In a recent interview on the Official Xbox Podcast, Katsura Hashino, the director of Metaphor: ReFantazio, explained the game’s unique hybrid combat system, which combines real-time and turn-based mechanics. Hashino wanted the combat to evoke the dynamic feel of battles found in movies and manga.
He noted that while elements of the ‘press turn’ battle system from Shin Megami Tensei 3 are present, Metaphor: ReFantazio has evolved to allow players to breeze through encounters with weaker foes without wasting time or resources. This design choice emphasizes a more engaging and cinematic experience.
The game offers players the ability to employ a purely action-based approach when battling weaker enemies, allowing them to dispatch foes swiftly and move on. Hashino highlighted this functionality by explaining that players can knock out lesser opponents effortlessly, thus maintaining the game’s pace.
This feature not only keeps the combat lively but also enables players to focus on more significant encounters without being bogged down by trivial battles. This balance between fast-paced and strategic gameplay is a core component of the overall combat experience.
When players encounter stronger enemies, the combat transitions to a command battle system. This shift reflects the cinematic essence that Hashino aimed to capture, reminiscent of classic storytelling in manga and films.
The idea is to create a contrast between the chaotic skirmishes against minor adversaries and the intense confrontations with formidable opponents. During these climactic battles, players may see their characters invoking the support of allies and utilizing all available resources, enhancing the drama and strategic depth of the encounters.
Hashino emphasized that this combat tempo—balancing quick skirmishes with slower, more strategic battles—was a refinement of systems explored in previous Atlus titles. This approach aims to create a richer combat experience that keeps players engaged and challenged throughout the game.
By integrating these various elements, Metaphor: ReFantazio aspires to deliver a combat system that feels both familiar and innovative, pushing the boundaries of traditional RPG mechanics.
Since the game’s reviews have started coming in, Metaphor: ReFantazio has received widespread praise from critics, including GamesRadar, which described it as “an evolution of Atlus’ best RPGs.”
The combat system, in particular, has been highlighted as deep, strategic, and exciting, resonating well with players and reviewers alike. Hashino and the development team at Studio Zero appear to have successfully crafted a combat system that not only honors the studio’s legacy but also sets a new standard for future RPGs.
