Metaphor: ReFantazio looks impressive so far, but it's missing one component that Persona 6 could run away with if the developers take the opportunity. Being an Atlus RPG project, it was inevitable that Metaphor: ReFantazio would see comparisons to the Persona series. That means that one major divergence between the two was sure to draw plenty of attention once it was revealed. Metaphor: ReFantazio should not be taken at face value as a sign of what to expect from Persona 6. Instead, the distinctions between the two could end up strengthening the identities of the respective games.

As Atlus' latest creation, Metaphor: ReFantazio's high fantasy theme sets it apart from the company's signature Persona titles. In terms of gameplay, there are a few definite comparisons that can be drawn. The turn-based battles look a lot like what a Persona game could offer, albeit with a more stylized presentation. In addition, Metaphor: ReFantazio's mechanic of forming bonds with NPCs can bring to mind Persona's signature Social Link system, although any further similarities between the two will have to wait to be seen. Even while Atlus has left some familiar ideas in the game, there's plenty pointing towards Metaphor: ReFantazio being a unique experience.

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Metaphor: ReFantazio Appears to Be Channeling Persona 5 Strikers

Metaphor: ReFantazio is set to put strong emphasis on a particular part of its structure that may manage to appeal to P5 Strikers fans.

Metaphor: ReFantazio's Lack of Romance Should Not Deter Persona 6

Metaphor: ReFantazion Will Not Have Romance Options

One of the significant ways that Metaphor: ReFantazio will differ from Persona is its lack of romantic options. In the game, building bonds will be an important activity for the player over the course of the game. Unlike Persona, though, they will not have the option to start a romance with any of these characters. That by no means indicates that Metaphor: ReFantazio's relationships will be any less important, of course. Strong friendships and vital alliances are keys to success in their own right. It just so happens that Metaphor: ReFantazio's protagonist will not be seeking out any romantic storylines with any of his allies.

Persona 6 Can Make Its Romances More Interesting

The Persona games are no strangers to romantic plotlines, and Persona 6 can upgrade its romances with features that the series hasn't tried before. One idea could be to change the prerequisites required for romance. Rather than simply progressing the Social Link and choosing a dialogue option to initiate romance, Persona 6 can raise the bar. Certain characters could require a certain social stat to have reached a certain threshold, or require players to complete a specific sidequest to initiate the romance. This could add a little more personality to the potential partners while making the process of earning their approval more fulfilling.

Dates and Other Unique Story Events Can Add Flair to Persona 6's Romances

Persona 6 could also get more creative with how it handles its romantic plotlines. While Persona 6 doesn't need a total reinvention, there are a few areas where it could bring vast improvements. For example, it could include dates personalized to each potential partner, complete with new events and potentially unique settings or rewards, such as Social Link boosts or bonus items. This would not only make the individual romances more interesting due to providing more original content, but make pursuing them more worthwhile. Combining that with excellent writing would easily give Persona 6 some of the series' best romances to date.

Metaphor: ReFantazio not featuring romances shouldn't give Persona fans any reason to worry. It's important for fans to remember that Metaphor: ReFantazio is not a Persona clone, and it is going to have its own unique features. It may be skipping romance, but it will have plenty of mechanics and details that the Persona games do not have. The lack of romantic options in the game should not keep players from enjoying it. After a break with Metaphor: ReFantazio, Persona 6 will be able to make its romances better than ever.

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Developed by Atlus' Studio Zero, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantasy RPG set in the United Kingdom of Euchronia, a medieval world that mirrors the modern-day "real world." It takes inspiration from the Persona series with its turn-based combat and social sim elements.

Platform(s)

PS4 , PS5 , PC , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Developer(s)

Studio Zero

Publisher(s)

Atlus

Genre(s)

RPG