When it comes to creating unique games, the devil is in the details Metaphor: ReFantasia recognizes many details correctly.
Atlus’ efforts to create a game that clearly shares Persona’s tried and true DNA, but stands out as a unique brand, has already impressed quite a few critics. There’s a lot to love between the fascinating fantasy world and the endearing character moments. But for me, there is one screen I love: the post-fight victory summary screen.
Metaphor: ReFantasia has turn-based combat where you create a team of fighters with different roles and specialties. While the game allows players to defeat weaker enemies in real-time in dungeons, you’ll still be fighting plenty of regular turn-based battles. Every time you win a fight against a group of monsters, the screen flashes and displays the victory screen. It shows your team walking against a red and white background and information such as the amount of experience and money earned in battle.
It sounds uncomplicated enough, but I really can’t get over how good it looks. My attention is immediately drawn to the composition and the wide range of colors; Characters strut their stuff in brilliantly animated, velvety leisurely motion; and most importantly, you will be rewarded with additional buffs and a banner that reads “Victory Unscathed” if the enemy does not damage your team.
I really like the post-fight screen, but the UI and menus in general are also stunning. The pause screen makes the hero look like a dreamy watercolor painting come to life. According to Katsura Hashino, who also directed several Persona games Metaphor: ReFantasiamenus take a lot of time and areactually very irritating” create as the team creates unique designs for each menu.
“Whether it’s the store menu or the main menu, when you open it, it launches a whole separate program and a separate project that’s needed to create it,” Hashino told The Verge.
For me, details like menus and the post-fight screen shine like jewels in a crown Metaphor: ReFantasia. There’s an undeniable confidence in the little things, and I think that’s a major part of what makes this game so special. Some battles or sections of the game can be really challenging. You need all the encouragement you can get, and every time I see the screen I feel like I’m ready to save the world – one fight at a time.
