July 31, 2024 – SEGA has revealed new information about Metaphor: ReFantazio, the latest RPG from ATLUS’s Studio Zero, which will launch on October 11, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, Windows, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, and Steam.
World Affairs
This story takes place in the United Kingdom of Euchronia, formed by an alliance of three nations. Leaders of Euchronia’s state religion, Sanctism, usurped control after the royal family’s power began to wane. With no heirs left to succeed the aging king, the citizens of Euchronia have started to view Sanctifex Forden, the head of Santicism, as the safest option to avoid political unrest.
However, a group of dissenters spearheaded by Louis, who rose to power in the royal army at a young age, has emerged. He blames the Church and king for causing the anxiety that gave rise to the beasts known as humans. He has promised to protect his weak followers from these creatures, and his charisma and reputation have garnered him an everincreasing group of enthusiastic supporters.
In Metaphor, the curtain rises with Louis assassinating the king. His treacherous acts started in the past, with him attempting to take the prince’s life to take him out of the succession.If Louis wins the struggle for the throne against Forden, the man who has taken the lives of two generations of the royal family will become the next king.
Supporters of the royal family would give their lives to prevent this.
The protagonist is on a journey to save a prince who has been stricken by a death curse; his mission is to “defeat the great traitor Louis, the caster of the curse.”
・ Main Contenders for the Throne
Moderate in charge of the Sanctist Church
Forden (voiced by Mitsuru Miyamoto)
The 78th Sanctifex of the Sanctist Church, the state religion of the Euchronia. He holds the highest authority within Sanctism and, as such, is the leader of the Crown Theocracy. As a High Priest from the Rogue tribe, which is neither the numerically dominant Cremar tribe nor the Lusant tribe, he is a figure supported by a wide range of people.
In the turmoil following the sudden death of the previous king, many view him as something of an interim king, given his position as the leader of the moderate faction.
A radical officer of the State Army
Louis (voiced by Yuichi Nakamura)
A clemar royal army officer of great renown who managed to become nobility at an exceptionally young age. He possesses extraordinary skills as both a warrior and an archimage, but even more highly regarded are his capabilities as a military strategist, for which his superior insight and grasp of psychology set him apart. He prizes rationality above all else, strictly adhering to a policy of appointing officers by
their capabilities alone, without regard for tribe or origin. As a result, senior officials accuse him of trying to undermine tradition.
・Form an Alliance With the Author Residing in Akademeia
The keeper of Akademeia
More (voiced by Takehito Koyasu)
The author of the fantasy novel that the protagonist carries. He is now a prisoner of Akademeia, a mysterious space he describes as a “Hall of Wisdom.” Exploring the world since his youth has given him a wealth of knowledge, and he uses it to offer various pieces of advice to the protagonist’s party as they research their Archetypes. More serves as one of the many Followers that the protagonist can bond with. He governs the Seeker Lineage, the group that the protagonist’s initial Archetype, the Seeker, belongs to.
Plateau
More’s pet cat who lives in Akademeia with him. He doesn’t necessarily resemble the animals called “cats” that exist elsewhere. The strange charm hanging around his neck (a type of magic igniter, according to More) allows for visions of him to be projected outside of Akademeia.
Other Characters
・Team Up With Allies From All Walks of Life
Within a society rife with discrimination, members of various tribes join forces with the protagonist. A different reason drives each of them to try changing the world. Coming into contact with the protagonist’s Archetype, the heroic embodiment that dwells within him, sets off a spark for these characters to awaken to a similar power.
Junah (voiced by Yoshino Nanjo)
A beautiful nidia songstress whose extraordinary voice is praised throughout the kingdom. She is the star of each major event held by the Crown Theocracy and royal family, and her popularity extends outside the kingdom. In her private life, she has taken refuge with Louis, and it is rumored that she effectively holds a position similar to that of an adjutant.Upon awakening the Masked Dancer Archetype, she becomes an ally in the protagonist’s journey.
Grius (voiced by Tetsu Inada)
A veteran rhoag warrior and resistance member alongside the protagonist and Gallica. In addition to his incredible martial prowess, he’s well-versed in magic and has attempted to master the power of Archetypes. Gallica is tasked with delivering him a secret order to kill Louis and lift the prince’s curse. He is a veteran rhoag warrior who infiltrated the ranks of the army and has been working as a covert operative. After anticipating Louis to make an appearance at the royal funeral, the protagonist and Grius move to put their plan into action.
Neuras (voiced by Kazuhiko Inoue)
A genius engineer of the ishkia tribe, he can singlehandedly manage all things gauntlet runners, from planning to maintenance to piloting. He comes from a noble, highly respected family with a mansion in Grand Trad, but is dismissed by his family as an unmanageable oddball for showing absolutely no interest in social status or family prestige. No matter what difficulties the party faces, his upbeat demeanor never fails to lift everyone’s spirits. While he doesn’t join you on the battlefield, he offers valuable support and helps the protagonist awaken the Gunner Archetype.
