A new “Creator’s Voice” video for Metaphor: ReFantazio is available, with director Katsura Hashino offering new details on the story, Archetypes and how players can choose to explore. He also talked about the battle system, which features the Command Battles seen in Persona but adds something new: The ability to defeat low-level enemies immediately.
“I wouldn’t exactly call them a waste of time, but battles with low-level opponents that you already know how to beat can feel like a hassle. Those parts should be quick and fun. Other parts are more deserving of the player’s time – it could be a part of the story that leaves you wondering what happens next, the party customization aspects, or planning your journey as you strengthen your party. We want players to spend time on the more interesting aspects like these.
As showcased below, players can attack enemies in real-time before fights. If weaker, then they’re immediately defeated. If not, the player can initiate a battle with the Squad command, shifting to traditional turn-based combat. You gain an advantage, but if enemies attack beforehand, they go first.
“It’s not a separate two-part system where some enemies can only be fought in command battles or some with action. We let the players judge which enemies are stronger or which ones they have fought before. We were very particular about letting the player make that determination and giving players the option to choose at all times. It’s an all-new system, so I strongly encourage you to pick it up and play with it.”
It’s somewhat similar to The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak, which allows players to shift between real-time and turn-based combat against regular enemies (bosses are turn-based only). Of course, as Hashino notes, this is a single system and relies on enemies being weaker.
Metaphor: ReFantazio launches in Fall 2024. It’s coming to PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Check out more details on its story and setting here.
