SEGA Corporation summarized the game information such as the worldview of the new RPG "Metaphor: ReFantazio" developed by ATLUS' STUDIO ZERO. The game is scheduled for release on Xbox Series X|S, Windows, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, and Steam platforms on October 11, 2024.

■ Worldview of the game

A world where uneasy emotions are visualized

Connection with the real world

The story takes place in the "Uchronia United Kingdom" composed of three countries. Eight different races live here.

For the player, this is a world of fantasy, but for the inhabitants of the fantasy world, they also have their own "fantasy":

In that world, only one race exists. People recognize each other and are not discriminated against because of their origin.

They don't need magic. They can build huge cities with only knowledge and technology. Towering glass towers, peaceful nights with no darkness to hide in, and bustling streets. They live a fulfilling life, abiding by a law that states—"All men are born equal."

The fantasy drawn by the people of the fantasy world seems like the real world to the players. Both sides find each other’s world an incredible fantasy. But is this really just fantasy? What makes us believe in the perception of "unchangeable"? The keyword is "unease." The story of this work will unfold with this simple yet essential theme.

The power that awakens only those who face unease

What is called magic is a technique that consumes "mana" to trigger phenomena that violate the laws of nature. However, the people living in Uchronia cannot use magic with their own strength alone.

Magic requires a special tool called a "magic device" to be used, and owning and using magic devices requires permission. The protagonist and their companions awaken an extraordinary power and can use magic without restrictions.

"Archetype" is an ancient secret technique awakened when facing one's own unease and fear. In other words, it is the awakening of "heroism" dormant in people's hearts.

Uchronia United Kingdom

The "Uchronia United Kingdom" is a united kingdom consisting of three countries ruled by the same monarch, with the Kingdom of Uchronia at its center.

Uchronia is effectively the suzerain state, with the King of Uchronia also serving as the king of the United Kingdom. Due to the strong ocean currents surrounding the continent, this land has hardly ever been invaded from the open sea. The three countries all retain their long histories and cultures.

Eight Major Races

The people living in the Uchronia United Kingdom are divided by the concept of "race," which is different from that of the real world. Different races have distinct physical characteristics, but this game particularly emphasizes the "personality and thoughts" unique to each race.

Compared to differences in appearance, differences in ideology and beliefs are the main factors dividing the races. These differences could potentially be changed, but in the world they live in, one's origin greatly influences their future.

As the story progresses, after gaining a deep understanding of the characteristics of each race, players may find that some races share similarities with themselves.

Cremar Race

The most populous race in the United Kingdom.

The "horns" on both sides of their heads are their distinctive physical trait. Their physique and physical abilities are average, with no particularly outstanding features, but they also have few flaws.

They occupy many key government positions, led by the Uchronia royal family, and are often regarded as the mainstream race of the kingdom. They themselves subconsciously accept this as well.

They value freedom and dislike unreasonable rules. They like to find the best solutions through discussion in any situation, but because they firmly believe that this should be done in all cases, they often cause disputes.

Lusante Race

A race said to have the second-largest population in the United Kingdom after the Cremar race.

Their distinctive feature is their long, pointed "ears." They are tall and strong, with even the females often being stronger than males of other races. As a result, many Lusante serve in the military, holding important positions.

Because of this, their influence in the kingdom rivals that of the Cremar, and some even refer to these two races as the "mainstream races."

Many in this race take pride in overpowering others with strength. Though honest and eager to compete, their pursuit of victory at all costs can sometimes lead to conflict.

Rog Race

A race characterized by "longevity."

They have a very long lifespan, with some living twice the average lifespan of other races. However, the process of aging is unique: while their early years are similar to other races, their middle and later years occupy the majority of their lives. As a result, many people associate the Rog race with an image of old age.

As a result, members of the Rog race often hold high positions in traditional hierarchical roles. Because of their longevity, they have developed a culture that values the "inheritance" of knowledge and will, and there is even a saying, "The Rog race does not forget kindness or grudges for three generations."

Additionally, many Rog race members have unique "tattoo patterns" on their faces, which are not innate but rather a form of makeup applied according to racial tradition.

Ishucia Race

A race with elegant "wings" growing on various parts of their bodies.

They also have features such as long eyelashes and narrow eyes. Among the eight races, their population is the smallest, and it is said that they possess higher intelligence than other races. In urban areas, they have a noticeable presence.

Many of them indeed engage in intellectual work such as scholars or clergy, and they often hold high status and live comfortably.

Due to their appearance, they are often envied by others, but there are also those among them who habitually look down on others in their words and actions, which has led to equal amounts of resentment.

Nidia Race

A race with large eyes and unique pupil colors.

Their pupils take up a large portion of their eyes, and their irises reflect a rainbow-like sheen, similar to a prism.

Although they do not have any particular talents, most are highly sociable and skilled at understanding others. However, this can also lead to them being criticized as "smooth talkers, untrustworthy" or "eccentric."

Paripas Race

A race with beast-like "ears and tails."

They have a wide variety of fur and skin tones, and some individuals even exhibit cool-colored body tones that are rare among other races.

Not only do they possess strong physical abilities, but they also tend to be driven by their senses. Whether good or bad, most are passionate about enjoying life. Their love of festivities and carefree personality is considered a strength, but they can also come across as shallow and short-sighted.

Although they are one of the main races, with numbers close to those of the Cremar and Lusante races, their political status is not high, and they are often looked down upon by other races, especially in urban areas.

Yugiv Race

A race with "bat-like wings and ears" and a light physique.

Besides their distinctive appearance and small population, most of them are nocturnal, with excellent night vision and hearing, which has led to them being feared and discriminated against. As a result, most of the Yugiv race live impoverished lives, and their overall social status is low.

They are generally gentle, kind-hearted, and considerate, but their indecisiveness when making major decisions, often hesitating due to concern for others, has further lowered their status.

Muztari Race

A race with a "third eye" on their forehead.

Due to their unique masks and traditional ethnic clothing, they are often avoided and feared. Although they are not a minority race, most reside on archipelagos near inland seas, making it rare to encounter them.

Because they follow a unique belief system that differs from the kingdom's state religion, they are often regarded as "heretics" and face persecution, adding a mysterious air to their existence.

Erda Race

They have no distinct features like horns or long ears, and their population is much smaller than the other races.

In fact, they are rarely encountered in everyday life, and few people are interested in them. In places outside the big cities, some even doubt their existence.

As a result, many people hold prejudices against the Erda race, and just seeing them can provoke dislike and discrimination.

Monsters called "Humans"

In the world of "Metaphor: ReFantazio," the atmosphere is filled with "unease particles" generated from people's "uneasy emotions." This is the source of "Magula," which powers magic in this world and affects it in many ways.

Special devices in the towns absorb and collect these "Magula." It is well-known in this world, and is also a source of income for the kingdom. In recent years, the increase in Magula due to the people's rising unease has led to the emergence of many monsters, the most dangerous of which are called "Humans."

In designing the "Humans," the game references the bizarre paintings left behind by the medieval artist Hieronymus Bosch, who is considered the first artist in the world to depict fantasy "monsters."

The protagonist and their party will encounter people tormented by these monsters, embarking on a thrilling journey.

"Humans"

"Humans" are monsters unlike any other animal, with strange shapes and unknown origins. All individuals contain large amounts of out-of-control Magula and indiscriminately attack other living creatures around them.

The ecology of humans is full of mysteries. Although their temperament is violent, showing no sign of rationality, they can perform advanced magic that ordinary people cannot easily control. Their bodies are extremely resilient, with large individuals capable of destroying an entire army.

The Angry One

A human who attacked the kingdom’s military fortress located in the wilderness north of the capital, Grantorado. This terrifying monster nearly wiped out the garrisoned troops single-handedly.

The Greedy One

A human with an indescribable body, similar to an eggshell. Even among large humans, it stands out as an exceptionally huge and extremely dangerous individual, potentially capable of destroying a city.

If one were to look for the only common feature in the strange and irregular forms of humans, it would be the existence of shapes resembling "human body parts" scattered across their bodies.

■ Overview of "Metaphor: ReFantazio"

"Metaphor: ReFantazio" is the official title of the new RPG, "PROJECT Re FANTASY," previously announced by ATLUS's STUDIO ZERO. This latest work by the creators of "Persona 3," "Persona 4," and "Persona 5" will be released on Xbox Series X|S, Windows, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, and Steam platforms on Friday, October 11, 2024. Pre-orders are now available for the Standard and Deluxe physical editions.

Character Design: Shigenori Soejima (notable works: "Persona 3," "Persona 4," "Persona 5")

Music Composer: Shoji Meguro (notable works: "Shin Megami Tensei III -NOCTURNE," "Persona 3," "Persona 4," "Persona 5")

Concept Art: Kazuma Koda (notable work: "NieR")

"Armored Vehicle" Prototype Design: Ikuto Yamashita (notable work: "Neon Genesis Evangelion")

※ The game screenshots in this article are from the Japanese version in development. The official release will support Simplified Chinese subtitles.

【Product Details】

Product Name:Metaphor: ReFantazio

Game Platform:Xbox Series X|S, Windows, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Steam

Release Date:Scheduled for release on Friday, October 11, 2024

Supported Languages:Subtitles: Japanese, English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese

Voice: Japanese, English

Game Genre:RPG

Number of Players:1 Player

Publisher & Distributor:SEGA Corporation

Copyright Notice:©ATLUS. ©SEGA.

Official Website:https://asia.sega.com/metaphor/cn/

SEGA Asia Official Website:https://asia.sega.com/cht/

SEGA Official Weibo:http://weibo.com/segamobile

ATLUS Official Weibo:https://weibo.com/atlusofficial

SEGA Official bilibili:https://space.bilibili.com/61430918