a bold new IP from Studio Zero and Atlus, and one of the best at that. Familiar yet innovative, mature but not without moments of levity, with a slew of very functional new systems, this is one of the best JRPGS of the last years and surely GOTY material for this one.

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Stevivor - Matt Gosper - 10 / 10

>Metaphor ReFantazio sets out to blend the best of its predecessors’ gameplay with an all-new setting, and the result is far greater than the sum of its parts.

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TechRaptor - Andrew Stretch - 9.5 / 10

>Atlus has leveled up the Persona formula in every way. The world-spanning adventure of Metaphor: ReFantazio offers a diverse world to explore, deep and relatable stories to share with your party, an incredible combat system with unlimited possibilities of Archetype powers, and plenty of quality of life improvements to make sure you're spending more time playing the game and not wondering what to do next.

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The Beta Network - Samuel Incze - 10 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is a thrilling JRPG with a unique story and the typical engaging gameplay elements that Atlus is known for. The combat is challenging, featuring the press turn battle with a new risk-reward system adding depth to the classic turn-based formula. While the game shares some similarities with the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series, such as social stats and character bonds, it carves its own path with a captivating narrative and stunning world. The excellent voice acting, music, and visuals further enhance the experience, making it a must-play for JRPG fans.

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The Games Machine - Danilo Dellafrana - Italian - 9.6 / 10

>surprising narrative that has no problem touching on even rather delicate themes is the basis for creating an essential adventure for every lover of Japanese role-playing games. Metaphor ReFantazio is a sort of wild card that excels in every category.

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The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 10 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is a once-in-a-lifetime RPG. Despite how stacked the genre is, it goes out of its way to innovate it while keeping the familiar feel. Even if you've never played a game as lengthy as this one, you'll surely find yourself immersed in this intricate fantasy world.

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The Outerhaven Productions - Jordan Andow - 4.5 / 5

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is one of the best turn-based JRPGs I've played in quite some time. It’s a fantastic game, featuring breathtaking visuals and incredible sound—kudos to Atlus for that. However, I do wish the game had better pacing and a more seamless world structure.

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TheGamer - Meg Pelliccio - 5 / 5

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is a new peak for Atlus. It takes so much of what was great about Persona, refines it, and throws that powder into an exciting fantasy setting with incredible lore, well-developed characters, and a fresh new battle system.

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TheSixthAxis - Nic Bunce - 9 / 10

>Metaphor ReFantazio is sublime. Persona fans will have an absolute blast playing this, and hunting out the subtle (and not-so-subtle) nods to its franchise cousin. A couple of minor annoyances make it feel a little rough around the edges hold it back from an otherwise perfect score.

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VG247 - Dom Peppiatt - 5 / 5

>Every individual strand weaves together to form something utterly exceptional in Metaphor. It may well be Atlus’ masterpiece; well-presented, well-realised, and totally unashamed to be a big, silly, fantastical piece of role-playing genius.

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VGC - Jordan Middler - 5 / 5

>Metaphor: ReFantazio could have so easily been Persona with the names filed off, but it's so, so much more than that. It matches fun, expansive combat with an excellent cast of characters that make the near 100-hour journey an unforgettable one.

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Video Chums - Mary Billington - 9 / 10

>Metaphor: ReFantazio is a more mature take on RPGs that delivers something quite different while maintaining enjoyable and somewhat familiar gameplay. Plus, mastering archetypes, exploring dungeons, and fighting for the crown is handled with perfect pacing.

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Wccftech - Kai Tatsumoto - 9 / 10

>No matter how much I engaged with the core fundamentals of Metaphor: ReFantazio, I couldn’t escape the feeling that this was largely Persona 6 by another name rather than some new IP that could stand on its own merits.

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WellPlayed - Nathan Hennessy - 9 / 10

>If you can only play one turn-based fantasy roleplaying game this year, let it be this one. Swords and sorcery Persona is a marvellously executed pitch.

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XboxEra - Genghis Husameddin - 9.5 / 10

>Metaphor’s world design is almost dreamlike, down to the very storybook of irony that Will carries around with him all the time. The cast bonds together incredibly well and I love how everyone has a part to play in this fantasy land of pixies, a race for the throne, dog and box-headed races, and the like. The artwork is gorgeous, the music is splendid. Mixed in is a simple yet fun combat system, complete with unique overworld encounters in the dungeons and out about in towns. I’ve no metaphors for this—Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantastic RPG for all. ∎

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I enjoyed Respawn's first Star Wars game, Fallen Order, a pastiche of present-day gameplay concepts on top of a venerable, popular IP. Eager for something with the potential to improve upon some of Fallen Order's shortcomings, I was interested in Survivor from the moment it was announced. There were damning reports about Star Wars: Jedi Survivor's performance on PC, so I held off until the recent patch. Happily, I can report a patient gaming win here.

Survivor ran well on my aging, mid-tier PC (3060Ti, overclocked i5-10600k), with some framerate dips here and there. It's interesting to play a Star Wars game that gives a sense of scale to the planets, and I think adding in fast travel this time created room to stretch things out a bit. Between that and how Star Wars the game feels by blending in distinctive architecture, character design, and fashion, this was a visual treat for me.

Some of that was a big dose of the prequel films, surprisingly. These two games are set in between Episode III and IV, and this one leans even more into the prequels by introducing a local faction that rose to power by taking over a Lucrehulk and its droid contingent. There are B1 droids sprinkled throughout the game (you know the ones, wiry builds and rather chatty), and if you'd told me that ahead of time I would have groaned, not being a fan of the prequels myself. By the end of this one, however, I'm starting to think these games could rehabilitate the sequels in my mind, as I enjoyed this dose of flavor. I suspect they have a smart writing team being selective about what to pull from the established universe, seeing as how they also made the excellent choice late in the game to draw from the same well Andor has.

On the gameplay side, it's interesting that I have zero interest in any of the side content and Metroidvania-style exploration. Survivor does feel just as good in battle as any of the Jedi Knight games (massive praise coming from me, being my favorite melee combat in gaming until Souls came around). Maybe I'm okay with taking my lightsaber fencing fantasy in small doses. Cosmetics being exploration rewards is also a problem here--not interested--and running around wasn't always consistently fun for me. I had whiplash from how awful Jedha was at times and then suddenly being the best parts of the game. There's certainly a concerted effort to give the exploration-oriented players something to do, but I wonder if this would be a better overall experience if it were trimmed down.

Overall, I enjoyed Survivor more than Fallen Order. I'm excited to see where this trilogy goes with more iteration on this winning formula.

I can't get this out of my head. The percussion is filthy.