METAPHOR: ReFANTAZIO - (First Thoughts) - Happy Console Gamer

[@BoomstickGaming]

*Great overview!* Who wants this to become a franchise?!

[@deetsitmeisterjd]

Rather it be a standalone actually. Would be refreshing from Atlus all their IP's have like a million entries.

[@JonnyTobinMusic]

I love it but I kinda hope it's a one off standalone gem. Would be sweet if they continued to make one offs like this, utilizing some key persona/SMT mechanics but original world, ideas, art style, etc

[@craigemery856]

Atlus has said this is meant to be a cornerstone series along with Persona/SMT. I really hope it does!!!

[@Thegodfather3137]

​@@BlackCanvasAudio it doesn't always have to be about sales and what does Xbox have to do with this are you saying Xbox is holding them back because I certainly disagree

[@TheEregos]

This is probably linked to the rest of the franchise so I doubt it. Atlus are the kings of doing stand alone games in a canon lore over world which is peak. ​@@deetsitmeisterjd

[@NANA-kf1cs]

More games need to release a demo like this before release. A great way to give it a go.

[@jz1612]

Remember demo disc days 🤯

[@BlackGuyTv]

I’ve already put 7 hours into the demo 😂

[@airdrighmor1439]

So many games have demos lately. They just don't advertise enough.

[@joesantoro4964]

This was a very generous demo as well. I put in 5 hrs into it and the best part was I got to transfer my save over to the retail version and pickup where I left off.

[@ryangmilam]

Use to be the way

[@Kuzunoha-]

As a long time Megami Tensei fan, as someone who holds SMT in very high regard, and as someone who loves all things Atlus and all the MegaTen spinoff series, I have to say this - Metaphor may just be the greatest game they have made and might just be the best JRPG we have had in a decade. The way that it *perfectly* mixes Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, and even Final Fantasy V and Tactics together all in one has me absolutely addicted. It’s like they injected everything they have mastered over the past 20 years, and everything they have been influenced by, and blended it to perfection. - The culmination of the best representations Press Turn System from Nocturne and SMTV Vengeance. - The character centered combat of Digital Devil Saga. - The musical themes of Strange Journey - The character development and social dynamics of Persona 5 Royal - The artstyle of renaissance and baroque period paintings. - The relevance and social commentary of real life systemic issues like racism, classism, capitalism, fascism, religious extremism, and socioeconomic inequality. - The job systems, character customization, political strife, and fantasy worlds heavily influenced by Final Fantasy V, FF Tactics, and Tactics Ogre. The game is fucking amazing. This really is going to be the “third pillar” of Atlus, and is 100% worthy of being part of the legendary Megami Tensei universe. Whether you are a mainline Shin Megami Tensei fan, a Devil Summoner, or Persona fan, or just a fan of JRPGS in general, you owe it to yourself to grab this one!

[@lukeyost7566]

It’s so interesting cause I have the complete opposite opinion

[@MendaxPT]

It's not.

[@ds90seph]

Where did you get a critique of capitalism from this? Like all things aside, I just don't know how or what you're interpreting that from. You engage in capitalism within the game itself by purchasing and selling items at vendors, and by acquiring/farming currency. In fact, farming for more currency early on can really help to set you up, meaning more money literally gives you more power. Classism I can understand, but the game engages in and rewards you for earning more capital. By definition it is supporting and reinforcing capitalism. It's a core element of the in-game economy and of the player experience. You are rewarded with capital.

[@Kuzunoha-]

@@ds90seph From the actual story of the game. Play it and you'll see.

[@Vesperwave7]

I think I might give this game a shot. Some of the previous games from Atlas just didn't appeal to me. for the simple fact of playing as emo high school students. The creature designs are stellar, though. I just found the protagonists to be annoying.

[@followertheleader]

This game is really dark. It feels like it was aiming for older audiences. I love it.

[@Drakkenjoe]

their inspiration is berserk at the same time 😂

[@expattrading]

It's actually incredible. I'm 10 hours in and I'm getting the feels I got playing FF7 for the first time

[@edelkebap]

Such a FANTASTIC game. I only heard of it, because of you Johnny. I started with the demo and immediately bought the whole game after like 10 minutes. 10/10 story (telling) 12/10 music 12/10 design 10/10 game mechanics 10/10 JRPG This is one of those games, where the hype actually is completely justified.

[@DoomsdayMayBeOkay]

I love that the game don't pull any punches in regards to violence and showing blood which is a stark contrast with the "cute" anime art style of the characters

[@joeherrera8826]

Kind of cool though I have not played an RPG this dark since Xenogears.

[@tbnwontpop8857]

Yeah, and this game somehow got away with a T rating lol, when it's thematically and visually Atlus's darkest game yet.

[@scrublord7922]

The blood and violence is elementary. It's the racist themes they're cooking well 😂

[@jcflores1774]

​@@tbnwontpop8857SMT 4 litterally have demons eating humans and children being used as cattle.

[@Izzak_Beck]

I'm already like 15 hours in, the game is absolutely amazing.

[@DillaryHuff]

I think it's a pretty good indication that a game is high quality, when you're 15+ hours in and you're still looking forward to another 60+ hours of it. Some games these days aren't even 10 hours long and you won't necessarily enjoy those 10 hours 😂

[@DirtyBobBojangles]

It's okay. It's not all that lil bro, relax.

[@tazmanceltic]

It's fantastic indeed

[@qeditz1547]

@@DirtyBobBojangles He simply said its amazing are you sad you dont have it or something

[@DirtyBobBojangles]

@@qeditz1547 I have it, calm down buddy. I didn't say it's bad. Its okay.

[@ramen1010]

Metaphor is one of the first games in a while that has lived up to the hype for me. It feels like a great mix between persona and smt strange journey in its story telling, soundtrack, and gameplay.

[@AlohaGamester]

Agreed, another one that I'm really enjoying rn is the Silent Hill 2 remake. I've never had the courage or patience to play through one in the past, but this remake has been a game changer for me.

[@ds90seph]

​@@AlohaGamesterEnjoy SH2 brother!! It's definitely a game that has far exceeded my expectations and I've never been so happy to be wrong.

[@AlohaGamester]

@ds90seph thank you, I couldn't agree more!

[@DS-dd7vf]

Stroll and Hulkenberg... Someone at Atlus is an F1 fan.

[@critical_6164]

Pretty sure they advertised a small metaphor sticker on Kevin magnussens car in the singapore grand prix lmao

[@ShonnDaylee]

My thoughts as well. As a huge Formula 1, and Turn Based RPG fan, I am SOOOOOOO here for it.

[@FF18Cloud]

I'm upset about this... I didn't realize the lance stroll connection... Goddammit

[@FF18Cloud]

I knew the Haas thing (and obviously the red & black on hulkenberg and the sponsorship, obviously the name ...) but the whole lance stroll thing, strohl's family comes from formerly old money... Goddammit -.-

[@Veniks]

@@critical_6164 They also perfectly did a small Metaphor sticker of Hulkenberg on Hulkenberg's car

[@oddeye9640]

This game is incredible to me. I get the same feeling playing it as I do a new Zelda game. It’s nothing like Zelda, but I love Zelda SO much. I haven’t played a game that pulled me in and made me want to do everything in a long time. Even the greats I’ve played recently, Unicorn Overlord, Visions Of Mana, SMT V Vengeance, etc..

[@RaVVen.P]

Yeah after few hours into the game and reached a tavern/in, then suddenly I got the hunt of the game. That I am in fantasy land and not real world. I liked it. I am Ardent persona 5 fan.

[@Urameshi87.]

This game is truly special. I’m loving it. Atlus never disappoints.

[@properjellydontbeproper3652]

Every game should just have a demo. Literally so many games I wouldn’t give a second glance but after they got me hooked playing a demo,suddenly I need to buy the rest. It’s what got me to play monster hunters cuz I thought it was a dumb Dino game for kids with the characters,I was way wrong & thankful for the demo

[@TheMailoc]

Once I started playing it I didn't want to stop. My poor back log keeps getting larger. So many games I still need to complete.

[@TheAchillesShield]

Atlus is legitimately one of the few companies I still have complete faith in. They just make such amazing games. So much love put into them. It's rare to see.

[@THELEGENDARYK2]

Bought. And I should say it wasn't on my radar until your first video on it. Looks awesome can't wait!

[@DarkNomad347]

Picked it up for ps5, i had a wedding on saturday so im only 10 hours in, still on the first real dungeon. But i am loving it! In the demo i noticed the Fantasy is dead, so i named my protag Fantasy xD

[@arycorvette884]

The batchelor party must have been fun

[@GundamrussGaming]

I'm waiting for my copy to arrive. Its soo great to see this title hit 1million in sales day one. I'm so playing this as soon as i finish Visions Of Mana.

[@stevewallace1387]

I brought a physical copy for the PS5 two days ago loving it even more than persona

[@rexmaskimus]

Thanks for taking part in spreading the word, I'm excited to receive my collector's edition

[@MySimDied]

I didn't even hear about this until last week and I'm a big persona fan! I downloaded the demo until a few days before it came out so decided after 10 minutes not to play it and just buy it. Now i wish i'd played it so i was further ahead. I really love this game so far and I am at the first proper dungeon that you get time to prepare for. It's such a nice suprise to have a game like this I wasn't expecting and I think i will be spending all my free time on this game. It's not going to be for everyone, like Persona, but it is really high quality for people who enjoy these games 😁

[@rrhev]

This is so Kim's kind of game!!! I hope she's playing it

[@Mooneyplane]

Thanks for telling us about this game! I hadn’t heard of it till you mentioned the lack of hype in your previous video. I got it a few days ago and I’m loving it so far, the character designs and music are blowing me away! And this is from a guy who doesn’t play many jrpgs

[@takmaps]

The addiction clicks in when you are given the reigns to go where you want with your time.

[@icard92]

I've been waiting on your thoughts... you've become my go-to on opinions for anything jrpg

[@xgremlynnx]

This is my most anticipated game of all time!! Waiting for my collector's edition to come in the mail is painful. The demo had me fully invested!

[@xmissviolencex]

I bought this game and have been literally obsessed. I love it so much. The demo got me. I have no regrets dropping $75 on this. XD

[@VolatileVix]

Yeah, I'll wait for their royal edition that they will most likely release in a year

[@katerinagagne1809]

@@VolatileVixmaybe i'll eat my words in a few years but this doesn't feel like a game they could do this to lol

[@VolatileVix]

@@katerinagagne1809 I hope you're right, Id like to see an expansion that adds more content rather than a rerelease.

[@s_oba]

@@VolatileVix Pretty sure Atlus said they’re not doing rereleases anymore, just DLC expansions

[@sweettooth7625]

This game is so good. I never played a persona game. But I love this

[@DrierHyperion21]

It's absolutely fantastic. Best game atlus has ever done.

[@carlos.cr.7139]

That's really saying something. I might need to check this out

[@chuck176]

@@carlos.cr.7139never played one of these games before, would I like it

[@DrierHyperion21]

@@carlos.cr.7139 you absolutely must

[@aidankhaos7687]

Game has a Persona, FF, and Berserk feel. Love it

[@ZETAGeTh]

Followed your live stream last night. I hope you and Kim (and Rob!) repeat the experience in the future!

[@coolhandluke9783]

It's phenomenal. The social parts in persona always turned me off but they blend it directly into the story this time. It's great.

[@dustinnop]

Looks sick. Prob a Xmas gift from the wife

[@IanAZ2023]

Atlas. I will buy this just from Johnny's recommendation. He knows RPGs.

[@AnalogX64]

How is it already October and 1 week already gone.....pretty soon we will have a Christmas Special ;)

[@WarpstoneHash]

Are you foreshadowing Persona 6 reveal?

[@craigemery856]

Ya 10 Nordics is coming also!!!

[@DirtyBobBojangles]

More like 2 weeks

[@MMaRsu]

This game is really something, it feels like a oldschool type Final Fantasy where you go across a huge adventure with awesome party members. I'm about 12 hours in, but so far it's something special.

[@ikswoltokyrogerg8460]

It is strange. I feel the same way. This brings back the feeling I had playing FFIII on NES. I don't know why, but it has been a real long time since I felt this. I have not played any of the Persona games due to the high-school setting, but if this shares DNA with that series, I can see how they gained their reputation.

[@videogameworld1990]

This is game of the year. Played the demo and was hooked. Everything in this game is awesome it was a day one purchase. I hope we see more of this series!

[@mikepevine3389]

Because of your 1st video I had a count down going untill release date. Got it on release date and have 11 hours into it sp far. Holy cow what an amazing game. Thank you for putting me onto it

[@kennyng2730]

Im 50 hours in. This is by far the best jrpg that was launched for the past 10 years hands down. Easily jrpg GOTY handa down. And i started playing jrpg since shining force 1 in sega. So ya.. im boomer.

[@YUKESFIRE]

The game came out on Friday? Did you get it early? 50 hours already seems insane.

[@jonnjonzz5702]

Yeah man, it's a great game but you really need to touch grass...

[@SH1NK1R01]

@@jonnjonzz5702the time carries over from the demo. I also have around 40hrs already.

[@jasonmann3775]

Better then Persona 5 Royal? I get you are not a Baldur's Gate, Witcher 3 guy but how does it compare with this Atlus game.

[@kennyng2730]

@@jasonmann3775 Baldur's gate and witcher is not jrpg... -_-""" Also I'm old. I started playing shin megami since super Famicom time. So persona to me is a spinoff and it's great while it lasts. I'm just happy they finally got out of the student settings.

[@Anon-s2q]

I'm about 30 hours in and barely scratched the surface - and love every second of it :)

[@Tab_This]

I buy Metaphor right after I get out of the hospital. The demo was great. Thx 👍

[@Pduarte79]

To me this is, "What if FF was made by Atlus?"

[@CJ1983]

Absolutely worth all this hype its getting

[@ilbv5]

After goin thru the mine mission on the demo, i just bought it.its been yrs since p5, the game is absolute triumph 🎉🎉🎉

[@jayesun3420]

Oh yeah,I'm getting this game dude, double down on that with your recommendation.

[@theRealBobbyB23]

Thanks for putting this game on my radar on your previous video. Got the game and it's shaping up to be an instant classic.

[@Couick27]

I preorder my copy at gamestop but couldn't wait and got it digitally and started playing Thursday at midnight! I'm 33hrs in and in love with it 🥰

[@drcox012]

I honestly cannot believe ANYONE is still even talking about Failguard when this game exists. It's literally Persona Fantasy and it's quite possibly the best thing I've played all year.

[@statesminds]

Its awesome! My only problem is theres too many games in October!

[@gabrielbernadigaming]

Just finished the game today. I was amazed with the story and everything in it, this game for me is awesome. Cause I've been a fan for Atlus RPG games, from SMT : Devil Summoner 1 and 2, Persona 2 , Persona 3 ( FES / Reload ), Persona 4 ( Golden / Arena ), Persona 5 and so on. Metaphor Re Fantazio should win the GOTY, no matter what category will be. Love your content and i just sub to your channel

[@Botruc]

I'm already playing that game! I wasn't sure about it, so I downloaded the demo and got hooked! It's so good! And the music is phenomenal!

[@volsere]

The look and feel of this game is amazing.

[@saintjasin]

Yeah man this game is great. RPGs end up on my backlog a lot and so I kinda avoid them, but I took a chance on this and it hooked me right away. The story is interesting and I am really curious how it will resolve and what they are getting at with the interesting twists. The art, the design, the sketches, the music, the menus, all top notch. Combat is fun, the mission structure, everything. This game is firing on all cylinders for me and I am really grateful for this actually. I end up defaulting to mindless games a lot lately, and this has pulled me away from that for now. The story has some depth and symbolism that is worth spending time with and thinking about, and progressing through this game feels enriching and inspiring, not like just a time sink.

[@iempire100]

Got it from Best Buy yesterday. Now I just need time to play it. Can't wait to dig into this one. Quality looks amazing. GOTY winner this year??

[@erix5184]

Never played a modern Atlas game but I'm really liking the demo. I'll probably end up getting it, i like how you can just kill weaker enemies on the map and you don't have to go into the turn based combat all the time.

[@saterdei]

I am DEFINITELY getting this game, buuuut... I'll wait about a year or so. I played the demo, it's like SMT combat with Persona exploration, I'm a fan of both and if you told me this was P6, I'd believe it. I think that the best aspect of the game is its story, this is the main reason why I'm actually buying it, the presentation is simply spectacular. Character development comes second, then combat and then music - I'm not big on the battle chant fight theme, though the game in general has some really good tracks. While I think it's a great game, I've already bought FF7RB this year and pre-ordered the next Monster Hunter and City of the Wolves, so I know I'll have my hands full for a good while. I'm very interested in this game creating a legacy, though.

[@dannylenz3006]

Man Johnny this game I've really been waiting on !! So glad you are sponsoring it man it looks phenomenal!!! I'm all in for sure. I had Persona back on ps1 I've been a fan of the dark stories of Atlus a while I can't wait to play it!!!

[@markearnhardt1420]

I saw you talk about this game in another video and watching your hype got me hyped for it. I bought the collector’s edition on Steam and I’m only a few hours into it but this game is sooooo good. Thanks for putting this out there because I had not heard of it till I saw your video.

[@phils8450]

Absolutely superb game, this and Wukong are my favourites this year

[@Victor-wi7vr]

No one does these first impressions better than you, Johnny. Looking forward to your review.

[@aarquen2]

so many new games and I still have to finish BG3

[@airdrighmor1439]

Indeed. I am buying 8 games this month for the 3 gamers in my house, and I just got my BG3 physical copy recently.

[@airdrighmor1439]

Indeed. I am buying 8 games this month for the 3 gamers in my house. I just got my BG3 physical copy recently.

[@Tyler16bit]

I also got the collectors edition, and I'm very much looking forward to jumping into the full game as soon as I can.

[@McJorneil]

Both this game and Sparking Zero dropping on the same day was completely insane timing.

[@mercurybird9711]

Loved the demo - will be playing this as soon as I finish Baldur's Gate 3. Which might be a while... :)

[@arcadeutopia3035]

My copy arrives tomorrow as always John, your sales skills are exemplary 👌

[@ecks77]

This is definitely a special game series. Everyone that's played the demo feels the same way.

[@daveflackett3007]

You're hype is justified my dude 😆 I've had this on preorder since June, and I rarely dive into a game day one anymore. Spent 15 hours on the demo alone, and loving the full game. I don't throw around the word masterpiece often, this game is close to justifying it. Atlus' Magnum Opus for sure 👏😄

[@Onb3k3nd3]

loved the livestream yesterday xD

[@odizm5196]

when you mention " riding a your sword " cant help but think of Daicon IV😅

[@airdrighmor1439]

I got my CE a day early. I've been playing every minute I can, which means when my son isnt playing Astro Bot. I've wanted a fantasy Persona/SMT for ages. I'm loving it.

[@dexocube]

The art and design are incredible

[@justinsquest26]

Great video! And you might have convinced me to picking this game up. I'm not the biggest Persona fan but this looks interesting.

[@GamerGourmetz]

Happy Turkey day everyone! Just wanted to say thanks, Johnny. I've always had a similar appreciation for rpgs but I don't think I would have purchased this game without your previous video... and wow. This game. *chefs kiss*

[@raikiri23]

The demo was outstanding. I think I got something like a full 8 hours in just in that. I picked up the collector's edition for Series X and it's just been sitting for the last couple days because I've been busy, so I'm super excited to finally dig into it fully

[@lgr2284]

I'm so envious of your passion for these RPG games. They look so damn cool. Ur the man, Johnny! 🤘

[@jb0258jr]

It's between this and FF7 Rebirth, for my GOTY. Holy moley has Metaphor just been blowing me away!

[@1tsrhodes]

I read somewhere that the chanting in the battle theme was in Esperanto

[@critical_6164]

It’s sang by a buddhist monk in esperanto, that’s completely right.

[@Panimal98]

Pretty awesome

[@JarlBarbossa]

Fits the cringe woke globalist propaganda that is the story

[@TheGamingCircle]

100% John was one of the first to make a video on this Gem💎 definitely drawer my attention and the battle music is legendary:-))

[@MasterNochi]

I bought persona 5 on ps4 when it first launched but I could never get into it. This summer I beat P5R, something just clicked at some point and I fell in love. I knew about Metaphor because of Jonny and after I played the demo I was in love once again.

[@MichalJan]

I was hyped for Metaphor for the last 6 months. Now that I'm playing it, it's my game of the year. So good! 😊

[@figvania4805]

Secret stream last night was so awesome. I hope the streams keep coming

[@BGID7]

Just saw that you collabed with Clayton Morris! So awesome!!!

[@tonyc5050]

GREAT LIVESTREAM LAST NIGHT JOHNNY & KIM.

[@overused6632]

agreed

[@chaotics6107]

I concur

[@smeegy1]

The music, art, and presentation in this game is all outstanding so far. My one gripe is not being allowed to retry battles during the enemy turn so I'm seeing the game over screen a lot on hard mode.

[@kevinmota8751]

Awesome First Impression Johnny. Loved the stream last night with you and Kim! I just got the game and I'm really looking forward to playing it. Keep up the great work.

[@pvt.prinny759]

I managed to put a few hours into it this weekend seems it’s gonna be a banger All the persona 5 stuff in it is pretty obvious for example i instantly recognized like ”ah that’s a save room” or ”oh this guy is this game’s Igor”

[@mikeu.6536]

I’ll wait till next month when Atlus announces the Royale Redux ReReFantazio version.

[@snowhawkthorne630]

The chanting music sounds like way too much the first time you hear it, but then it creeps into you and it is awesome. Can’t wait to try the demo!

[@devinreed21]

I just finished the demo last night and loved it. I will get the full version as soon as I have the money for it.

[@Flaris]

I'm absolutely picking this up. Just waiting my own collector's edition to make the way! Atlus can make good games and that's clearly what they did here. Love them going for it with a fresh IP.

[@AlohaGamester]

Great review, John. I'm currently playing through Metaphor too, such a great game so far. The art style, music choice, and story is incredible! I really enjoyed your guys' live stream last night. Hope to see you guys doing more in the near future!

[@absolutely0bsolete330]

I will pick this up for sure but that chanting sounds like Perfect Cell siging his heart out and i love it haha

[@scottfrenz]

I was hoping for a first thoughts video on this! Thank you 😊! Loving this game so far despite a few minor annoyances (I don’t need to be reminded every turn when a character is wounded, Gallica)

[@katerinagagne1809]

i was grinding mp on low level mobs on low health and i was hearing her chirp about my low health every 15 seconds 😭😭😭😭

[@LedZeppo32]

I picked it up today based on the recommendation!

[@femtrooper]

Excited to get this for Christmas!!! So nice to see a new IP doing so well!

[@cyracrath1722]

I looked at this game yesterday and wasnt sure, but this video convinced me to buy it!

[@1afeatherstone]

I won’t be picking this game up because there are other games that I’m still trying to finish like Silent Hill 2, Star Wars Outlaws, Diablo 4, and Spider-Man 2. Thanks for the great review! I’m very excited to watch your Christmas video in another month! 😊

[@gurikn9289]

I spent so many hours playing Elden Ring that I had a few RPG's in my backlog for quite some time now, but I just bought SMT: Vengeance and I'll be buying this one as soon as I'm finished with SMT!

[@MikeTheD]

Been playing it all weekend and it really gripped me. I need that in particular, for a great game. Once it happens I’m set, so we got lots of good entertainment ahead here.

[@landusrigsby3776]

I know I commented already but that track that is played when you are in Akademia is ultra epic. My favorite in the game so far.