Metaphor: ReFantazio - Review After 100%

[@grokcamp]

I really can’t thank you enough for including the “steam deck performance” staple in all of your reviews, it’s such a minor detail that seemingly no one else bothers to mention, but it MASSIVELY influences my purchase decisions. It’s a real labor of love, Mort - thank you for your care and attention to your viewers’ needs, it doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated!

[@lastmanstanding80]

Ditto 😊

[@JohnClarkW]

Yes, I am really with you on this. I am late to having a Steam Deck, but really enjoy being able to play games without having to sit at a computer ( which many of us do for a living ).

[@SeanJZoning]

Same 🙏

[@PhilosopherJEB]

Seconded! This is super helpful!

[@markmahler6446]

“Do thing by deadline, then story happens” is probably the most accurate tagline for every Persona game since P3. I enjoy that loop, but it’s good to make sure new folks to these games get that info up front. Great review, as always. I had to wait on buying this one just to make sure it got the Mortim seal of approval.

[@uberhuber7903]

rah

[@MattR8605]

It’s funny because I sorta forgot I was playing an Atlas style game, when they gave me my first “dungeon deadline” I was like OHHH RIIIGHT

[@Ocean5ix]

Honestly, when I played the demo I was really worried it would be the "villain of the month" all over again like Persona 5 but somehow they managed to make the same thing but different. I got a bit tired of how predictable the strucure of Persona was and was surprised to see how Metaphor's structure is kinda unpredictable. Sure you still know you have X days until something happens but it's not always "the end of the month" like P5, sometimes you get a 10 days deadline, sometimes 3 days, sometimes there are no timelines because the game got into a linear "setpiece" section for an hour and a half. To me this game really is Atlus's masterpiece.

[@noahsylvester1754]

@@Ocean5ix i just finished the game like an hour ago so it's pretty fresh on my mind, but i'm not sure i'd call it their masterpiece- although i've played all of their other persona/smt games and even then i couldn't say for sure if any of them are better than refantazio a lot of the textures look like they were made for an early PS3/late PS2 RPG and not a new game, they shipped it with that audio bug which was just fixed yesterday and it's like each area had its framerate decided by a dice roll they weren't very bold with the main story but knowing atlus it wasn't really surprising, still quite good though the characters were the best part imo, easily the most likeable crew you get in these games, even though some of them look pretty bland and weird

[@Ocean5ix]

@@noahsylvester1754 It's just that to me every SMT (and spin off) games focus on doing one or two things really well, when they could've done more and in some ways I feel like Metaphor is "more". I like how there's a bit or everything in the game, how the calendar system is more leniant letting players experient a bit more, I like how you're not stuck in a "closed loop" (or routine) like Persona in which you go to sleep and wake up every day in the same place, it gives the game this "grand adventure" vibe that I really enjoy. Then there's the mechanics, I think that between the archetypes, skill inheritance and synergy skills, there's a lot of theorycrafting and min/maxing to be made. The dungeons while less stylized like Persona 5, have that multi-floor structure with multiple paths that leads to an upper or lower floor, while it's no Strange Journey, it reminds me of the older SMT dungeon crawlers. Also a big plus for the "dark souls inspired" (for the lack of a better reference) shortcut design. Overall, I think the only SMT games that I would rate close (or the same score) as Metaphor is SMT 4. I'd say it's the other SMT game that has some kind of free exploration, side questing etc. All of them are great games, it's just that if you really think about it, Nocturne, Strange Journey, Soul Hackers 1 and SMT 5 are pretty much dungeon crawlers. Persona has it's own structure that is fun but also feels "claustrophobic" in a sense. Devil Survivor 1 and 2 are great sRPGs with SMT combat. I would really say their most "unique" games are SMT4 (and 4A), Persona 2 and Metaphor, because of how they feel different compared to other SMT games.

[@vijarusummoner8824]

Mortismal a week ago: " Guys, im busy, gonna take my time. Game is long so better as you can play the Game" The Madman himself after 1 week: 100% 🎉🎉

[@umbral9911]

Yeah it is kinda nuts, but the game isn't as hard to 100%, there are a lot less barriers to hinder you from doing things right away (at least compared to games like the original Persona 5, which was terribly grindy.

[@artificialstyle998]

I’ve been playing for a week and only just beat the Necromancer yesterday

[@goodguybrian9764]

​@@artificialstyle998I played on hard and idk what I did wrong but he took 2 fking hours yet Since then and before then most things were fairly easy bosses included

[@ThundraBoy666]

@@goodguybrian9764 mix and match archetypes is pretty important. On hard, you'll usually have a rough time if your team members have 1 or 2 weaknesses to attacks a boss uses a lot, they'll get too many turns. Been trying to brute force a couple of bosses and struggled, changed my party setup and did them first try.

[@goodguybrian9764]

@@ThundraBoy666 problem was taking too much damage I did switch things up but I didn't have more than 1 attack able to target him when I got his corpse dead so he didn't summon a second one, tons of criticals on his side too wish was upsetting, I think I was under leveled I did the dungeon in one go trying to 100% the game and maximize time available

[@Msdimwitted]

I'm a fan of the press-turn system as given in this game, and the Archetype mixing and matching is very satisfying to figure out. The second I lost a whole round of turns to getting my abilities reflected set off a lightbulb in my head that sent me on an adventure scouring the archetypes for Reflect Magic and Reflect Physical skills (Faker has access to reflect magic) and having a dangerous enemy use Soul cry to get tons of turns, only to lose it all the second they hit one of my reflects is VERY satisfying

[@Amuro1X]

When you realize you can cast reflect magic on a knight and then have them aggro to completely have the enemy lose a turn is just supper satisfying.

[@Cakasaur]

Completed the game yesterday, and enjoyed the journey. I think the biggest reason why this game is shorter than the persona games is the action combat system that cuts down a lot of time that is usually spent watching the combat intro animations from fighting trash mobs. For the late game bosses I trivialised it with evasion tank shenanigans and charging strong critical attacks allowing me to 1tk or 2tk without taking damage. I can certainly see how much of a slog it would be if the game system isn't being abused to the fullest with how much hp and buffs those enemies can stack on.

[@haseddouremohamed7106]

Late game strohl running synthesis buffed peerless stonecleave is probably the strongest damage dealer I've used, nasty 15-20k hits sometimes even hitting 25-30k on crits.

[@Freakymonkey78]

@@haseddouremohamed7106damn what abilities you running to get that high? I am running slash boost,charge,triple attack buff. Is there a slash amp somewhere?

[@Freakymonkey78]

That usually puts me at about 3 k ish damage with crimson moon slash or whatever it’s called

[@haseddouremohamed7106]

​@@Freakymonkey78 Key components are : - Beloved greatsword - Utilitarian's manual to reduce cost of synthesis OR Overlord's Sash to increase damage - Royal Warrior for Slash Surge - Slash Boost - Arcane Unity (from elemental master) - If the synthesis cost is too much for you, you can reduce it by half by using Magic Link Charge comes from Junah (Playing on hard but i'm not sure how modifiers vary compared to other difficulties)

[@haseddouremohamed7106]

@@Freakymonkey78 And you want to use Peerless Stonecleaver NOT Crimson Moon

[@JayJordan99]

Not getting the people saying the music is bad. It aint persona good but it still slaps. Just a different vibe.

[@nguyenvu1078]

Never played persona but the musics in this game espcially the battle theme is just chief kiss

[@silvercyborg]

Oddly enough, the music makes me think of Strange Journey.

[@nguyenvu1078]

@@silvercyborg like i said before never played any of the SMT series game The monster fusion system is just not my cup of tea, too many min-maxing

[@Ballislife32]

Thought I'd check out the soundtrack cuz of your comment. Shit is absolute ass bruh get your hearing checked.

[@robignowak9100]

It doesn't work outside of the game as good as any of the persona music. It very alike to Fire Emblem Three Houses music. Good, but mostly very generic. Compared to Persona's - it's bland.

[@toadsicle1200]

We need to study morts productivity and apply it to the government

[@ampatrao]

I think we could all learn a thing or two from him lol

[@imanujakku]

I think he is a rogue AI operating in the game review corner of the internet. Every now and then he’ll say something like “thanks for helping me pay off my house” or this game “ made me feel a feeling” which are just things hes learned make him pass as a human.

[@MattR8605]

We’re all actually in the Cyberpunk universe and Mort is an AI from beyond the Blackwall.

[@tt_fit]

Underrated comment 😂🔥

[@igorlemes1123]

Im 75hrs in, very little left to do, and i loved this game thoroughly. IMHO, it's the pinnacle of this type of turn based RPG, taking everything that worked in the genre in the last 30 years. Taking nostalgia out of the equation, its probably my PERSONAL favourite game of the genre.

[@MrSneakSneak]

Pinnacle of the genre is a huge stretch, the game could have used more voice work for all scenes, like P5 Royal, or more interacts with party members like dq11S with it's photo mode or party chat option. Or make the competitors involved in the story, as they make the idea of a big race against others, and you could very easily avoid every single competitor in the game making it a solo journey.

[@igorlemes1123]

@MrSneakSneak that's just like... Your opinion, man. For me it is.

[@MrSneakSneak]

@@igorlemes1123 I will create a new world where there will be no more injustice... And only GOOD game opinions survive

[@josflorida5346]

How? Lol. I did everything, and it took me like 115 hours, hahaha

[@Gabriel-ly3yn]

not really imo. you can clearly see that by the end, they have to make the bosses cheat with the turn icon to make them relevant. Also the combat system is super repetitive and you can see the limitations pretty quickly.

[@Layo81]

Spoilers: Mort is actually a team of 100 people, doing 14 hour days. Thanks.

[@mohamedkhomsi3375]

I think you're right...

[@Outmind01]

Isn't it obvious? He got Naruto to teach him the shadow clone jutsu.

[@via_uthopika]

I played this game about 15 hours a day 😆 i have about 150 hours in the game 😂 and didn't finish it yet

[@jeffstewart2083]

Correct! It's an acronym. Massive Online Role-playing Team

[@Warpathjak]

I think rushing a playthrew of any 70 plus hour game is going to feel shalow you are not meant to play that way

[@chrislee5268]

You: "Bosses getting more turns is unfair!" Me, hearing Mot from SMT3 use beast eye several times in a row: this shit is awesome

[@thecthuloser876]

As someone who liked Mot's battle, there was one mandatory story boss who's usage of the this system was really, really annoying. Less because of difficulty and more because they use like ten attacks that don't have animations you can cancel out of so you're sitting there for like two to three minutes waiting for your turn.

[@MattR8605]

You REALLY feel the failure when you happen to mess up a stun opening and get ambushed instead

[@Overloaded45]

Me, fighting yamatano no orochi in SMT5, (gets 1 press turn for each head): this shit is awesome too!

[@aryman6589]

yeah this one is not close to as brutal as some of the older SMTs

[@theprogenitor951]

​@@MattR8605 I saw somewhere where you should place your entire party in the back row. It helps to mitigate the enemy stunning you. It doesn't cost an action to move characters between ranks.

[@BNik92]

What Mort said is correct and it's the main reason why I got Dodge Talisman. Changing the loss of 2 turns icons to ALL enemy turn icons lost on dodge is a life saver.

[@MarshmallowRadiation]

I got a big smile on my face when I saw this in my subscriptions. You don't 100% JRPGs often, especially Atlus RPGs, so seeing you crush this one so quickly means it's gotta be damn good.

[@toby9995]

Thanks! Again sets the bar on reviews

[@MortismalGaming]

Thank you!

[@theverbingnoun]

picking up my physical copy today, can’t wait!

[@Brian0wns]

Damn dude. We should start a patreon so you can go on vacation

[@chuck2703]

"I've just got 100% completion on my vacation and even found the hidden 'Pet the dolphin' achievement."

[@videogamezzstreamingzz9480]

Great now go outside and find a girlfriend ​@chuck2703

[@ShiningArmor]

Why is the top comment on every video something to this effect? It’s weird.

[@brilobox2]

@@ShiningArmor because its funny?

[@karlklein2263]

I have never played a persona game and from what I'm seeing that seems to be ideal. A lot of comparisons to their previous work out there. So what this is telling me, is if I like metaphor, then I'm really gonna like their other stuff

[@2265Hello]

So far it’s a very good game probably gonna be one of my must plays list. But not something that will stick in my mind forever or be obsessed with like Library of Ruina or the Souls series. But if it’s still as good towards the end then it’s definitely something I will return to and I will play Metaphor Refantazio 2 if it ever comes out. Persona games are good story wise but their gameplay is piss easy. SMT (the series that persona is a spin off of) has better gameplay but the story quality varies per game. And the story when there is very different and the setting is much darker generally. Not that persona couldn’t be dark especially Persona 3 due to well the subjects the story talks about p. But they all take place in our world/ high school with a magic side to it. On top of that persona focuses on social aspects and relationships too.

[@Solid--Snake]

imo persona 3 and 4 have procedurally generated dungeons that absolutely destroy the experience for me. metaphor and persona 5 have very well designed dungeons that makes P3 and 4 close to unplayable

[@Solid--Snake]

@@VVVHHHSSS I loved everything about P4 but just thinking about the dungeons makes me physically ill

[@alexgrey5933]

@@VVVHHHSSS The dungeons in P5R are even better than in the base game. Overall Royal is really a better experience than base P5 which I didn't think would be possible to that extent !!!

[@joearnold6881]

Persona 5 Royal is really good. Persona 4 Golden is my favorite, but it’s more old school. It might be easier to play 5 first and if you like the structure after the systems open up, you’ll be able to love 4 (They stand alone so you don’t have to play them in any order)

[@AngelBattosai27]

40 hours ? How ? I'm 75 hours in, don't grind endlessly and I'm only at like 75%-80% of the game

[@Stratosys]

75 hours and just finished joined Louis team and dispatched a doggo

[@WinstonOfDojima]

Was 1000% skipping cutscenes

[@Shojek]

he might be subtracting the cutscene times

[@CompleteProducer84]

I used to marvel at the workload and speed of The Completionist (yeah, that guy...) but Mort just takes it to a new level. 100% with a video out this fast is insane! I simply would NEVER be able to do this

[@mob_boiii]

I searched 100% review yesterday for this game and expected your channel to pop up but it didn't and today you release this lol

[@lastmanstanding80]

My wife is loving this one. So far, from what I’ve seen it’s very innovative and flashy

[@Harkz0r]

Flashy is par for the course with Atlus. I'm not sure I'd go so far as to call it innovative as it isn't really breaking any conventions or redefining the genre, but it's more of a culmination of the company's previous works. Persona, SMT, DDS, Etrian Odyssey, they are all in here in some shape or form, and imo it's very well executed.

[@iamgoakan]

60+ hours just enter the last act and this madman already 100%

[@Amaneas]

Beautiful to see you liked the game. I am 15 hours in and love it so far. Setting and the deep narrative are what is most important to me, and the game delivers on both fronts

[@lukeyost7566]

Racism bad is the narrative

[@SageofStars]

I think they could have used more 'random' dungeon tilesets, as those start to repeat in the third area, and there's only one new one past that chapter, which, while 'new' is still just a recolor of an old one. Beyond that, that story is fantastic. I think I still prefer SMTV's gameplay, even though it doesn't have the instant win mechanics, which is a big shame, it DOES have the enemy run away feature, and wide open maps that mean you never really have to deal with a battle unless you chose to, save one or two moments in the 'dungeons' of that one. Still, the popularity mechanics are just awesome, and the fact that they actually save some content for New Game +, one of the first times they've done that, along with the tweaked battle system, bringing it closer to what Digital Devil Saga used versus what SMT mainline does, as well as the unique parties thanks to the archetype system, which makes it fun.

[@Suikojunkie]

One of Atlus best for sure. Amazing feedback. Btw don’t sleep on Romancing SaGa 2 Revenge of the Seven releasing next week.

[@SephBio]

I am assuming the "long dungeon" at the 3/4 of the story is Dragongrace Shinjuku as you have shown. I myself find that Dungeon to be the point where the story starts to pick up again, I myself was waiting for such a dungeon in scale, because outside of Cathedral nothing came close that far in.

[@shutup1037]

I have a feeling that I'm gonna like that dungeon

[@304Blaise]

Dragongrace Shinjuku is the most recent dungeon I have completed and so far it’s by FAR my favorite piece of content in the game yet

[@cbake52]

Almost done with my first playthrough, been really enjoying it. I think I've got an extra 12 hours or so logged into the game from falling asleep while staying up with my baby lol

[@mikedelgrande5296]

I haven't even started the second main dungeon and I'm at 35 hours. This always happens though. I'll make a 50 hour game a 200 hour game and I'm not even sure how.

[@mrmattyjwest]

Same! People were finishing Wukong in like 30 hours and I’m sitting here at like 100 and still not done!

[@mikedelgrande5296]

@@mrmattyjwest I know right! It took me about 100 hours to finish Wukong. My second playthrough was much faster but that’s because I was so overpowered and knew where everything was.

[@macsis6338]

Don't feel bad, I think it's better to enjoy a game to the fullest and not speedruned like this guy probably

[@jelledesmet7086]

​​@@macsis6338he doesn't just finish the game as in reaching the ending, he 100% completes it, as in all achievements and optional stuff, that normally can't be done in a speedrun

[@disgruntledcat]

Honestly, there's no way he 100% the game in 66 hours. You could probably finish the main quest in 50 hours, but all achievements, including the new game + superboss? Impossible.

[@bt3-skyreaper299]

Thank you the review once again. Your gameplay and combat descriptions are always very detailed. We really get to understand the mechanics, very helpful (and I think I'm going to wait... reminds me too much of the grind and weird difficulty spikes for a couple of bosses of P5 Royal). I can't pretend I know how to (so please take this as a mere suggestion), but I think there is potential to be more thought provoking with the story section without spoiling anything.

[@nkbhd]

I’ve never commented on a view in my life, but while looking for confirmation by us, I found your review and going away by your process and how far you are. The steam deck information was really important to me. You’re easily have a subscription from me.

[@tomalexander4327]

Mort's voice is so relaxing 😎

[@eyoshinthemaximum]

One thing I hope the Persona series learns from this game is the large 30 day timeframe you get near the end of the game that lets you wrap everything up. Going into NG+ purely to experience 1 or 2 social links and a secret boss isn’t very fun for most people so being able to do all of it in 1 playthrough if you used your time decently enough is better imo.

[@ghostcula]

Absolute mad man

[@gino9577]

Thanks for the review! Looking forward to finishing this game myself

[@felixgarstka]

Your dedication is phenomenal, much appreciated 🎉

[@philosophyofgaming1]

Love your reviews and was waiting for this one the last few days!

[@AnimeSimp234]

44 hours? I'm entering the final act at 71 hours, and I haven't grinded whatsoever. How is that possible? Is it because I'm playing on hard?

[@shutup1037]

Probably

[@RobVespa]

Thanks for another great in-depth review! Despite having not completed a Persona title yet*, this game is on my radar. Not only is it stylish (it looks a lot like one of the Persona projects), it looks interesting. That is has a "grand story" and sticks the landing makes it more alluring, as content is king. All the best! * I tend to start games, but often get distracted and don't return to them. This has nothing to do with how fun they are. If and when I do return, I often feel lost and that I need to begin again, which dissuades me.

[@TK-zd7ym]

The actual true final boss is the boss Mort is talking about with 14 turns. So yeah, if you want the true ending? There you go. Hope that helps.

[@looneypersoney]

Damn, 100% in just a week

[@IlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIl.]

as a Steam Deck owner who hates tiny text on handhelds I didn't find it bad in that respect. it also runs great if you cap the framerate at 30. the only caveat is there's some super ugly aliasing.

[@Mr_G87]

What kept me entertained for the entire game, even for the "low middle-game point" was the main dungeons being unique enough to feel fresh. Also I found the story twists and development quite enjoyable: when you thought the game was leading you towards a certain plot point, the game pulls a "nuh huh" and drops a bombshell on your face (opera segment was a roller coaster). I also found the background lore of the game's universe to be quite interesting. The main villain was just also so much fun throughout the game, and isn't given (at least not as bad as some other games) the "appears 2-3 times for the entire runtime then confronts you at the very end" treatment, and very much so present for quite a long duration, which makes his threat ever present as he could show up at any point. I also feel like they managed well enough the pacing of the story, and didn't fall for the trap of dragging certain plot points for longer than what they should have. The whole archetype system is probably the best "Shin Megami Tensei" like class system: being able to switch your allies' archetype (unlike persona games), having the choice of inheriting and switching skills as required without having to go through the slug of previous games' inheritance system, being able to upgrade archetypes on the go and keep getting xp for other archetypes while channelling a max rank archetype, the icon system being a small but fresh change to the formula, all of it really. For what small faults this game might have, its strenghts more than make up for it. PS: for the late game bosses, I just use Heismay with his royal archetype to skip on the enemy's full turn, making them way more manageable (I also find that for the final trial boss, the game giving you repel gear only for the boss to one-shot you if you have repel gear might be one of the cruellest things Atlus has done).

[@umbral9911]

I am glad you played Metaphor, because in its core it combines two of my favorite things: Shin Megami Tensei's Press Turn System and high fantasy. A part of me kind of wishes that the game didn't have Personas calendar system, to have more of an open game, but the game is fine as is. I think its pretty good, not my favorite Atlus game (I thought it would be, since I love fantasy) but it still got a high place in my ranking!

[@kraftwork01]

"safety saves, reload go back", you should do a video on your process to 100 percenting games

[@MortismalGaming]

I have, its in the channel FAQ playlist

[@brilobox2]

Keeping a dozen backup saves should be standard gamer practice. Time is precious and losing 5 hours to a bug or softlock sucks a lot of enjoyment out of an otherwise great time.

[@Natsocenis]

My god man, you are a rockstar

[@uhhh69420]

Thorough review without spoilers. Really informational. Thank you! Like and subbed 👍

[@MisspentYouth333]

Plenty of archetype spoilers though, if anyone were to care about that kind of thing

[@Kvth14]

I havent played any JRPGs for at least 10 years now, this was in my opinion the perfect game to enter back into the world of turnbased jrpg games and boy did it not disappoint 🔥

[@mamudi91]

try DQ XI

[@Gaaravify]

I feel like some guys that are talking about this game didn't even played it, so thanks for this truthy review

[@phillemon7664]

The people crapping on the OST definitely haven't played the game to get the vibe

[@Buddanutslol]

I used to love JRPGs growing up, then I got suckered into MMOs for a long time. Now I’m getting back into JRPGs and really enjoying myself. I’m alternating between this, P3R and Like a Dragon. Loving all of them. Hyped for DQ3!

[@hristi]

You're a machine!

[@ranalape33]

I thought it was cool that their fantasy book seems to be “utopia” by Thomas More Really liked this one and might be my goty

[@Foogi9000]

I mean the author is literally called More lol

[@BradPrichard]

Always enjoy the rare JRPG review! Thanks!

[@Lucifer-Trade]

Great review! Im just in the 1st main dungeon now, great game so far, I dont really like the Grind for Mp atm but it is passable I guess. Recommended title

[@Lutasiren]

well like p5 and p3r, mp would be less a concern beyond the first one or two dungeons.

[@studentt6064]

Well you don't really have to finish the dungeon in 1 sitting, in which case you don't massively need to grind for MP anyways.

[@Childofbhaal]

You don’t have to grind for MP

[@brianbalcer]

The game isn't meant, or balanced around grinding for MP and finishing dungeons in one day. It doesn't have to be done.

[@kokosan09]

thanks, Mort! I'm thoroughly enoying the game rn. whenever the music in the runner plays, I get such happy, nostalgic feels ahahaha

[@johnsanders1901]

100% already! Your a beast!

[@zeneck7387]

I feel like games are getting more expensive without any other justification than " we want more money :) ". And once a big game gets away with it, every other company gladly follows. I remember when new released game were 50 bucks.

[@Harkz0r]

I also remember a time when some groceries were almost half the price they are right now, and it wasn't so long ago. To be honest, game prices have not really kept pace with inflation for a few years. It's true Metaphor is expensive, but I don't mind paying for it personally. Especially since I've spent more on subscription fees and gachas than those titles probably deserved. If it means more games of this calibre I would happily pay.

[@zeneck7387]

@@Harkz0r " if it means more games of this calibre" That's the issue. it doesn't mean that at all ! the only reason game are more expensive is for the sake of profit. nothing else. they could have sold the game for way less without any problem. it's just that investors likes it when the green arrow goes up.

[@ironxdt4080]

Very informative, no bullshit review. Even Steamdeck performance where I will probably play mostly. Exactly what I was looking for. You've earned my subscribe, good sir. Thanks for the work you do.

[@jawsofwar]

Solid review thank you !

[@deaconfuse3850]

I’m looking forward to time with this game. It may sound odd but sometimes repetitive jrpg stuff is a good “zone out, and chill” thing for me.

[@stevewallace1387]

Always enjoy your reviews keep up the good work

[@DaxXerxes]

As a huge fan of these games, Metaphor really blew my expectations out of the water. The story and some bonds even got me to tear up. In my NG+ on Regicide, I think theres one Archetype that will carry through for one reason only, which is a similar (and one of the only) gripes I had; Soul Scream/Shriek. Thankfully, an end game Archetype you can gain access to allows you to cause a dodge to instead waste ALL of an enemy's turns. It honestly made me breathe a small sigh of relief when I discovered this. Other than that, I agree with near everything you said. The music is also so fun for me, even if a tad repetitive. Also thankfully, costumes from DLC can change the music on tactical fights to break up some of that repetitiveness.

[@Bignuke87]

Youre a mad lad! Much appreciated for the review!

[@Ocean5ix]

What exactly do you mean by "the game runs out of new things to present to the player"? I'm asking because in RPGs with job systems, usually the new job unlocks and mix/matching, min/maxing build crafting is one of the biggest driving forces of the progression system. At least to me. Unless you're talking about the overall structure of the game regarding the calendar and deadline system?

[@matteste]

One other waring about the Steam deck worth mentioning is that the game comes with Denuvo which can really affect you from simply tweaking settings or if you are without internet.

[@DenkyCaliber478]

Game's been out for like- what? a bit more than week? HOW DID YOU 100% IT ALREADY!? THAT'S CRAZY.

[@spartalawson]

What a feat!

[@BrandonHeat243]

To be fair, this is his job. If I spent all my work time focusing on games I'm sure I could get big games done relativity quickly too.

[@nitad001]

@@BrandonHeat243with peace and love, You couldn’t do that and then do 5-6 other videos a week

[@BrandonHeat243]

I'm not sure why you guys are getting so defensive. Obviously Mort is a hard worker. I wasn't trying to undermine him. And I'm not a KZbinr at all so obviously he's way better at stuff like video editing then i could ever be. I was just pointing out the reality of how it's a lot easier to play a lot if you don't have a 9-5 to worry about. Hell, when i was a teen and WoW was new i probably played it for like 16 hours a day 7 days a week. And playing like that it wouldn't take long to 100% this game.

[@timothyturner279]

Adderall is a hell of a drug

[@NiktrickSpade]

Great review Mort! I've just started the game (around the 10H mark) and I get a few references to different JRPGs, especially the SMT and Persona series, it's really fun finding them and I'm looking forward to the dungeons and story beats, t's like getting back to the old games with the familiar and lovable structure but with a pinch of fresh and new content, really liking that. Looking forward to your next review :)

[@Reviewchiller]

100% reviews are goated. I love how you actually get every trophy

[@wolfzzy6934]

THANKS FOR THE REVIEW MORTY G ❤

[@adamvancleave9200]

So like upgrading from the velvet room to the cathedral of shadows app?

[@kimetsunoacademia3528]

I really dont know how your first play through was only 40 hours. I did my first playthrough on hard and only did 1 10 hour long grinding session after which i was practically breezing through endgame and had less 10 deaths on my entire playthrough and even then i clocked in around 102 hours when i finished.

[@zeldark]

How??? How are you able to pump out these reviews that quickly???

[@spacelion4763]

If this was your full time job, how fast do you think you could do it?

[@funjuror]

Playing the demo, it appears to be lots of dialogue followed by 30 seconds of the game, then a cut scene followed by lots of dialogue, etc. I probably played only a few minutes before all the cutscenes. Is this the game format, or can you just play? Does it get less cutscene dialogue and more play the game?

[@aryl-lyra]

Amazing thoughtful review. Glad to see new people enjoying Atlus jrpg formula. Just wanna drop some tips for some people here regarding your issue with endgame superbosses Press turn system is not just about how many action u can get every turn, but u also have to actively making decision on how to reduce enemy turn. this is where dodge , null, repel, or drain in play. without spoiling, there's also a way to completely shut down enemy turn the moment they attack n miss hope this general idea helps with people struggling with endgame bosses

[@StillWeRide]

I never player Persona because of my dislike of anime but gave this a shot. Absolutely love this. Its a brilliant modern jrpg.

[@sotruem8]

if you dislike anime, then dont touch this game. the dialogues and characters are tid bit whimsical if you may

[@StillWeRide]

@sotruem8 15 hours in...I love it! Gallica can be too talkative in battles but yeah I love this game and may play P5 now

[@sekirosuncle3609]

@@StillWeRide smt v vengeance is even better than persona 5 imo

[@Peavey311]

Absolutely my game of the year. Loved the inclusion of real-time battles for the trash mobs. I'm one of those people who likes to grind so this addition is a godsend. Having spent a large part of the year with SMT:Vengance, I was already very familiar with the press turn system and I think I like it better than the Persona, 1-More system. The art direction was incredible! I definitely saw some Ghibli influences, but it did a great job of carving out its own niche. The story and performances were what really took it over the top for me. Especially the performances! Strohl, Louis, and Brigitta's VA's just knocked it out of the park! This game was such a little nugget of sunshine. I hope they do more with this game whether it be some sort of sequel or take it more Persona style.

[@bunkflunk]

how in the fresh hell did you beat the game in 40 hours?? what??

[@GrimAbstract]

I only wish these games came with different outfits that are not just DLC. So many opportunities that they don’t take😢

[@kokosan09]

agreed. I find the "other franchise" costumes so immersion breaking. this ain't Fortnite, dammit!!

[@GrimAbstract]

@@kokosan09 yea bro I feel you, imagine an outfit made for this actual game where you can wear some cool looking armors or whatever later on in the game, would’ve definitely added to the game for me haha

[@brianchapman8757]

Just came back to this after finishing. No idea how you finished the first run in 40 hours lol took me over 100.

[@giacomomallia953]

He completed the game in 40 hours the first time? I'm just at the second quest of the game and have 52 hours

[@geoffdb8118]

Its crazy how this game fails to appeal to me.. not saying its bad mind you, saying it doesnt speak to me at all

[@phillemon7664]

If you don't like stories about racism and modern issues using a fantasy setting as an allegorical device then this may not be for you

[@homieplus8492]

The end game combat is straight up SMT, you’re heavily rewarded for over preparation and heavily punished for under prep. Generally being on the back foot and losing momentum is when you should just restart the fight because of how severe the momentum can swing when a party member goes down

[@halorser]

Great review as always, thanks

[@candelariojo]

Hats off to you good sir! Idk how you 100% this one...

[@matthuck378]

Can you save your game anytime/anywhere, like a proper PC RPG? I mean, the really long dungeon mentioned, as one example...Can I save my game and exit and pick it up where I saved later?

[@daisakura]

I completely appreciate and agree with this review. I'm really tired of the GOTY talk. Its definitely a good game... not THAT good.

[@johnm9893]

2024 is a pretty meh year for games, it's not like there's that many contenders for GOTY. You know things are dire when Astro bot and Black Myth Wukong are talked as GOTY contenders. Between Metaphor and FF7 Rebirth I would argue that Metaphor is more deserving of GOTY.

[@michaelhowell2809]

I thought o would be overwhelmed by the time mechanic but by the time you get the 4th party member it equals out. Maria is making cry already. By rank 5 lol

[@stabor90]

The side stuff of looking for a spot for the sons ashes...gets you in the feels.

[@RwnEsper]

Just wanted to take a moment to say thanks for still engaging with your audience! You have a large enough viewer base that even attempting to keep up with all of it must be a pain, but still give ❤s and I think that's incredibly respectable.

[@AndersonTyrell-c9i]

Looks incredible!!! wish i had more time to play!

[@robert.r.g]

That mission at 15:30 caught me off guard lol

[@syaojyn]

Coming to watch the video for it's title, I was fully okay with story spoilers over personal impressions

[@Noct_Snow]

Mort how the hell did you beat this in 44 hours

[@kyle1806]

"Which brings me to my positives and negatives before we wrap this thing up" Me consummating my one night stand with a girl I brought home from the bar

[@TheNotSoLoneWanderer]

Consummation is the physical congress, not the conclusion.

[@deanitis]

Finished a JRPG this quick. He’s an animal

[@tiffk5768]

Man this took me 117 hours doing EVERYTHING 😭

[@nunyabidnis7111]

People are saying the game took 40-60 hours? How have I managed to put in 100 and still not finish the game? >_> I don't think I did that much grinding. If anything, I feel strapped for mag in the last quarter of the game.

[@shutup1037]

Skipping cutscene and all bonding

[@soulofalbedo]

@@shutup1037nah i finished in 60 and did all the side stuff and didnt skip any cutscenes on hard. Some people just play fast and others play slow

[@sasuke11457]

@@shutup1037 im 47 hours in the last month of the game and i just need to finish up 5 more follower bonds to max, king stats and have done all the side quest in the game so far, its way shorter than a persona games. it has less months

[@xSinn3Dx]

@@sasuke11457 is that a good thing or a bad thing? P5 took me a long ass time.

[@yograin3430]

I finished tonight and took me 106 hours with last 7 hours being mostly running around and do dialogues. I guess some people read faster.

[@crossingtheline2189]

Jfc dude you beat this one quick!

[@dontaysandwich]

Just rolled credits on the game last night, absolutely loved it. I would really like to see Atlus do another Fantasy game.

[@ryanyoung9463]

It's a banger of a game for me. I've only gotten to play atlus games since they made the jump to xbox with persona. And I have enjoyed each title they have made and or ported over to Xbox since

[@Wilwilwiltws]

at this point. i would really prefer games to have ability to save anywhere. not being able to play long hours is really frustrating to have to backtrack or go unknown time to find a save point. This game is almost like Persona 5, from the brief demo i played. but the story theme differs vastly as expected.

[@niolonq]

After seeing this review, I bought a physical copy of the game from Slovakia and waiting now to obtain it. Being a fan of RPGs and having Xbox is such a struggle in Poland sometimes.