Metaphor: ReFantazio lead says the desire for fantasy games remains but the team is focused on evolving JRPGs
Katsura Hashino, director of Metaphor: ReFantazio and head of Studio Zero, said the studio still has a desire to make fantasy games but is currently prioritizing how it can “evolve” its JRPG formula. The comments came in an interview with Game Informer, where Hashino acknowledged that the team has used a similar format across titles over the years and wants to rethink parts of that approach.
Hashino offered a measured assessment of the studio’s appetite for fantasy: “I think the desire is still there. I’m not sure if it’s deepened or dissipated, but it’s still there.” He framed that feeling as an underlying option rather than a fixed plan. More of the interview focused on intent rather than setting. “More so than just latching onto a specific genre of game, we’re going back to how we can evolve our JRPG and what it looks like,” Hashino said. “For us, it’s coming to a turning point where we want to really take it to the next level in terms of how our JRPGs are.”
He also noted a desire to keep Studio Zero’s narrative strengths while adjusting systems so the games are “more widely playable” and “easier, more accessible for a wider audience.” That includes rethinking formats and systems that may feel dated to current players. The remarks follow Hashino’s previous suggestion that the genre is moving into a so-called “JRPG 3.0” phase, he said he hopes his next project will be part of that shift.
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Metaphor: ReFantazio
Developed by Studio Zero
From the creative minds of the Persona series – Metaphor: ReFantazio marks ATLUS’ first ever, full-scale fantasy RPG, brought to you by director Katsura Hashino, character designer Shigenori Soejima, and composer Shoji Meguro.
Write your destiny and rise above fear as you step into a fantasy world unlike anything you’ve seen before. Fraught with unsettling mystery, the kingdom stands on a precipice. Now, you must embark on a journey, overcoming obstacles and forging bonds with friends.
- Genre: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
- Modes: Single player
- Release: 2024-10-11
- Publisher: Atlus, Sega
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Age Rating:
GRAC 15+ / ACB MA 15+ / USK 16 / CLASS_IND 16 / CERO C / PEGI 16 / ESRB T
- IGDB Rating: 86.8/100
