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Metaphor: ReFantazio shines above all with its attention to detail
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Metaphor: ReFantazio shines above all with its attention to detail

The devil is in the details when it comes to creating exceptional games and Metaphor: ReFantazio gets a lot of these details.

Atlus’ foray into creating a game that clearly shares Persona’s proven DNA, but stands out as a unique franchise, has already impressed its fair share of critics. There’s a lot to love between its captivating fantasy world and endearing character moments. But for me, there’s only one screen I love: the post-fight victory summary screen.

Metaphor: ReFantazio features turn-based combat in which you assemble a team of fighters with varied roles and specialties. Although the game allows players to defeat weaker enemies with real-time dungeon combat, you will still have plenty of regular turn-based battles. Every time you win a fight against a group of monsters, the screen will flash to show a victory screen. It shows your party marching against a red and white background, along with information such as how much experience and money you’ve gained from combat.

It seems simple, but I can’t believe how beautiful it is. The composition and the broad stroke of color immediately capture my attention; The characters strut confidently in smooth, perfectly animated slow motion; and best of all, you’ll be rewarded with extra boosts and a banner reading “Unharmed Victory” if the enemy doesn’t deal damage to your party.

I really like the post-fight screen, but the UI and menus in general are also stunning. The pause screen makes the protagonist feel like a dream watercolor is coming to life. According to Katsura Hashino, who directed several Persona games as well as Metaphor: ReFantaziothe menus take a lot of time to create and are “actually really boring» to create as the team creates unique designs for each menu.

“Whether it’s the store menu or the main menu, when you open them, an entirely separate program is running and a separate design comes into play,” Hashino told The Verge.

For me, details like the menu or the post-fight screen shine like the crown jewels of Metaphor: ReFantazio. There’s an undeniable confidence that shines through in the little things, and I think that’s a core part of what makes the game so special. Some battles or sections of the game can become very difficult. You need all the encouragement you can get, and every time I see the screen, I feel ready to save the world – one fight at a time.