Metaphor: ReFantazio DESERVES an Anime Adaptation

Article at a glance:
The game tackles deep social themes like systemic racism and features a compelling plot with unexpected twists.
Despite its medieval fantasy appearance, the game is set in a post-utopian future, with remnants of the old world adding depth to its lore.
The game’s intricate storytelling, strong themes, and engaging characters would translate exceptionally well into an anime.

Yes, this article is just an excuse to talk about Metaphor: ReFantazio on this website, I somehow had to relate it to anime lol. But serious though. Metaphor has one of the best video game narratives I have ever experienced. Of course, there are no actual plans for a Metaphor anime but I really do think it deserves one. The way the plot is structured, the way it tackles sensitive social themes like systematic racism, and the way it keeps one-upping itself will lend itself to a very compelling anime, actually.

So this article will mainly be about me trying to explain what makes Metaphor: ReFantazio so good. And try to go over why the narrative is as powerful as it is. So welcome to another article today I will be talking about why Metaphor: ReFantazio DESERVES an anime adaptation. First, let’s talk about the game.

About Metphor: ReFantazio

Metaphor is developed by Studio Zero, the same studio that has worked on the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona games. Pretty sure this is their first fantasy game well… not exactly true but more on that later. It is published by Atlus in Japan and Sega worldwide. It was released on all platforms except the switch on 11th October 2024. Metaphor: ReFantazio went on to receive a GOTY nomination at TGA and won the “best narrative” category.

If you’ve played the Persona games, you’ll know just how fun these guys can make the typical turn-based gameplay. And of course, their music direction is god-tier as usual. Yes, the game has some technical issues but trust me, that doesn’t even matter.

What makes Metaphor Special?

Aside from the top-notch gameplay, music, and art direction, arguably the best part about Metaphor is its narrative. Spoilers ahead so proceed at your own risk.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is set in the medieval fantasy kingdom of Euchronia. The king is assassinated and his heir, the price is cursed and falls into a deep slumber after an assassination attempt. Our protagonist, Will, is the prince’s childhood friend and he was orphaned by the magic-wielding Elda. Now, to decide the successor to the throne, an election is to be held. Will travels across the country to rally support for the election and figure out a way to save the prince.

Sounds pretty standard, right? Well, here’s the kicker, this isn’t a fantasy game. It is not set in some distant past, it is set in the future. We modern-day humans created a utopian society where everyone was happy but the human desire for change and conflict plunged everything into chaos. That’s why the giant, twisted monstrosities we fight in the game are called “humans”. You can find the ruins of “the world before” throughout the game, the ruins of Shinjuku probably being the most significant.

The character we play is no Elda, he is born from a fairy tale, from the innocent imagination of the now-dead prince. Will is a “perfect hero” born from a child’s imagination. The country is inhabited by several Tribes and none of them get along, Elda and Paripus in particular being the most discriminated. We see Will face discrimination again and again. But being the “fairy tale” hero he is, he never gives up. In contrast, the antagonist, Louis believes in creating a Darwinistic society of absolute meritocracy and atheism, shunning everything that preceded him.

Summing Up

I can’t gush about the story of this game enough. It is absolutely incredible. Metaphor: ReFatazio is the perfect example of politics and social messaging in a video game done well. Believe it or not, there are even more twists and layers to this narrative. This is why I strongly believe that Metaphor: ReFantazio should get an anime. Because more people NEED to experience this narrative for themselves. This is one of those games where I thought about it for days after finishing it.

With that said though, I will take my leave here. Check out my thoughts on I’ Getting Married to Girl I Hate here and uh see ya!