Anticipated JRPG Metaphor: ReFantazio Set to Be One of 2024's Top Games

As the release date approaches, the review embargo for Metaphor: ReFantazio was lifted on Monday, October 7, revealing a flood of overwhelmingly positive critiques. Currently, the game holds a "Mighty" rating on OpenCritic, reflecting its high acclaim.

This prestigious label is supported by an impressive aggregate score of 92 and an astonishing 98% recommendation rate from reviewers, making it the fourth highest-rated game of 2024 thus far. Given that the review embargo has just been lifted, there is a possibility that the JRPG's standing in OpenCritic's yearly rankings may shift in the upcoming days.

At present, Metaphor: ReFantazio outshines several critically acclaimed titles from 2024, including Balatro, Fate/Stay Night Remastered, and Tekken 8. There's even a chance that it could surpass Tsukihime: A Piece of Blue Glass Moon, which shares the same aggregate score but boasts a flawless recommendation rate on OpenCritic. To achieve this, Metaphor: ReFantazio would need to at least match the average score of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which stands at 93.

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Game Rant's review of Metaphor: ReFantazio commended the game for its breathtaking art direction, thought-provoking narrative, and engaging combat, noting it features "one of the best RPG job systems" ever crafted, among many other outstanding qualities.

These sentiments were echoed by numerous other reviewers, who praised the game for offering a significant evolution of Atlus's gameplay formula. This approach has been refined over five decades through the Shin Megami Tensei series and its many spin-offs.

Despite the overwhelming praise, some reviewers raised minor concerns regarding the game's similarities to the Persona series, describing its overall design as somewhat derivative and not deserving of a perfect score.

However, fans of Atlus may view this as a positive aspect rather than a drawback, especially considering that Persona has been the company's most successful franchise in recent years. Overall, it seems that Atlus's first endeavor in creating a new IP in over a decade has produced remarkable results. JRPG enthusiasts have much to anticipate when the game releases on October 11.