Roundup: Metaphor: ReFantazio Is An Xbox GOTY Candidate As Early Reviews Roll In

Last week, we posted about the first review for Metaphor: Refantazio and how it's getting eager fans hyped for the full release - and, well, it's looking like that hype was more than merited.

The broader review embargo has now lifted, and we have a bunch of reviews rolling in for Atlus's new JPRG. Here at Pure Xbox we're almost 50 hours into our playthrough, but we aren't quite ready to deliver our verdict just yet. It's coming very soon, though!

In the meantime, here's what other critics are saying about Metaphor: ReFantazio so far:

Checkpoint Gaming (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."

VGC (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."

Eurogamer (5/5)

"Taken as a straightforward fantasy RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio is hard to beat, as Atlus expertly merges nostalgia and modernity. If its lofty thematic goals of ending prejudice and overcoming society's collective melancholia are too idealistic, perhaps that's actually the sort of positivity and hope we need right now. Maybe, above all, the true purpose of fantasy is to provide comfort as we reflect on our own world. If that's the case, Atlus' game is essential."

Push Square (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."