Metaphor: ReFantazio is the latest game by publisher Atlus and developer Studio Zero and a new press release gave fans a preview of what to expect in the upcoming RPG.
The new information and screenshots in the press release introduce players to the game's "Fast & Squad" battle system, dungeons, party and archetypes formation, and many more. The Fast & Squad system allows you to fight in dungeons that take a unique approach compared to other turn-based battle games.
Metaphor: ReFantazio's Unique Combat Mechanics
(Photo : Atlus, Studio Zero / Screenshot taken from official website)
With it, players can switch between real-time action that directly damages opponents when navigating in the dungeon, which is the "Fast" portion. The other side is the "Squad" part, which is the turn-based command battle.
Another feature that was showcased is Fae Sight, which is an ability that is used by the game's protagonist's partner, the fairy Gallica. It lets you detect nearby surroundings to understand the danger level of various enemies.
It also lets you understand the strength of the monsters that are waiting inside dungeons, which would allow you to choose the way you fight that gives you an edge over the creatures, according to Gematsu.
The Fast portion of the innovative battle system in Metaphor: ReFantazio is an effective way of fighting lower-ranked enemies that you may have already encountered before. As its name implies, it's a quicker way of getting through enemies.
While on the field, players can also use the lock-on function, dash, and evade various attacks if they time it correctly. On the other hand, enemies that are indicated in yellow or red through Gallica's Fae Sight are enemies that are considered to be relatively dangerous to you.
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These powerful enemies cannot be defeated using the Fast battle system, forcing players to switch to the Squad portion to control their characters. One advantageous thing about Fast is that if you hit an enemy in this mode, you can stun it and start a command battle with an advantage.
In the beginning, Squad battles will have players taking control of up to four characters, which will later be increased to a maximum of seven as you progress through the story. This is similar to the Persona franchise where you recruit new allies to your cause, said Rock Paper Shotgun.
A Challenging RPG
Another feature in Metaphor: ReFantazio is allowing you to switch between front and back rows within your party. This adds a bit more of a different dynamic throughout your playthroughs, mainly in battles.
Atlus also said that the difficulty of the battles that players will experience in Metaphor: ReFantazio was "intentionally made to be high." This could mean that the game, at its core, will be a challenging title for those who are looking for a challenge.
Studio Zero touted Metaphor: ReFantazio's innovative combat system as "an evolution in command battle," referring to the Fast & Squad system. The developer also noted that understanding and using Archetypes properly will be crucial for players to succeed in battle.
Archetypes are awakened when party members "face their fears" and form bonds with "their supportive followers" in order to awaken the sleeping power of heroic images. In particular, the protagonist of the game can transform into different Archetypes in battle that each have unique strengths and personalities, according to GameSpot.
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