Metaphor: ReFantazio director talks about sequels

With a 94 average on Metacritic, a trophy for Best RPG at TGA 2024, and sales milestones that shattered Atlus records, Metaphor: ReFantazio has emerged as one of the standout RPGs of the year—and likely for years to come. The game, a new IP from Atlus' subsidiary Studio Zero, helmed by the director of Persona 3, 4, and 5, took the world by storm and has already become a phenomenon.

In the entertainment industry, success often breeds continuity. Initially, the developers of Metaphor: ReFantazio didn't envision a sequel or a new game set in the same universe, but that seems to have shifted in light of the JRPG's overwhelming success. There's now a possibility of Metaphor: ReFantazio evolving into a saga, much like Persona and Shin Megami Tensei. In an interview with Famitsu, director Katsura Hashino was asked about the studio's plans for future titles.

Metaphor: ReFantazio Is One Of The Year's Most Praised Game

Hashino responded that if they were to create a new game in the future, he envisions the Sengoku period as the best setting. He noted that this could materialize as a JRPG set in a world similar to Capcom's Basara series from the past. Regarding Metaphor: ReFantazio, Hashino stated that while there are no concrete plans to turn it into a series, he's interested in the idea.

The director explained that the project began as an attempt to create a third JRPG series after Shin Megami Tensei and Persona. His goal is to develop it into a flagship title representing Studio Zero. However, to manage expectations, know that Metaphor: ReFantazio started development right after Atlus wrapped up work on Persona 5, taking a total of seven years to complete. The next installment in the saga might not take as long, but it could still be a few years away.

In a previous interview, Hashino confirmed that Studio Zero is working on a new game, though no specifics were shared. Based on recent comments, it seems unlikely that this new project is a sequel to Metaphor: ReFantazio, as the director reiterated that there are no solid plans for a follow-up yet. On the other hand, it has been confirmed that an anime adaptation is currently being discussed.

Whether the JRPG receives sequels or new saga entries, the key takeaway is that Atlus knows what it's doing. Metaphor: ReFantazio is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC. If you want to find out why this JRPG was crowned the best RPG of the year, check out our price comparison for the cheapest Metaphor: ReFantazio CD keys and dive into the realm of Euchronia.