Atlus Fans Celebrate Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Success and Future
Atlus enthusiasts have enjoyed a remarkable surge of releases over the past year, with Metaphor: ReFantazio standing out as the crown jewel. As a fresh intellectual property from Atlus, the game has garnered immense critical acclaim, solidifying its position as a breakthrough title. Its success was underlined at The Game Awards 2024, where it clinched accolades such as Best RPG, Best Narrative, and Best Art Direction. Given this level of achievement, discussions among fans about a sequel’s potential trajectory have reached a fever pitch.
The game’s director, Katsura Hashino, has stated that there are no definitive plans to turn the title into a franchise, though he expressed hope for such a development in the future. Despite this, the groundwork laid by Metaphor: ReFantazio makes it an excellent candidate for expansion. Speculation abounds, with some fans believing a follow-up could serve as a spiritual successor rather than a direct continuation. However, the game’s finale contains unresolved narrative threads that hint strongly at a direct sequel.
Metaphor: ReFantazio’s World Extends Beyond Euchronia
The game concludes with the protagonist ascending to the throne of the Kingdom of Euchronia, following the defeat of Louis. The epilogue provides glimpses of the cast settling into their new roles. For instance, Strohl becomes the Royal Army’s general, and Hulkenberg assumes the position of Captain of the King’s Royal Guard. Yet, one character, in particular, hints at broader horizons for the story.
During the epilogue, speaking with Catherina reveals her role as an emissary to foreign kingdoms beyond Euchronia. Although players explore much of Euchronia’s territory during the game, this revelation suggests the existence of continents and kingdoms left untouched. Such a vast, unexplored world creates an exciting premise for a sequel, which could explore events in one of the distant lands Catherina visits.
Catherina’s Role in Connecting the Original and Potential Sequel
If Metaphor: ReFantazio receives a sequel, Catherina’s new role makes her an ideal bridge between the two games. Her position as an emissary would connect the Kingdom of Euchronia to a new setting while acknowledging the link between the stories. This approach could mirror how the Persona series creates unique experiences for each title while maintaining subtle interconnections through shared elements like Igor and the Velvet Room.
A sequel structured in this way would offer the best of both worlds. It could address lingering mysteries, such as the history of the old world and its eventual destruction, while also introducing players to fresh environments and characters.
Making Catherina a Playable Character
Catherina’s character would shine even more if she were granted a playable role in a sequel. Many fans expressed disappointment that she was not included as a playable party member in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Instead, her position as the Paripus representative went to Basilio. A sequel could rectify this by including her as a party member, even if only temporarily, akin to Grius in the first game. Her mission to assist another struggling nation could drive the narrative forward and provide players with compelling new gameplay opportunities.
With its imaginative world-building, complex characters, and potential for storytelling expansion, Metaphor: ReFantazio is perfectly poised to grow into a beloved series. Whether through a direct sequel or a spiritual successor, fans eagerly await the next chapter in this captivating universe.
