Did Metaphor ReFantazio EXCEED My LOFTY Expectations?!

I beat Persona 5 Royal in early 2021 and I beat Persona 5 Royal in early 2021 and like any normal Atlas fan, I got on like any normal Atlas fan, I got on like any normal Atlas fan, I got on Google and typed in this. Where the heck Google and typed in this. Where the heck Google and typed in this. Where the heck is Persona is Persona is Persona 6? Of course, I get no solid answer, but 6? Of course, I get no solid answer, but 6? Of course, I get no solid answer, but I did find some interesting theory I did find some interesting theory I did find some interesting theory videos. What I do find instead were videos. What I do find instead were videos. What I do find instead were videos and information on a title called videos and information on a title called videos and information on a title called Project Re Fantasy, which seemed to have Project Re Fantasy, which seemed to have Project Re Fantasy, which seemed to have been silent for many years. To my been silent for many years. To my been silent for many years. To my surprise, this game was announced in surprise, this game was announced in surprise, this game was announced in 2016 and had some very strange 2016 and had some very strange 2016 and had some very strange promotional teases behind it. Upon promotional teases behind it. Upon promotional teases behind it. Upon seeing all this, my interest peaked. seeing all this, my interest peaked. seeing all this, my interest peaked. Atlas was making a fantasy game in a Atlas was making a fantasy game in a Atlas was making a fantasy game in a high fantasy setting. And as a fan of high fantasy setting. And as a fan of high fantasy setting. And as a fan of Lord of the Rings, The Legend of Zelda, Lord of the Rings, The Legend of Zelda, Lord of the Rings, The Legend of Zelda, Xenolade Chronicles, and other fantasy Xenolade Chronicles, and other fantasy Xenolade Chronicles, and other fantasy games and stories, I couldn't wait to games and stories, I couldn't wait to games and stories, I couldn't wait to see what would come of this. But year see what would come of this. But year see what would come of this. But year after year, the developer Katarashino after year, the developer Katarashino after year, the developer Katarashino kept saying that they just weren't ready kept saying that they just weren't ready kept saying that they just weren't ready to show anything just yet until to show anything just yet until to show anything just yet until [Music] [Music] [Music] So, I wasn't home to see the 2023 Xbox So, I wasn't home to see the 2023 Xbox So, I wasn't home to see the 2023 Xbox showcase live with my friends on showcase live with my friends on showcase live with my friends on Discord. Many of us were banking on Discord. Many of us were banking on Discord. Many of us were banking on seeing the long-awaited Persona 3 seeing the long-awaited Persona 3 seeing the long-awaited Persona 3 remake, which had also leaked a few days remake, which had also leaked a few days remake, which had also leaked a few days before. But to our surprise, we saw

before. But to our surprise, we saw before. But to our surprise, we saw another new major title from Atlas, and another new major title from Atlas, and another new major title from Atlas, and that was Metaphor Refantasio. As I that was Metaphor Refantasio. As I that was Metaphor Refantasio. As I opened up Twitter that day when I was opened up Twitter that day when I was opened up Twitter that day when I was out, I was immediately shocked. The out, I was immediately shocked. The out, I was immediately shocked. The first image I remember seeing was this. first image I remember seeing was this. first image I remember seeing was this. And my eyes immediately caught a glimpse And my eyes immediately caught a glimpse And my eyes immediately caught a glimpse of who we now know as Eeland Brilli of who we now know as Eeland Brilli of who we now know as Eeland Brilli Hulenberg. What the heck happened to the Hulenberg. What the heck happened to the Hulenberg. What the heck happened to the unnamed red-haired knight? She looks so unnamed red-haired knight? She looks so unnamed red-haired knight? She looks so different and she's not the protagonist different and she's not the protagonist different and she's not the protagonist of the story anymore. Instead, it's this of the story anymore. Instead, it's this of the story anymore. Instead, it's this wannabe Makoto Yuki guy, but he was cool wannabe Makoto Yuki guy, but he was cool wannabe Makoto Yuki guy, but he was cool enough to be my Discord and Twitter enough to be my Discord and Twitter enough to be my Discord and Twitter profile picture for quite a while, profile picture for quite a while, profile picture for quite a while, though. Also, this was way more Persona though. Also, this was way more Persona though. Also, this was way more Persona than I expected with the combat and the than I expected with the combat and the than I expected with the combat and the calendar system, but the Atlas flare was calendar system, but the Atlas flare was calendar system, but the Atlas flare was still there in the UI and the art style still there in the UI and the art style still there in the UI and the art style and the overall art direction. None of and the overall art direction. None of and the overall art direction. None of us knew what we had in store for us, and us knew what we had in store for us, and us knew what we had in store for us, and many didn't even get a good idea as to many didn't even get a good idea as to many didn't even get a good idea as to what the story and premise would be. But what the story and premise would be. But what the story and premise would be. But the more we learned about it and the the more we learned about it and the the more we learned about it and the more information we got, I was always at more information we got, I was always at more information we got, I was always at the front of every single trailer and the front of every single trailer and the front of every single trailer and made sure to digest all that I could made sure to digest all that I could made sure to digest all that I could from this game's pre-release content. My from this game's pre-release content. My from this game's pre-release content. My point is, I was hyped as all hell, and I point is, I was hyped as all hell, and I point is, I was hyped as all hell, and I had high expectations for this. I love had high expectations for this. I love had high expectations for this. I love seeing new and original IPs, and this seeing new and original IPs, and this seeing new and original IPs, and this one in particular was created by one in particular was created by one in particular was created by developers and writers whose work I developers and writers whose work I developers and writers whose work I already cherished from Persona 4 Golden already cherished from Persona 4 Golden already cherished from Persona 4 Golden and Persona 5 Royal. Oh, I almost forgot

and Persona 5 Royal. Oh, I almost forgot and Persona 5 Royal. Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself. Well, hey guys, to introduce myself. Well, hey guys, to introduce myself. Well, hey guys, Nishqu here. This video may be a little Nishqu here. This video may be a little Nishqu here. This video may be a little bit of a review, but with my pre-release bit of a review, but with my pre-release bit of a review, but with my pre-release experience shared just now and on this experience shared just now and on this experience shared just now and on this channel in many other videos, today I channel in many other videos, today I channel in many other videos, today I want to talk about if Metaphor want to talk about if Metaphor want to talk about if Metaphor Refantasio reached the high bar and the Refantasio reached the high bar and the Refantasio reached the high bar and the lofty expectations that I had for it. Is lofty expectations that I had for it. Is lofty expectations that I had for it. Is this game everything I hoped for for a this game everything I hoped for for a this game everything I hoped for for a new IP and original title from Atlas and new IP and original title from Atlas and new IP and original title from Atlas and Studio Zero? Is it just another Persona Studio Zero? Is it just another Persona Studio Zero? Is it just another Persona clone? Is this a JRPG to remember for clone? Is this a JRPG to remember for clone? Is this a JRPG to remember for years and years to come? I'll be talking years and years to come? I'll be talking years and years to come? I'll be talking about all of this in this video. And about all of this in this video. And about all of this in this video. And before we get started, I just want to before we get started, I just want to before we get started, I just want to say what would help me out tremendously say what would help me out tremendously say what would help me out tremendously is if you give this video a like. The is if you give this video a like. The is if you give this video a like. The Metaphor fandom is growing and I want to Metaphor fandom is growing and I want to Metaphor fandom is growing and I want to share my passion with each and every share my passion with each and every share my passion with each and every single one of you who enjoyed this game single one of you who enjoyed this game single one of you who enjoyed this game or even the people who maybe didn't vibe or even the people who maybe didn't vibe or even the people who maybe didn't vibe with it as much. But I just want to with it as much. But I just want to with it as much. But I just want to share my thoughts, passion, and feelings share my thoughts, passion, and feelings share my thoughts, passion, and feelings to you guys. And if you enjoy Nintendo to you guys. And if you enjoy Nintendo to you guys. And if you enjoy Nintendo games and JRPGs in particular, why not games and JRPGs in particular, why not games and JRPGs in particular, why not subscribe to the channel because that's subscribe to the channel because that's subscribe to the channel because that's what I love talking about here at what I love talking about here at what I love talking about here at Nishquick Pops. And before we officially Nishquick Pops. And before we officially Nishquick Pops. And before we officially get started, I just want to say that the get started, I just want to say that the get started, I just want to say that the majority of this video will be majority of this video will be majority of this video will be spoiler-free with some very light spoiler-free with some very light spoiler-free with some very light gameplay and location spoilers here and gameplay and location spoilers here and gameplay and location spoilers here and there, but there will be a massive there, but there will be a massive there, but there will be a massive storyheavy spoiler section near the end storyheavy spoiler section near the end storyheavy spoiler section near the end of this video, which I'll warn you about of this video, which I'll warn you about of this video, which I'll warn you about beforehand. So, without further ado, let beforehand. So, without further ado, let beforehand. So, without further ado, let me tell you what I truly feel about

me tell you what I truly feel about me tell you what I truly feel about Metaphor refantio. So, surprisingly, I did not think this So, surprisingly, I did not think this game was perfect. And before I gush game was perfect. And before I gush game was perfect. And before I gush about everything I loved, I want to go about everything I loved, I want to go about everything I loved, I want to go over some things I just didn't vibe with over some things I just didn't vibe with over some things I just didn't vibe with or I wished were better handled. These or I wished were better handled. These or I wished were better handled. These by no means brought down the game by no means brought down the game by no means brought down the game experience by a lot, but honestly, no experience by a lot, but honestly, no experience by a lot, but honestly, no video game is perfect. First of all, video game is perfect. First of all, video game is perfect. First of all, when I initially saw the action combat when I initially saw the action combat when I initially saw the action combat in December 2023 shown off for the very in December 2023 shown off for the very in December 2023 shown off for the very first time, I was hoping we'd have a first time, I was hoping we'd have a first time, I was hoping we'd have a little more flexibility in the combat little more flexibility in the combat little more flexibility in the combat system because a few weeks after being system because a few weeks after being system because a few weeks after being blown away by that trailer, one of my blown away by that trailer, one of my blown away by that trailer, one of my friends in Discord VC showed us the friends in Discord VC showed us the friends in Discord VC showed us the combat system of Trails through combat system of Trails through combat system of Trails through Daybreak, and I was gobsmacked. The fact Daybreak, and I was gobsmacked. The fact Daybreak, and I was gobsmacked. The fact that you could switch between action and that you could switch between action and that you could switch between action and turn-based combat whenever you wanted, turn-based combat whenever you wanted, turn-based combat whenever you wanted, it made it look like the most amazing it made it look like the most amazing it made it look like the most amazing system I'd ever seen in a JRPG in terms system I'd ever seen in a JRPG in terms system I'd ever seen in a JRPG in terms of combat. Preemptive attacks seemed so of combat. Preemptive attacks seemed so of combat. Preemptive attacks seemed so much more natural and unique now, and much more natural and unique now, and much more natural and unique now, and you seem to be incentivized for you seem to be incentivized for you seem to be incentivized for switching different battle styles for switching different battle styles for switching different battle styles for the particular situation and setting.

the particular situation and setting. the particular situation and setting. But when I saw the April Atlas showcase, But when I saw the April Atlas showcase, But when I saw the April Atlas showcase, I was a little bummed that action combat I was a little bummed that action combat I was a little bummed that action combat was not as well incorporated into this was not as well incorporated into this was not as well incorporated into this game. Yes, it's very highly encouraged game. Yes, it's very highly encouraged game. Yes, it's very highly encouraged since you still get a significant since you still get a significant since you still get a significant increase in your odds of winning, but increase in your odds of winning, but increase in your odds of winning, but even when you're attacking, it just even when you're attacking, it just even when you're attacking, it just feels a little stiff and clunky. Rolling feels a little stiff and clunky. Rolling feels a little stiff and clunky. Rolling around, dodging, and attacking enemies around, dodging, and attacking enemies around, dodging, and attacking enemies in dungeons is fun, and you do get used in dungeons is fun, and you do get used in dungeons is fun, and you do get used to it, but having played other action to it, but having played other action to it, but having played other action RPGs, I couldn't help but notice that RPGs, I couldn't help but notice that RPGs, I couldn't help but notice that this particular system felt just a this particular system felt just a this particular system felt just a little unrefined. It is definitely little unrefined. It is definitely little unrefined. It is definitely something that they can polish for the something that they can polish for the something that they can polish for the next game, though. And as far as next game, though. And as far as next game, though. And as far as switching combat styles, it's not really switching combat styles, it's not really switching combat styles, it's not really a big deal, as Atlas really excels at a big deal, as Atlas really excels at a big deal, as Atlas really excels at turn-based combat first and foremost. turn-based combat first and foremost. turn-based combat first and foremost. But if they do incorporate more of the But if they do incorporate more of the But if they do incorporate more of the action in their next games, I'd really action in their next games, I'd really action in their next games, I'd really love to see that. This new style of love to see that. This new style of love to see that. This new style of combat did certainly make the game feel combat did certainly make the game feel combat did certainly make the game feel very unique and very different from a very unique and very different from a very unique and very different from a Persona game. And one thing I definitely Persona game. And one thing I definitely Persona game. And one thing I definitely loved was the fact that switching your loved was the fact that switching your loved was the fact that switching your protagonist's archetype will change your protagonist's archetype will change your protagonist's archetype will change your action combat style in the overworld, action combat style in the overworld, action combat style in the overworld, adding a little more versatility to your adding a little more versatility to your adding a little more versatility to your dungeon crawling. One glaring issue I dungeon crawling. One glaring issue I dungeon crawling. One glaring issue I had was the grinding and the mag system.

had was the grinding and the mag system. had was the grinding and the mag system. Though, even in the early game, I felt Though, even in the early game, I felt Though, even in the early game, I felt it took a very long time to level up it took a very long time to level up it took a very long time to level up certain archetypes. The level 20 plus certain archetypes. The level 20 plus certain archetypes. The level 20 plus perk of getting hero leaves of light perk of getting hero leaves of light perk of getting hero leaves of light helped out a lot in leveling up lower helped out a lot in leveling up lower helped out a lot in leveling up lower tier archetypes. But as the ranks and tier archetypes. But as the ranks and tier archetypes. But as the ranks and lineages increased, it was a lot more lineages increased, it was a lot more lineages increased, it was a lot more cumbersome to level these guys up and cumbersome to level these guys up and cumbersome to level these guys up and had to make specific grinding trips to had to make specific grinding trips to had to make specific grinding trips to dungeons to make sure I could get dungeons to make sure I could get dungeons to make sure I could get specific archetypes to a desired level specific archetypes to a desired level specific archetypes to a desired level just to learn a skill or two or reach just to learn a skill or two or reach just to learn a skill or two or reach the desired level to level up. Maybe the desired level to level up. Maybe the desired level to level up. Maybe it's just me not being super used to job it's just me not being super used to job it's just me not being super used to job systems in games where grinding is systems in games where grinding is systems in games where grinding is fairly common, but it felt a little fairly common, but it felt a little fairly common, but it felt a little annoying that even though I had goals annoying that even though I had goals annoying that even though I had goals for certain characters, I was either for certain characters, I was either for certain characters, I was either most of the time locked out of getting most of the time locked out of getting most of the time locked out of getting them quickly because of how long it them quickly because of how long it them quickly because of how long it would take to grind, how much mag it would take to grind, how much mag it would take to grind, how much mag it would cost to spend on learning desired would cost to spend on learning desired would cost to spend on learning desired skills or awakening into a newly learned skills or awakening into a newly learned skills or awakening into a newly learned archetype, or just how long it would archetype, or just how long it would archetype, or just how long it would just take in general to do any of these. just take in general to do any of these. just take in general to do any of these. be really tedious tasks. A good example be really tedious tasks. A good example be really tedious tasks. A good example is how when I wanted to get the royal is how when I wanted to get the royal is how when I wanted to get the royal archetypes, I was forced into leveling archetypes, I was forced into leveling archetypes, I was forced into leveling up classes I'd never used for some of my up classes I'd never used for some of my up classes I'd never used for some of my party members. Like for example, I never party members. Like for example, I never party members. Like for example, I never used the merchant archetype on Heismeay.

used the merchant archetype on Heismeay. used the merchant archetype on Heismeay. It was only on my main character just to It was only on my main character just to It was only on my main character just to grind money if I needed to or for a grind money if I needed to or for a grind money if I needed to or for a character like Stroll who was well character like Stroll who was well character like Stroll who was well attuned to the merchant since it was attuned to the merchant since it was attuned to the merchant since it was more of a physically based archetype. more of a physically based archetype. more of a physically based archetype. And similarly, I never used the And similarly, I never used the And similarly, I never used the elemental master on Hokenberg. I only elemental master on Hokenberg. I only elemental master on Hokenberg. I only ever used it on EUA or the main ever used it on EUA or the main ever used it on EUA or the main character who were more magic oriented. character who were more magic oriented. character who were more magic oriented. So, it felt a little cumbersome and So, it felt a little cumbersome and So, it felt a little cumbersome and annoying to have to grind out these jobs annoying to have to grind out these jobs annoying to have to grind out these jobs that I basically had ignored. And it that I basically had ignored. And it that I basically had ignored. And it also made me feel like some other also made me feel like some other also made me feel like some other classes I leveled up felt a little classes I leveled up felt a little classes I leveled up felt a little useless. But the silver lining to all useless. But the silver lining to all useless. But the silver lining to all this was that there are specific this was that there are specific this was that there are specific portions of the game at the very end portions of the game at the very end portions of the game at the very end where grinding, archetype leveling, and where grinding, archetype leveling, and where grinding, archetype leveling, and skill inheritance is not necessarily skill inheritance is not necessarily skill inheritance is not necessarily streamlined, but it's just made a little streamlined, but it's just made a little streamlined, but it's just made a little easier. I just wish when you're in the easier. I just wish when you're in the easier. I just wish when you're in the last third of the game, all the stuff last third of the game, all the stuff last third of the game, all the stuff was just overall a little more was just overall a little more was just overall a little more streamlined and simplified. But overall, streamlined and simplified. But overall, streamlined and simplified. But overall, the archetype system was a very welcome the archetype system was a very welcome the archetype system was a very welcome change to an Atlas game. And it truly change to an Atlas game. And it truly change to an Atlas game. And it truly made this game feel very different from made this game feel very different from made this game feel very different from a Persona or SMT game since I was not a Persona or SMT game since I was not a Persona or SMT game since I was not fusing or negotiating with monsters, two fusing or negotiating with monsters, two fusing or negotiating with monsters, two mechanics I've been doing in so many mechanics I've been doing in so many mechanics I've been doing in so many Atlas games since. My biggest issues Atlas games since. My biggest issues Atlas games since. My biggest issues with the game came from the dungeons and with the game came from the dungeons and with the game came from the dungeons and the pacing, both of which go hand in the pacing, both of which go hand in the pacing, both of which go hand in hand. I didn't really know what hand. I didn't really know what hand. I didn't really know what qualifies as a main dungeon or a side qualifies as a main dungeon or a side qualifies as a main dungeon or a side dungeon in the game. So, when I did the dungeon in the game. So, when I did the dungeon in the game. So, when I did the Nord mines for the first time during the Nord mines for the first time during the Nord mines for the first time during the demo, I assumed it was a side dungeon demo, I assumed it was a side dungeon demo, I assumed it was a side dungeon just like the Tradia Desert or the just like the Tradia Desert or the just like the Tradia Desert or the Bellago Corridor, while the Royal Tomb

Bellago Corridor, while the Royal Tomb Bellago Corridor, while the Royal Tomb and the Mausoleum felt like the first and the Mausoleum felt like the first and the Mausoleum felt like the first major dungeon since it was tied to the major dungeon since it was tied to the major dungeon since it was tied to the first official deadline in the game. first official deadline in the game. first official deadline in the game. Well, turns out that the side dungeons Well, turns out that the side dungeons Well, turns out that the side dungeons were only the ones that are recycled in were only the ones that are recycled in were only the ones that are recycled in their layout, like the towers, the their layout, like the towers, the their layout, like the towers, the caves, the corridors, and the open caves, the corridors, and the open caves, the corridors, and the open fields. Their names are changed, their fields. Their names are changed, their fields. Their names are changed, their enemies are different, the weather and enemies are different, the weather and enemies are different, the weather and the stylings are different, but usually the stylings are different, but usually the stylings are different, but usually they stay consistent between each they stay consistent between each they stay consistent between each dungeon category. This I didn't have too dungeon category. This I didn't have too dungeon category. This I didn't have too much of an issue with since they're much of an issue with since they're much of an issue with since they're relegated to side quests, grinding relegated to side quests, grinding relegated to side quests, grinding spots, and many side excursions. So, not spots, and many side excursions. So, not spots, and many side excursions. So, not too big of an issue, but if they had a too big of an issue, but if they had a too big of an issue, but if they had a little bit more variety, it would have little bit more variety, it would have little bit more variety, it would have been awesome. It's something that been awesome. It's something that been awesome. It's something that disappointed me a bit, but not too much disappointed me a bit, but not too much disappointed me a bit, but not too much in the grand scheme of things. What hurt in the grand scheme of things. What hurt in the grand scheme of things. What hurt a lot more was the fact that the main a lot more was the fact that the main a lot more was the fact that the main story focused dungeons for each arc felt story focused dungeons for each arc felt story focused dungeons for each arc felt a little lackluster to me. Either they a little lackluster to me. Either they a little lackluster to me. Either they were pretty solid, mildly underwhelming, were pretty solid, mildly underwhelming, were pretty solid, mildly underwhelming, or just flatout absent from that arc or just flatout absent from that arc or just flatout absent from that arc entirely. The first deadline of the entirely. The first deadline of the entirely. The first deadline of the Mausoleia made me feel like these were Mausoleia made me feel like these were Mausoleia made me feel like these were going to be on the level of Persona 5 going to be on the level of Persona 5 going to be on the level of Persona 5 palaces. Honestly, that's a pretty high palaces. Honestly, that's a pretty high palaces. Honestly, that's a pretty high bar I was setting for myself. Dungeon 2, bar I was setting for myself. Dungeon 2, bar I was setting for myself. Dungeon 2, which was in like the sewers of the which was in like the sewers of the which was in like the sewers of the castle in Martira, was okay, but in just castle in Martira, was okay, but in just castle in Martira, was okay, but in just overall design and looks, I was a little overall design and looks, I was a little overall design and looks, I was a little disappointed. Dungeon 3 was in the disappointed. Dungeon 3 was in the disappointed. Dungeon 3 was in the gauntlet runner Karadrias, and even gauntlet runner Karadrias, and even gauntlet runner Karadrias, and even though it was a little smaller, it was though it was a little smaller, it was though it was a little smaller, it was still a really unique idea, and it was a still a really unique idea, and it was a still a really unique idea, and it was a lot more focused on combat and stealth, lot more focused on combat and stealth, lot more focused on combat and stealth, which I'd never really seen in any kind

which I'd never really seen in any kind which I'd never really seen in any kind of other Persona game before. Dungeon 4 of other Persona game before. Dungeon 4 of other Persona game before. Dungeon 4 in the Dragon Temple was one I really in the Dragon Temple was one I really in the Dragon Temple was one I really enjoyed, actually. Not really sure why enjoyed, actually. Not really sure why enjoyed, actually. Not really sure why everyone else hated it. And then after everyone else hated it. And then after everyone else hated it. And then after that, I noticed a massive dip in the that, I noticed a massive dip in the that, I noticed a massive dip in the dungeon quality. I looked at a dungeon dungeon quality. I looked at a dungeon dungeon quality. I looked at a dungeon list online and it said that the opera list online and it said that the opera list online and it said that the opera house was the dungeon for the Altterbury house was the dungeon for the Altterbury house was the dungeon for the Altterbury arc, which to me I would not even count arc, which to me I would not even count arc, which to me I would not even count it as a dungeon. We're still in the it as a dungeon. We're still in the it as a dungeon. We're still in the non-spoiler part of the video. So, all non-spoiler part of the video. So, all non-spoiler part of the video. So, all I'll say is despite this arc being very, I'll say is despite this arc being very, I'll say is despite this arc being very, very good for story reveals and very good for story reveals and very good for story reveals and cinematics, the pacing was hurt pretty cinematics, the pacing was hurt pretty cinematics, the pacing was hurt pretty bad with it just being a whole lot of bad with it just being a whole lot of bad with it just being a whole lot of cutscenes and not a meaty dungeon to cutscenes and not a meaty dungeon to cutscenes and not a meaty dungeon to separate it all out. And many of you who separate it all out. And many of you who separate it all out. And many of you who have beaten the game can think of a very have beaten the game can think of a very have beaten the game can think of a very good place after the opera house for a good place after the opera house for a good place after the opera house for a dungeon to have been placed. Not only dungeon to have been placed. Not only dungeon to have been placed. Not only this, but even though some of my this, but even though some of my this, but even though some of my favorite reveals happened in the favorite reveals happened in the favorite reveals happened in the following arc, there was again no following arc, there was again no following arc, there was again no dungeon to accompany that following arc.

dungeon to accompany that following arc. dungeon to accompany that following arc. In my opinion, the final dungeons were In my opinion, the final dungeons were In my opinion, the final dungeons were pretty great. But I was just hoping for pretty great. But I was just hoping for pretty great. But I was just hoping for more main story focused dungeons that more main story focused dungeons that more main story focused dungeons that were better designed and dare I say on were better designed and dare I say on were better designed and dare I say on the level of Persona 5 palaces. Atlas the level of Persona 5 palaces. Atlas the level of Persona 5 palaces. Atlas hasn't mastered dungeon designs like hasn't mastered dungeon designs like hasn't mastered dungeon designs like that since Persona 5 Royal, and I'm that since Persona 5 Royal, and I'm that since Persona 5 Royal, and I'm curious to see them get a little more curious to see them get a little more curious to see them get a little more creative with the future of Metaphor. creative with the future of Metaphor. creative with the future of Metaphor. This is honestly my biggest issue with This is honestly my biggest issue with This is honestly my biggest issue with this phenomenal game. So, everything this phenomenal game. So, everything this phenomenal game. So, everything else beyond this point will be me else beyond this point will be me else beyond this point will be me gushing about how much I loved this gushing about how much I loved this gushing about how much I loved this amazing adventure. amazing adventure. amazing adventure. So, after all those negatives, you must So, after all those negatives, you must So, after all those negatives, you must be thinking I hate this game. But no, be thinking I hate this game. But no, be thinking I hate this game. But no, with my favorites, I'm usually very with my favorites, I'm usually very with my favorites, I'm usually very critical and can see the flaws pretty critical and can see the flaws pretty critical and can see the flaws pretty prominently. I spent 90 hours in this prominently. I spent 90 hours in this prominently. I spent 90 hours in this game in total, and none of these faults game in total, and none of these faults game in total, and none of these faults were enough to ruin this experience for were enough to ruin this experience for were enough to ruin this experience for me. This game is truly a one-of-a-kind me. This game is truly a one-of-a-kind me. This game is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. It's a world, story, and experience. It's a world, story, and experience. It's a world, story, and message that's truly unique in a very message that's truly unique in a very message that's truly unique in a very powerful way. This game blends powerful way. This game blends powerful way. This game blends narrative, symbolism, themes, character narrative, symbolism, themes, character narrative, symbolism, themes, character development, philosophy, and psychology development, philosophy, and psychology development, philosophy, and psychology all together to deliver a fantastic all together to deliver a fantastic all together to deliver a fantastic story that breaks barriers and stands story that breaks barriers and stands story that breaks barriers and stands out within the JRPG and fantasy RPG out within the JRPG and fantasy RPG out within the JRPG and fantasy RPG genre. I've even been recommending this genre. I've even been recommending this genre. I've even been recommending this game to friends who don't usually like game to friends who don't usually like game to friends who don't usually like JRPGs, despite its long runtime. For JRPGs, despite its long runtime. For JRPGs, despite its long runtime. For newcomers to the genre, I truly believe newcomers to the genre, I truly believe newcomers to the genre, I truly believe it's a phenomenal way to get immersed it's a phenomenal way to get immersed it's a phenomenal way to get immersed into a fantasy world, experience the into a fantasy world, experience the into a fantasy world, experience the Atlas gameplay style, and play an

Atlas gameplay style, and play an Atlas gameplay style, and play an unforgettable 2024 game. There's so much unforgettable 2024 game. There's so much unforgettable 2024 game. There's so much I want to talk about relating to the I want to talk about relating to the I want to talk about relating to the gameplay and story before we even get gameplay and story before we even get gameplay and story before we even get into the spoilers, but I think I'll into the spoilers, but I think I'll into the spoilers, but I think I'll start with the one thing in this game start with the one thing in this game start with the one thing in this game that totally took me by surprise. It's that totally took me by surprise. It's that totally took me by surprise. It's something I didn't even know I needed in something I didn't even know I needed in something I didn't even know I needed in an Atlas game and something Metaphor's an Atlas game and something Metaphor's an Atlas game and something Metaphor's director Katsur Hashino says makes the director Katsur Hashino says makes the director Katsur Hashino says makes the game stand out as a title within Atlas's game stand out as a title within Atlas's game stand out as a title within Atlas's large catalog of masterpiece titles. I large catalog of masterpiece titles. I large catalog of masterpiece titles. I love a good immersive adventure in a love a good immersive adventure in a love a good immersive adventure in a game. That's the kind of feeling I would game. That's the kind of feeling I would game. That's the kind of feeling I would get in games that I grew up on like get in games that I grew up on like get in games that I grew up on like Pokemon or The Legend of Zelda series, Pokemon or The Legend of Zelda series, Pokemon or The Legend of Zelda series, but also games that draw me into gaming but also games that draw me into gaming but also games that draw me into gaming nowadays, like the Xenolade Chronicles nowadays, like the Xenolade Chronicles nowadays, like the Xenolade Chronicles series, Final Fantasy, and other RPG series, Final Fantasy, and other RPG series, Final Fantasy, and other RPG franchises. Persona and SMT never gave franchises. Persona and SMT never gave franchises. Persona and SMT never gave me those experiences because those me those experiences because those me those experiences because those experiences felt a little more experiences felt a little more experiences felt a little more close-knit, and there are games that close-knit, and there are games that close-knit, and there are games that were central to a specific location or were central to a specific location or were central to a specific location or area. Not that I didn't like those, but area. Not that I didn't like those, but area. Not that I didn't like those, but I was always hoping for those vacations I was always hoping for those vacations I was always hoping for those vacations you take in Persona to last just a you take in Persona to last just a you take in Persona to last just a little bit longer. But my hopes are little bit longer. But my hopes are little bit longer. But my hopes are finally met in metaphor. I remember finally met in metaphor. I remember finally met in metaphor. I remember Hashino emphasizing the importance of Hashino emphasizing the importance of Hashino emphasizing the importance of the gauntlet runner throughout many of the gauntlet runner throughout many of the gauntlet runner throughout many of the showcases and interviews, and I the showcases and interviews, and I the showcases and interviews, and I never really understood why. Basically, never really understood why. Basically, never really understood why. Basically, what I saw as a fast travel machine what I saw as a fast travel machine what I saw as a fast travel machine would be so important. I then slowly would be so important. I then slowly would be so important. I then slowly started to see it as a genuine mount or started to see it as a genuine mount or started to see it as a genuine mount or like a vehicle like an airship in a like a vehicle like an airship in a like a vehicle like an airship in a Final Fantasy game, but I still really

Final Fantasy game, but I still really Final Fantasy game, but I still really wasn't sold on this. It wasn't until I wasn't sold on this. It wasn't until I wasn't sold on this. It wasn't until I took a few trips in Nurus's trusty took a few trips in Nurus's trusty took a few trips in Nurus's trusty runner myself that I realized that this runner myself that I realized that this runner myself that I realized that this is honestly a highlight of Metaphor's is honestly a highlight of Metaphor's is honestly a highlight of Metaphor's game experience. The Gauntlet Runner itself feels so The Gauntlet Runner itself feels so lived in. You can cook in the kitchen lived in. You can cook in the kitchen lived in. You can cook in the kitchen area, chill in the leisure room, tinker area, chill in the leisure room, tinker area, chill in the leisure room, tinker around the engine room, do chores, bask around the engine room, do chores, bask around the engine room, do chores, bask in the glory of the deck, and do so many in the glory of the deck, and do so many in the glory of the deck, and do so many other activities with your party members other activities with your party members other activities with your party members or all by yourself. It's like your own or all by yourself. It's like your own or all by yourself. It's like your own little traveling home in this game. And little traveling home in this game. And little traveling home in this game. And it just feels so real, like you can it just feels so real, like you can it just feels so real, like you can almost smell the musty and sweaty air of almost smell the musty and sweaty air of almost smell the musty and sweaty air of this old walking machine or feel the this old walking machine or feel the this old walking machine or feel the rush of wind once you get out onto the rush of wind once you get out onto the rush of wind once you get out onto the deck and and get a good look out at the deck and and get a good look out at the deck and and get a good look out at the scenery. Not only that, but the music is scenery. Not only that, but the music is scenery. Not only that, but the music is so perfect for setting the mood of so perfect for setting the mood of so perfect for setting the mood of adventure. There were times I just get adventure. There were times I just get adventure. There were times I just get on the deck just to see the scenery move on the deck just to see the scenery move on the deck just to see the scenery move and bask in this exhilarating vibe. It's and bask in this exhilarating vibe. It's and bask in this exhilarating vibe. It's almost like a big massive RV and you're almost like a big massive RV and you're almost like a big massive RV and you're just going on a road trip with your just going on a road trip with your just going on a road trip with your friends. I remember Hashino described friends. I remember Hashino described friends. I remember Hashino described this game. Almost like a road trip that this game. Almost like a road trip that this game. Almost like a road trip that you're planning with your friends and you're planning with your friends and you're planning with your friends and that's exactly the feeling I got as I that's exactly the feeling I got as I that's exactly the feeling I got as I was playing Metaphor. The vibes of the was playing Metaphor. The vibes of the was playing Metaphor. The vibes of the Gauntlet Runner are one thing, but its Gauntlet Runner are one thing, but its Gauntlet Runner are one thing, but its utility makes the calendar system utility makes the calendar system utility makes the calendar system implemented in Metaphor feel very unique

implemented in Metaphor feel very unique implemented in Metaphor feel very unique and creative. Many people were not too and creative. Many people were not too and creative. Many people were not too happy with how Metaphor incorporated its happy with how Metaphor incorporated its happy with how Metaphor incorporated its calendar system and how it's mildly calendar system and how it's mildly calendar system and how it's mildly iterative of Persona 5's use of this iterative of Persona 5's use of this iterative of Persona 5's use of this mechanic, but I'm going to be honest, I mechanic, but I'm going to be honest, I mechanic, but I'm going to be honest, I did actually find myself strategizing did actually find myself strategizing did actually find myself strategizing and planning a lot more in metaphor than and planning a lot more in metaphor than and planning a lot more in metaphor than I did in any Persona game. The fact that I did in any Persona game. The fact that I did in any Persona game. The fact that many quests not only take an entire day many quests not only take an entire day many quests not only take an entire day to complete, but also require you to to complete, but also require you to to complete, but also require you to travel for a certain amount of days on travel for a certain amount of days on travel for a certain amount of days on your runner makes exploration, side your runner makes exploration, side your runner makes exploration, side questing, and time management a lot more questing, and time management a lot more questing, and time management a lot more interesting. Of course, each general interesting. Of course, each general interesting. Of course, each general activity will take up one half of a activity will take up one half of a activity will take up one half of a day's time slot like in other Persona day's time slot like in other Persona day's time slot like in other Persona games, but also I had to consider that games, but also I had to consider that games, but also I had to consider that travel time was a new factor, and some travel time was a new factor, and some travel time was a new factor, and some desired destinations took up to 2 to 3 desired destinations took up to 2 to 3 desired destinations took up to 2 to 3 days to get to, so that was another days to get to, so that was another days to get to, so that was another thing that was worth considering. And thing that was worth considering. And thing that was worth considering. And all that time wasn't wasted entirely on all that time wasn't wasted entirely on all that time wasn't wasted entirely on travel. It's great that there's a travel. It's great that there's a travel. It's great that there's a numerous amount of activities to do in numerous amount of activities to do in numerous amount of activities to do in the Gauntlet Runner that can raise your the Gauntlet Runner that can raise your the Gauntlet Runner that can raise your social stats, increase your bond levels, social stats, increase your bond levels, social stats, increase your bond levels, and you can even cook meals to get some and you can even cook meals to get some and you can even cook meals to get some good consumables, raise your base stats good consumables, raise your base stats good consumables, raise your base stats by doing some chores, and sometimes even by doing some chores, and sometimes even by doing some chores, and sometimes even get a chance to battle enemies to defend get a chance to battle enemies to defend get a chance to battle enemies to defend your runner. So, travel time was never your runner. So, travel time was never your runner. So, travel time was never wasted. And oftentimes you'd arrive at wasted. And oftentimes you'd arrive at wasted. And oftentimes you'd arrive at these beautiful vistas and scenic these beautiful vistas and scenic these beautiful vistas and scenic landscapes and just bask in their glory, landscapes and just bask in their glory, landscapes and just bask in their glory, get some interesting dialogue and lore get some interesting dialogue and lore get some interesting dialogue and lore drops. And also it would help you drops. And also it would help you drops. And also it would help you increase some of your bond levels as increase some of your bond levels as increase some of your bond levels as well with certain characters. These

well with certain characters. These well with certain characters. These vistas in particular were great since vistas in particular were great since vistas in particular were great since they added so much to the world building they added so much to the world building they added so much to the world building and lore and the feeling of adventure and lore and the feeling of adventure and lore and the feeling of adventure I've been rambling about for so long I've been rambling about for so long I've been rambling about for so long now. And not only that, but the now. And not only that, but the now. And not only that, but the narration of every leg of your adventure narration of every leg of your adventure narration of every leg of your adventure is so beautifully written, delivered, is so beautifully written, delivered, is so beautifully written, delivered, and presented on the map. Makes you feel and presented on the map. Makes you feel and presented on the map. Makes you feel like you're really part of a fairy tale like you're really part of a fairy tale like you're really part of a fairy tale or an old classic fable that will be or an old classic fable that will be or an old classic fable that will be told many centuries later into the told many centuries later into the told many centuries later into the future. Speaking of the calendar system future. Speaking of the calendar system future. Speaking of the calendar system and the time management, there's a lot and the time management, there's a lot and the time management, there's a lot of daily life systems in this game that of daily life systems in this game that of daily life systems in this game that are streamlined very nicely compared to are streamlined very nicely compared to are streamlined very nicely compared to the Persona games. One addition to the Persona games. One addition to the Persona games. One addition to metaphor I vastly prefer to Persona is metaphor I vastly prefer to Persona is metaphor I vastly prefer to Persona is in the bonding episodes. It doesn't in the bonding episodes. It doesn't in the bonding episodes. It doesn't really matter which dialogue option you really matter which dialogue option you really matter which dialogue option you choose. I didn't catch on to this in my choose. I didn't catch on to this in my choose. I didn't catch on to this in my first Persona game, which was Persona 4 first Persona game, which was Persona 4 first Persona game, which was Persona 4 Golden. So, it really messed me up in Golden. So, it really messed me up in Golden. So, it really messed me up in the endame, and I couldn't do all the the endame, and I couldn't do all the the endame, and I couldn't do all the social links because I didn't end up social links because I didn't end up social links because I didn't end up choosing many of the right dialogue choosing many of the right dialogue choosing many of the right dialogue options. Inversely, in Persona 5 Royal, options. Inversely, in Persona 5 Royal, options. Inversely, in Persona 5 Royal, I made sure to have a confidant guide I made sure to have a confidant guide I made sure to have a confidant guide with all the right dialogue options on with all the right dialogue options on with all the right dialogue options on my phone so I wouldn't get any of the my phone so I wouldn't get any of the my phone so I wouldn't get any of the wrong answers. But that also felt really wrong answers. But that also felt really wrong answers. But that also felt really annoying and tedious and kind of took me annoying and tedious and kind of took me annoying and tedious and kind of took me out of the experience. And in Persona 3 out of the experience. And in Persona 3 out of the experience. And in Persona 3 Reload, I was able to rewind if I felt Reload, I was able to rewind if I felt Reload, I was able to rewind if I felt like I got some of the wrong answers, like I got some of the wrong answers, like I got some of the wrong answers, but that also was very tedious and felt but that also was very tedious and felt but that also was very tedious and felt unnecessary at times. In Metaphor, there unnecessary at times. In Metaphor, there unnecessary at times. In Metaphor, there is no penalty for choosing the wrong is no penalty for choosing the wrong is no penalty for choosing the wrong dialogue option. And you will always dialogue option. And you will always dialogue option. And you will always advance your Bond episodes no matter advance your Bond episodes no matter advance your Bond episodes no matter what, as long as you have the time and what, as long as you have the time and what, as long as you have the time and the required royal virtues to end up the required royal virtues to end up the required royal virtues to end up completing them all. But there's also completing them all. But there's also completing them all. But there's also still an incentive to choose the right

still an incentive to choose the right still an incentive to choose the right dialogue option, and that's some extra dialogue option, and that's some extra dialogue option, and that's some extra sweet mag, which is the currency I sweet mag, which is the currency I sweet mag, which is the currency I mentioned earlier in this video, which mentioned earlier in this video, which mentioned earlier in this video, which is a little hard to come by sometimes. is a little hard to come by sometimes. is a little hard to come by sometimes. It's a nice treat and a really good It's a nice treat and a really good It's a nice treat and a really good quality of life feature. When it comes quality of life feature. When it comes quality of life feature. When it comes to overall combat, there's not much I to overall combat, there's not much I to overall combat, there's not much I have to say other than it was really fun have to say other than it was really fun have to say other than it was really fun mixing around different archetype combos mixing around different archetype combos mixing around different archetype combos and setups. I do wish I experimented and setups. I do wish I experimented and setups. I do wish I experimented around with synthesis more since it's a around with synthesis more since it's a around with synthesis more since it's a very cool system that they have going. I very cool system that they have going. I very cool system that they have going. I just felt like I never had the best just felt like I never had the best just felt like I never had the best setups going for it. There's just not setups going for it. There's just not setups going for it. There's just not much to say here. Honestly, it's the much to say here. Honestly, it's the much to say here. Honestly, it's the best of Persona and SMT. And with my best of Persona and SMT. And with my best of Persona and SMT. And with my newfound appreciation for SMT's press newfound appreciation for SMT's press newfound appreciation for SMT's press combat, I love its inclusion here. Mild combat, I love its inclusion here. Mild combat, I love its inclusion here. Mild spoiler for Midame archetypes. Just a spoiler for Midame archetypes. Just a spoiler for Midame archetypes. Just a quick little warning if you want to quick little warning if you want to quick little warning if you want to skip. Here's a time stamp to skip skip. Here's a time stamp to skip skip. Here's a time stamp to skip forward. forward. forward. I really liked how the Mask Dancer and I really liked how the Mask Dancer and I really liked how the Mask Dancer and the Summoner lineages mix up the build the Summoner lineages mix up the build the Summoner lineages mix up the build variety of this game a little bit and variety of this game a little bit and variety of this game a little bit and incorporate some elements from Persona incorporate some elements from Persona incorporate some elements from Persona and SMT as well. The mass dancer classes and SMT as well. The mass dancer classes and SMT as well. The mass dancer classes really felt like I was swapping out really felt like I was swapping out really felt like I was swapping out Personas and summoning demons from SMT Personas and summoning demons from SMT Personas and summoning demons from SMT with the summoner archetype was so much with the summoner archetype was so much with the summoner archetype was so much fun. And I also love how it was also fun. And I also love how it was also fun. And I also love how it was also really easy to create these new masks really easy to create these new masks really easy to create these new masks and summons in the special experiments and summons in the special experiments and summons in the special experiments menu. Just when I felt like things were menu. Just when I felt like things were menu. Just when I felt like things were getting a little bit sy with the combat getting a little bit sy with the combat getting a little bit sy with the combat and a little bit repetitive, they threw and a little bit repetitive, they threw and a little bit repetitive, they threw in this interesting mechanic to play in this interesting mechanic to play in this interesting mechanic to play around with, which was very welcome.

around with, which was very welcome. around with, which was very welcome. Finally, let's get into what's possibly Finally, let's get into what's possibly Finally, let's get into what's possibly the best aspect of this game, the story the best aspect of this game, the story the best aspect of this game, the story and the characters. I'm not going to and the characters. I'm not going to and the characters. I'm not going to give you a full recap on anything give you a full recap on anything give you a full recap on anything because I did that in some other videos because I did that in some other videos because I did that in some other videos and you can find that online or just and you can find that online or just and you can find that online or just play the demo. play the demo if you play the demo. play the demo if you play the demo. play the demo if you gotten this far and you haven't played gotten this far and you haven't played gotten this far and you haven't played the game and want to know what the setup the game and want to know what the setup the game and want to know what the setup for all the events of this game is. What for all the events of this game is. What for all the events of this game is. What I do want to refer back to right now is I do want to refer back to right now is I do want to refer back to right now is in my video where I recap my experience in my video where I recap my experience in my video where I recap my experience with the demo. I remember pointing out with the demo. I remember pointing out with the demo. I remember pointing out four different plot points that were four different plot points that were four different plot points that were like the pillars of Metaphor's overall like the pillars of Metaphor's overall like the pillars of Metaphor's overall narrative. And those four pillars narrative. And those four pillars narrative. And those four pillars intersect and overlap to tell the story intersect and overlap to tell the story intersect and overlap to tell the story and convey the messages and themes of and convey the messages and themes of and convey the messages and themes of the game. Those are the mystery of the the game. Those are the mystery of the the game. Those are the mystery of the humans, the world inside Moore's book, humans, the world inside Moore's book, humans, the world inside Moore's book, the tournament for the throne, and the the tournament for the throne, and the the tournament for the throne, and the plot to kill Lord Louise and save the plot to kill Lord Louise and save the plot to kill Lord Louise and save the prince from his curse. Within these four prince from his curse. Within these four prince from his curse. Within these four pillars, we get a rich story that pillars, we get a rich story that pillars, we get a rich story that explores the themes of social injustice, explores the themes of social injustice, explores the themes of social injustice, racial inequality and discrimination, racial inequality and discrimination, racial inequality and discrimination, the struggle for power, fear and the struggle for power, fear and the struggle for power, fear and anxiety, sense of purpose, destiny, and anxiety, sense of purpose, destiny, and anxiety, sense of purpose, destiny, and duty, and the will to chase your dreams duty, and the will to chase your dreams duty, and the will to chase your dreams and fulfill your long desired fantasies.

and fulfill your long desired fantasies. and fulfill your long desired fantasies. How can any and all of these concepts How can any and all of these concepts How can any and all of these concepts and themes interconnect? I'll get into and themes interconnect? I'll get into and themes interconnect? I'll get into more of that into detail in my spoiler more of that into detail in my spoiler more of that into detail in my spoiler section, but I will right now say this. section, but I will right now say this. section, but I will right now say this. Metaphor is a very vivid looking glass Metaphor is a very vivid looking glass Metaphor is a very vivid looking glass into our lives and society. At times in into our lives and society. At times in into our lives and society. At times in a very pointed and obvious way, but also a very pointed and obvious way, but also a very pointed and obvious way, but also at times in a very uncomfortable way. at times in a very uncomfortable way. at times in a very uncomfortable way. You see so much turmoil, strife, and You see so much turmoil, strife, and You see so much turmoil, strife, and negativity in the world of metaphor, and negativity in the world of metaphor, and negativity in the world of metaphor, and you can't help but equate it to things you can't help but equate it to things you can't help but equate it to things that you have seen firsthand or that are that you have seen firsthand or that are that you have seen firsthand or that are prevalent in our world's political prevalent in our world's political prevalent in our world's political climate. Not only do we see these climate. Not only do we see these climate. Not only do we see these political and social issues present in political and social issues present in political and social issues present in this game, but they're presented in a this game, but they're presented in a this game, but they're presented in a very unique and interesting way. Even very unique and interesting way. Even very unique and interesting way. Even though I just mentioned that what the though I just mentioned that what the though I just mentioned that what the game is trying to tell you is very game is trying to tell you is very game is trying to tell you is very obvious at times, it's not really obvious at times, it's not really obvious at times, it's not really hamfisted and poorly executed. And when hamfisted and poorly executed. And when hamfisted and poorly executed. And when it comes to representing different kinds it comes to representing different kinds it comes to representing different kinds of people in this world and the problems of people in this world and the problems of people in this world and the problems they face, I don't think it's done in they face, I don't think it's done in they face, I don't think it's done in poor taste either. The symbolism is very poor taste either. The symbolism is very poor taste either. The symbolism is very strong and very applicable to our world.

strong and very applicable to our world. strong and very applicable to our world. No wonder this game is called metaphor. No wonder this game is called metaphor. No wonder this game is called metaphor. Not only are these themes present, but Not only are these themes present, but Not only are these themes present, but we also see typical JRPG tropes of good we also see typical JRPG tropes of good we also see typical JRPG tropes of good versus evil, finding your destiny, versus evil, finding your destiny, versus evil, finding your destiny, accepting your duty, facing your fears accepting your duty, facing your fears accepting your duty, facing your fears and anxieties, and many others, but and anxieties, and many others, but and anxieties, and many others, but they're not tropey, and they fit so well they're not tropey, and they fit so well they're not tropey, and they fit so well into the world and lore of metaphor to into the world and lore of metaphor to into the world and lore of metaphor to tell this powerful story of building tell this powerful story of building tell this powerful story of building your fantasy. The entire fantasy aspect your fantasy. The entire fantasy aspect your fantasy. The entire fantasy aspect is also very interesting, but I'll get is also very interesting, but I'll get is also very interesting, but I'll get more into that in the spoiler section. more into that in the spoiler section. more into that in the spoiler section. But overall, I have to happily say that But overall, I have to happily say that But overall, I have to happily say that the very introspective and moving the very introspective and moving the very introspective and moving storytelling of many JRPGs is very storytelling of many JRPGs is very storytelling of many JRPGs is very present in Metaphor Refantasio. And it's present in Metaphor Refantasio. And it's present in Metaphor Refantasio. And it's very intentional and honestly very very intentional and honestly very very intentional and honestly very inspiring and not in the ways like other inspiring and not in the ways like other inspiring and not in the ways like other games I enjoy like Xenolade Chronicles, games I enjoy like Xenolade Chronicles, games I enjoy like Xenolade Chronicles, Final Fantasy, and Persona can be, but Final Fantasy, and Persona can be, but Final Fantasy, and Persona can be, but it really makes you look inside of it really makes you look inside of it really makes you look inside of yourself. Think of the person you are yourself. Think of the person you are yourself. Think of the person you are now and how you can shape yourself to be now and how you can shape yourself to be now and how you can shape yourself to be a better version for not only yourself a better version for not only yourself a better version for not only yourself but for everyone else around you. The but for everyone else around you. The but for everyone else around you. The cast of characters are also incredibly cast of characters are also incredibly cast of characters are also incredibly down to earth and well written. Each of down to earth and well written. Each of down to earth and well written. Each of them fits so perfectly in your party and them fits so perfectly in your party and them fits so perfectly in your party and their purpose for joining you on your their purpose for joining you on your their purpose for joining you on your adventure gives them very personal adventure gives them very personal adventure gives them very personal motives that tie to the central themes motives that tie to the central themes motives that tie to the central themes of the game. It's going to take some of the game. It's going to take some of the game. It's going to take some more time and some cutscene rewatches more time and some cutscene rewatches more time and some cutscene rewatches and maybe even a replay to see if this and maybe even a replay to see if this and maybe even a replay to see if this cast ranks up there with some of my cast ranks up there with some of my cast ranks up there with some of my favorites and other JRPG parties, but

favorites and other JRPG parties, but favorites and other JRPG parties, but they are all very iconic and very they are all very iconic and very they are all very iconic and very memorable individuals. They feel so real memorable individuals. They feel so real memorable individuals. They feel so real with their worries and fears as well as with their worries and fears as well as with their worries and fears as well as their aspirations and goals. And having their aspirations and goals. And having their aspirations and goals. And having them around for the ride makes each them around for the ride makes each them around for the ride makes each moment in this game feel all the more moment in this game feel all the more moment in this game feel all the more incredible. The supporting cast is also incredible. The supporting cast is also incredible. The supporting cast is also a very big highlight as they're not just a very big highlight as they're not just a very big highlight as they're not just side characters who interact with you side characters who interact with you side characters who interact with you once in a while. They play a massive once in a while. They play a massive once in a while. They play a massive role in the events of the story, star in role in the events of the story, star in role in the events of the story, star in many pivotal story beats, and even come many pivotal story beats, and even come many pivotal story beats, and even come across as equally, if not more likable across as equally, if not more likable across as equally, if not more likable than the main cast of characters. Each than the main cast of characters. Each than the main cast of characters. Each supporting character and follower you supporting character and follower you supporting character and follower you have on your journey has their own have on your journey has their own have on your journey has their own impactful story to tell and message to impactful story to tell and message to impactful story to tell and message to bring to your experience of the game. bring to your experience of the game. bring to your experience of the game. And with their iconic and memorable And with their iconic and memorable And with their iconic and memorable character designs, I will not be character designs, I will not be character designs, I will not be forgetting any of these guys anytime forgetting any of these guys anytime forgetting any of these guys anytime soon. One small thing is I wish that the soon. One small thing is I wish that the soon. One small thing is I wish that the other tournament contestants had more of other tournament contestants had more of other tournament contestants had more of a presence in the story and we got to a presence in the story and we got to a presence in the story and we got to learn a little bit more about them. Most learn a little bit more about them. Most learn a little bit more about them. Most of them are relegated to comic relief of them are relegated to comic relief of them are relegated to comic relief moments, side quest encounters, or moments, side quest encounters, or moments, side quest encounters, or distractions on your journey. But if distractions on your journey. But if distractions on your journey. But if they had more of a role to play in the they had more of a role to play in the they had more of a role to play in the narrative like a few of them actually do narrative like a few of them actually do narrative like a few of them actually do or were even some additional follower or were even some additional follower or were even some additional follower bonds, I would have really appreciated bonds, I would have really appreciated bonds, I would have really appreciated that. So, as of now, I've glossed over that. So, as of now, I've glossed over that. So, as of now, I've glossed over the main story, the themes, the the main story, the themes, the the main story, the themes, the narrative impact of metaphor, but I've narrative impact of metaphor, but I've narrative impact of metaphor, but I've not dived into any specifics yet. I was

not dived into any specifics yet. I was not dived into any specifics yet. I was saving that for now when we delve deep saving that for now when we delve deep saving that for now when we delve deep into spoilers. So, if you have not into spoilers. So, if you have not into spoilers. So, if you have not beaten Metaphor Refantasio or haven't beaten Metaphor Refantasio or haven't beaten Metaphor Refantasio or haven't played it yet, this is your formal played it yet, this is your formal played it yet, this is your formal massive spoiler warning that I'll be massive spoiler warning that I'll be massive spoiler warning that I'll be getting into some very heavy stuff here. getting into some very heavy stuff here. getting into some very heavy stuff here. If you want to continue to the If you want to continue to the If you want to continue to the conclusion of this video, you can skip conclusion of this video, you can skip conclusion of this video, you can skip to this timestamp or you can leave and to this timestamp or you can leave and to this timestamp or you can leave and check out some of my other non-spoilery check out some of my other non-spoilery check out some of my other non-spoilery metaphor content. Thank you so much for metaphor content. Thank you so much for metaphor content. Thank you so much for watching up to this point. And one more watching up to this point. And one more watching up to this point. And one more quick reminder, if you guys are watching quick reminder, if you guys are watching quick reminder, if you guys are watching up to this point in this video, I up to this point in this video, I up to this point in this video, I wholeheartedly thank you from the bottom wholeheartedly thank you from the bottom wholeheartedly thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is probably the of my heart. This is probably the of my heart. This is probably the longest review I've written for this longest review I've written for this longest review I've written for this channel. And I really appreciate you channel. And I really appreciate you channel. And I really appreciate you guys watching. But what would really guys watching. But what would really guys watching. But what would really make me even more happier is if you give make me even more happier is if you give make me even more happier is if you give this video a like and share with other this video a like and share with other this video a like and share with other Metaphor fans you might know in your Metaphor fans you might know in your Metaphor fans you might know in your lives. And if you still aren't lives. And if you still aren't lives. And if you still aren't subscribed to the channel, subscribe for subscribed to the channel, subscribe for subscribed to the channel, subscribe for more JRPG gameplay and story analysis more JRPG gameplay and story analysis more JRPG gameplay and story analysis just like this and for more future just like this and for more future just like this and for more future content on Metaphor Refantasio because content on Metaphor Refantasio because content on Metaphor Refantasio because I'm sure that this will be a staple in I'm sure that this will be a staple in I'm sure that this will be a staple in Atlas's catalog in the future. Anyways, Atlas's catalog in the future. Anyways, Atlas's catalog in the future. Anyways, let's get into the spoilers right now.

let's get into the spoilers right now. let's get into the spoilers right now. I'm honestly not sure where to start, I'm honestly not sure where to start, I'm honestly not sure where to start, but I think I'll start off with the but I think I'll start off with the but I think I'll start off with the connection that the world of metaphor connection that the world of metaphor connection that the world of metaphor has to our world and our reality. Before has to our world and our reality. Before has to our world and our reality. Before starting this game and observing the starting this game and observing the starting this game and observing the pre-release content, I was under the pre-release content, I was under the pre-release content, I was under the assumption that our world full of assumption that our world full of assumption that our world full of skyscrapers, buildings, planes, and skyscrapers, buildings, planes, and skyscrapers, buildings, planes, and automobiles was like a parallel world to automobiles was like a parallel world to automobiles was like a parallel world to metaphors, and we'd be introduced to it metaphors, and we'd be introduced to it metaphors, and we'd be introduced to it like how Moore reveals his fantasy to us like how Moore reveals his fantasy to us like how Moore reveals his fantasy to us at the very end of the game. And at the very end of the game. And at the very end of the game. And furthermore, I assumed that the human furthermore, I assumed that the human furthermore, I assumed that the human monsters we had seen were what we would monsters we had seen were what we would monsters we had seen were what we would look like if we were transported into look like if we were transported into look like if we were transported into this fantasy world. Color me shocked this fantasy world. Color me shocked this fantasy world. Color me shocked when I ventured deep into the dragon when I ventured deep into the dragon when I ventured deep into the dragon temple to find Shinjuku of all places temple to find Shinjuku of all places temple to find Shinjuku of all places and discover the fact that Metaphor's and discover the fact that Metaphor's and discover the fact that Metaphor's fantasy world was once our world fantasy world was once our world fantasy world was once our world originally with skyscrapers, originally with skyscrapers, originally with skyscrapers, automobiles, and humans. Oh, and also, automobiles, and humans. Oh, and also, automobiles, and humans. Oh, and also, of course, the Etrian Odyssey references of course, the Etrian Odyssey references of course, the Etrian Odyssey references are pretty cool, too. This made the are pretty cool, too. This made the are pretty cool, too. This made the story so much more interesting. What story so much more interesting. What story so much more interesting. What made all this happen? Why are the humans made all this happen? Why are the humans made all this happen? Why are the humans the way that they are now? These the way that they are now? These the way that they are now? These questions just kept piling up, but I questions just kept piling up, but I questions just kept piling up, but I also had more of my predictions that also had more of my predictions that also had more of my predictions that were both debunked and also confirmed.

were both debunked and also confirmed. were both debunked and also confirmed. At the very beginning of the game, the At the very beginning of the game, the At the very beginning of the game, the thieves and thugs who ransack the thieves and thugs who ransack the thieves and thugs who ransack the caravan you, Galica, and Hulkenberg were caravan you, Galica, and Hulkenberg were caravan you, Galica, and Hulkenberg were traveling on pointedly call you out as traveling on pointedly call you out as traveling on pointedly call you out as an elder for not having pointed ears or an elder for not having pointed ears or an elder for not having pointed ears or horns. That immediately made me think, horns. That immediately made me think, horns. That immediately made me think, the Rousants and the Clayars are the the Rousants and the Clayars are the the Rousants and the Clayars are the most humanlike of the races. The others most humanlike of the races. The others most humanlike of the races. The others are too, but these two look the most are too, but these two look the most are too, but these two look the most like normal humans like you and me. And like normal humans like you and me. And like normal humans like you and me. And the fact that Eldens generally look most the fact that Eldens generally look most the fact that Eldens generally look most like humans made me predict that the like humans made me predict that the like humans made me predict that the Elder were the last remnants of the Elder were the last remnants of the Elder were the last remnants of the humans. But also, I should have spoken humans. But also, I should have spoken humans. But also, I should have spoken up during my live stream when I noticed up during my live stream when I noticed up during my live stream when I noticed that the prince himself had no horns or that the prince himself had no horns or that the prince himself had no horns or pointed ears either. I was so curious pointed ears either. I was so curious pointed ears either. I was so curious what race and tribe he fell into. He had what race and tribe he fell into. He had what race and tribe he fell into. He had to be an elder as well. He looked to be an elder as well. He looked to be an elder as well. He looked exactly like us. these stacking exactly like us. these stacking exactly like us. these stacking questions would all be answered and questions would all be answered and questions would all be answered and eventually given more context. So, the eventually given more context. So, the eventually given more context. So, the reveal that your protagonist was the reveal that your protagonist was the reveal that your protagonist was the prince was unfortunately a little bit prince was unfortunately a little bit prince was unfortunately a little bit spoiled for me just because I did see a spoiled for me just because I did see a spoiled for me just because I did see a picture of the protagonist with gray picture of the protagonist with gray picture of the protagonist with gray hair and just kind of automatically put hair and just kind of automatically put hair and just kind of automatically put two and two together. I assumed his two and two together. I assumed his two and two together. I assumed his fusion with the prince in some way sort fusion with the prince in some way sort fusion with the prince in some way sort of happened. But the way it was done and of happened. But the way it was done and of happened. But the way it was done and the impact of that moment still hit me the impact of that moment still hit me the impact of that moment still hit me very hard.

very hard. very hard. This prince was so moved and inspired by This prince was so moved and inspired by This prince was so moved and inspired by this utopian fantasy novel. But because this utopian fantasy novel. But because this utopian fantasy novel. But because of his health and his weaknesses, he of his health and his weaknesses, he of his health and his weaknesses, he just couldn't achieve this lofty dream just couldn't achieve this lofty dream just couldn't achieve this lofty dream and fantasy that he had within him. But and fantasy that he had within him. But and fantasy that he had within him. But with the power of pure magic and his with the power of pure magic and his with the power of pure magic and his strong dream to achieve his fantasy, strong dream to achieve his fantasy, strong dream to achieve his fantasy, your protagonist, Will was born. Will is your protagonist, Will was born. Will is your protagonist, Will was born. Will is the canon name for this protagonist. And the canon name for this protagonist. And the canon name for this protagonist. And it's funny, a manifestation of the it's funny, a manifestation of the it's funny, a manifestation of the prince's will to achieve his dreams and prince's will to achieve his dreams and prince's will to achieve his dreams and live out his fantasies is your live out his fantasies is your live out his fantasies is your protagonist. protagonist. protagonist. And through the guidance of your And through the guidance of your And through the guidance of your mother's elden magic and your father's mother's elden magic and your father's mother's elden magic and your father's utopian novel, you start your quest to utopian novel, you start your quest to utopian novel, you start your quest to set things right and build a better set things right and build a better set things right and build a better future. It made me think to myself, future. It made me think to myself, future. It made me think to myself, I have dreams and fantasies myself. And I have dreams and fantasies myself. And I have dreams and fantasies myself. And seeing a dream and fantasy manifest into seeing a dream and fantasy manifest into seeing a dream and fantasy manifest into an ideal version of yourself in this an ideal version of yourself in this an ideal version of yourself in this game, it made me realize so much. The game, it made me realize so much. The game, it made me realize so much. The only person who can bring these dreams only person who can bring these dreams only person who can bring these dreams to life is me. And even though I to life is me. And even though I to life is me. And even though I sometimes don't think I can do it, I sometimes don't think I can do it, I sometimes don't think I can do it, I most certainly can. And on top of all of most certainly can. And on top of all of most certainly can. And on top of all of that, the heroes we see ourselves as, that, the heroes we see ourselves as, that, the heroes we see ourselves as, whether we close our eyes and imagine, whether we close our eyes and imagine, whether we close our eyes and imagine, read inspiring tales or play these

read inspiring tales or play these read inspiring tales or play these moving video games, those messages and moving video games, those messages and moving video games, those messages and those themes and those heroes that we those themes and those heroes that we those themes and those heroes that we see within these experiences, they are see within these experiences, they are see within these experiences, they are very real to ourselves. They may not be very real to ourselves. They may not be very real to ourselves. They may not be presently here right now watching this presently here right now watching this presently here right now watching this video or writing this script or editing video or writing this script or editing video or writing this script or editing this video, but they're deeply within this video, but they're deeply within this video, but they're deeply within us. And if we believe as positively as us. And if we believe as positively as us. And if we believe as positively as the prince, we can see those heroes come the prince, we can see those heroes come the prince, we can see those heroes come to life. And those heroes within us can to life. And those heroes within us can to life. And those heroes within us can truly change the world. It's such a truly change the world. It's such a truly change the world. It's such a beautiful and powerful and symbolic beautiful and powerful and symbolic beautiful and powerful and symbolic message in this game that goes beyond a message in this game that goes beyond a message in this game that goes beyond a shocking reveal in a fantasy RPG. It's shocking reveal in a fantasy RPG. It's shocking reveal in a fantasy RPG. It's an inspiring reminder for ourselves and an inspiring reminder for ourselves and an inspiring reminder for ourselves and our futures. our futures. our futures. I want to talk about the villain in this I want to talk about the villain in this I want to talk about the villain in this game for a second. First of all, Atlas game for a second. First of all, Atlas game for a second. First of all, Atlas villains haven't really impressed me villains haven't really impressed me villains haven't really impressed me that much. I've been spoiled by the that much. I've been spoiled by the that much. I've been spoiled by the layered villains in the Zeno series like layered villains in the Zeno series like layered villains in the Zeno series like Grath, Krellian, N, Jyn, Malos, Amalfus, Grath, Krellian, N, Jyn, Malos, Amalfus, Grath, Krellian, N, Jyn, Malos, Amalfus, and with Alice, you have some and with Alice, you have some and with Alice, you have some interesting ones here and there.

interesting ones here and there. interesting ones here and there. Spoilers for Persona 3, 4, and 5. Skip Spoilers for Persona 3, 4, and 5. Skip Spoilers for Persona 3, 4, and 5. Skip to this timestamp to avoid those. to this timestamp to avoid those. to this timestamp to avoid those. Persona 3 had Rioji and Feros and death Persona 3 had Rioji and Feros and death Persona 3 had Rioji and Feros and death of course which was interesting but it of course which was interesting but it of course which was interesting but it was very symbolic and aside from Ferros was very symbolic and aside from Ferros was very symbolic and aside from Ferros you don't see this presence that much you don't see this presence that much you don't see this presence that much throughout the course of the game. throughout the course of the game. throughout the course of the game. Persona 4 has a Dachi who is a very Persona 4 has a Dachi who is a very Persona 4 has a Dachi who is a very interesting foil to Narukami but he's interesting foil to Narukami but he's interesting foil to Narukami but he's just not really likable to me. I just just not really likable to me. I just just not really likable to me. I just never vibe with Adachi too much. Five never vibe with Adachi too much. Five never vibe with Adachi too much. Five has Shido who was very hatable but also has Shido who was very hatable but also has Shido who was very hatable but also kind of a flat character and Ego being kind of a flat character and Ego being kind of a flat character and Ego being the demi urge was like all right I the demi urge was like all right I the demi urge was like all right I guess. Royal did give us Maruki who was guess. Royal did give us Maruki who was guess. Royal did give us Maruki who was a really great villain and I really a really great villain and I really a really great villain and I really appreciated him and you could kind of appreciated him and you could kind of appreciated him and you could kind of sympathize with him and sort of see his sympathize with him and sort of see his sympathize with him and sort of see his point of view but from the Atlas games point of view but from the Atlas games point of view but from the Atlas games that I'd played their villains never that I'd played their villains never that I'd played their villains never really were at the forefront of their really were at the forefront of their really were at the forefront of their stories. But then in comes Mr. Luis Guia stories. But then in comes Mr. Luis Guia stories. But then in comes Mr. Luis Guia Burn. And not only is he hands down my Burn. And not only is he hands down my Burn. And not only is he hands down my favorite Atlas villain, but he is in favorite Atlas villain, but he is in favorite Atlas villain, but he is in contention for my favorite villain in contention for my favorite villain in contention for my favorite villain in all of JRPGs and video games in general.

all of JRPGs and video games in general. all of JRPGs and video games in general. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] Luis is a very interesting foil to our Luis is a very interesting foil to our Luis is a very interesting foil to our protagonist, driven by his own trauma protagonist, driven by his own trauma protagonist, driven by his own trauma and neglect as an Elden, which was also and neglect as an Elden, which was also and neglect as an Elden, which was also a very shocking twist to me. It just a very shocking twist to me. It just a very shocking twist to me. It just makes him a very radical tyrant, but makes him a very radical tyrant, but makes him a very radical tyrant, but also someone who just gets things done. also someone who just gets things done. also someone who just gets things done. His ideals of a world consisting of only His ideals of a world consisting of only His ideals of a world consisting of only those who are strong enough to uphold those who are strong enough to uphold those who are strong enough to uphold the atrocities of it are bold and the atrocities of it are bold and the atrocities of it are bold and extreme. But the more Luis expands on extreme. But the more Luis expands on extreme. But the more Luis expands on his viewpoints and dreams of a future, his viewpoints and dreams of a future, his viewpoints and dreams of a future, it slowly just makes a little bit more it slowly just makes a little bit more it slowly just makes a little bit more sense. Not only that, but when Louise sense. Not only that, but when Louise sense. Not only that, but when Louise talks, his buttery smooth eloquence is talks, his buttery smooth eloquence is talks, his buttery smooth eloquence is easy enough to win over the favors of easy enough to win over the favors of easy enough to win over the favors of the common folk who want to see radical the common folk who want to see radical the common folk who want to see radical change and seek power within themselves.

change and seek power within themselves. change and seek power within themselves. And it even stirs something within us as And it even stirs something within us as And it even stirs something within us as the gamer, the more you hear Louisa's the gamer, the more you hear Louisa's the gamer, the more you hear Louisa's speech and you can't help but actually speech and you can't help but actually speech and you can't help but actually see his point of view sometimes. But you see his point of view sometimes. But you see his point of view sometimes. But you still understand that it's not the right still understand that it's not the right still understand that it's not the right way to go. But it's his charisma that way to go. But it's his charisma that way to go. But it's his charisma that entices you. something you rarely see in entices you. something you rarely see in entices you. something you rarely see in villains like this. The closest I can villains like this. The closest I can villains like this. The closest I can think of is Sephroof, but with Louise, think of is Sephroof, but with Louise, think of is Sephroof, but with Louise, he has charisma along with some very he has charisma along with some very he has charisma along with some very interesting and deep motives. Every time interesting and deep motives. Every time interesting and deep motives. Every time this guy is on screen, you can't take this guy is on screen, you can't take this guy is on screen, you can't take your eyes off him and what's going on your eyes off him and what's going on your eyes off him and what's going on with him in that moment? Which other with him in that moment? Which other with him in that moment? Which other villain has you shaking in your chair as villain has you shaking in your chair as villain has you shaking in your chair as your main character is about to your main character is about to your main character is about to assassinate him? And which other villain assassinate him? And which other villain assassinate him? And which other villain has triumphantly come back from the dead has triumphantly come back from the dead has triumphantly come back from the dead to continue his villainous conquest to to continue his villainous conquest to to continue his villainous conquest to rid the world of the weak and ravage it rid the world of the weak and ravage it rid the world of the weak and ravage it with monstrous humans? I mean, a few with monstrous humans? I mean, a few with monstrous humans? I mean, a few others can come close to Louise's others can come close to Louise's others can come close to Louise's insanity, but he's honestly one of a insanity, but he's honestly one of a insanity, but he's honestly one of a kind. Each party member has a specific kind. Each party member has a specific kind. Each party member has a specific bone to pick with him, and his power and bone to pick with him, and his power and bone to pick with him, and his power and status make him such a force to be status make him such a force to be status make him such a force to be reckoned with. And the fact that he's reckoned with. And the fact that he's reckoned with. And the fact that he's secretly an elder sends a powerful secretly an elder sends a powerful secretly an elder sends a powerful message that even if you're born from a message that even if you're born from a message that even if you're born from a tribe that is scorned and ridiculed, tribe that is scorned and ridiculed, tribe that is scorned and ridiculed, this corrupt world won't really care this corrupt world won't really care this corrupt world won't really care about where you come from or what makes about where you come from or what makes about where you come from or what makes you a unique person. All they care about you a unique person. All they care about you a unique person. All they care about is your external status, your power, and is your external status, your power, and is your external status, your power, and what you as a ruler can provide to them.

what you as a ruler can provide to them. what you as a ruler can provide to them. And Louis's twisted worldview from the And Louis's twisted worldview from the And Louis's twisted worldview from the utopian novel from Moore makes him utopian novel from Moore makes him utopian novel from Moore makes him realize that because of this, the world realize that because of this, the world realize that because of this, the world needs to be drastically changed. The needs to be drastically changed. The needs to be drastically changed. The weak cannot continue to survive in a weak cannot continue to survive in a weak cannot continue to survive in a world that then needs the strong to take world that then needs the strong to take world that then needs the strong to take the reigns. I'm happy they stuck with the reigns. I'm happy they stuck with the reigns. I'm happy they stuck with Luis as the villain from the very Luis as the villain from the very Luis as the villain from the very beginning and had him as the final beginning and had him as the final beginning and had him as the final confrontation at the very end. It makes confrontation at the very end. It makes confrontation at the very end. It makes the story more personal and the more he the story more personal and the more he the story more personal and the more he is built up as a massive threat, the is built up as a massive threat, the is built up as a massive threat, the more you want to take him down and save more you want to take him down and save more you want to take him down and save this world from this terrible future he this world from this terrible future he this world from this terrible future he has in store for it. has in store for it. has in store for it. I want to talk about one more spoiler I want to talk about one more spoiler I want to talk about one more spoiler related thing before I wrap this related thing before I wrap this related thing before I wrap this longwinded video up. I need to talk longwinded video up. I need to talk longwinded video up. I need to talk about more. Ever since I saw him in the about more. Ever since I saw him in the about more. Ever since I saw him in the trailers, he was the character I was trailers, he was the character I was trailers, he was the character I was most interested to learn about. He gave most interested to learn about. He gave most interested to learn about. He gave such mysterious vibes with him being our such mysterious vibes with him being our such mysterious vibes with him being our resident velvet room attendant in resident velvet room attendant in resident velvet room attendant in metaphor. But why was he stuck in metaphor. But why was he stuck in metaphor. But why was he stuck in academia?

academia? academia? Why has he lost all his memories? Why Why has he lost all his memories? Why Why has he lost all his memories? Why did he write this book? I had so many did he write this book? I had so many did he write this book? I had so many theories about him and how he might theories about him and how he might theories about him and how he might relate to Louise cuz Louise had the same relate to Louise cuz Louise had the same relate to Louise cuz Louise had the same book more as Clayar. And this was before book more as Clayar. And this was before book more as Clayar. And this was before I discovered that Luis was Elden. I I discovered that Luis was Elden. I I discovered that Luis was Elden. I initially thought that they could be initially thought that they could be initially thought that they could be brothers or something like that, but brothers or something like that, but brothers or something like that, but once I realized the prince's history and once I realized the prince's history and once I realized the prince's history and the horror that befell the Elden Sanctum the horror that befell the Elden Sanctum the horror that befell the Elden Sanctum under the hands of the Sanctus church, under the hands of the Sanctus church, under the hands of the Sanctus church, things started to line up. When I saw things started to line up. When I saw things started to line up. When I saw what the power of the utopian fantasy what the power of the utopian fantasy what the power of the utopian fantasy can do to the prince, I felt it had to can do to the prince, I felt it had to can do to the prince, I felt it had to have done something to Moore as well. have done something to Moore as well. have done something to Moore as well. And before I knew it, he revealed And before I knew it, he revealed And before I knew it, he revealed himself to be the hopeful idealistic himself to be the hopeful idealistic himself to be the hopeful idealistic aspirations of the King Hodius V. This aspirations of the King Hodius V. This aspirations of the King Hodius V. This moment might be my favorite moment in moment might be my favorite moment in moment might be my favorite moment in the entire game with how well it ties the entire game with how well it ties the entire game with how well it ties all the themes and narrative elements of all the themes and narrative elements of all the themes and narrative elements of the game together in a nice bow, but the game together in a nice bow, but the game together in a nice bow, but also hit me particularly hard because of also hit me particularly hard because of also hit me particularly hard because of how I personally related to it. Once you how I personally related to it. Once you how I personally related to it. Once you fall to Louise and are sent back to fall to Louise and are sent back to fall to Louise and are sent back to academia for the last time, it all hits academia for the last time, it all hits academia for the last time, it all hits more. What this place is and who he is.

more. What this place is and who he is. more. What this place is and who he is. The fantasy novel that you and Louise The fantasy novel that you and Louise The fantasy novel that you and Louise have been carrying is written by the have been carrying is written by the have been carrying is written by the king during his youth when he explored king during his youth when he explored king during his youth when he explored the kingdom, dreamed of a brighter the kingdom, dreamed of a brighter the kingdom, dreamed of a brighter future, and when he was in love with the future, and when he was in love with the future, and when he was in love with the Elden Queen. He drops the facade of Elden Queen. He drops the facade of Elden Queen. He drops the facade of academia to reveal his fantastical academia to reveal his fantastical academia to reveal his fantastical reality. It's all too good to be true. reality. It's all too good to be true. reality. It's all too good to be true. buildings, skyscrapers, buildings, skyscrapers, buildings, skyscrapers, humans working, chatting, and talking in humans working, chatting, and talking in humans working, chatting, and talking in a peaceful way. It's his utopia from the a peaceful way. It's his utopia from the a peaceful way. It's his utopia from the book brought to life. And as he reveals book brought to life. And as he reveals book brought to life. And as he reveals his true identity, he reaches out to you his true identity, he reaches out to you his true identity, he reaches out to you and beckons you to stay with him. But and beckons you to stay with him. But and beckons you to stay with him. But this is where things hit me the hardest. this is where things hit me the hardest. this is where things hit me the hardest. Just like how Will, our main character, Just like how Will, our main character, Just like how Will, our main character, is the fantastical dreamlike is the fantastical dreamlike is the fantastical dreamlike representation of the prince's fantasies representation of the prince's fantasies representation of the prince's fantasies cultivated through the world of the cultivated through the world of the cultivated through the world of the novel. Moore is the king's archetype and novel. Moore is the king's archetype and novel. Moore is the king's archetype and a similar magical manifestation of a similar magical manifestation of a similar magical manifestation of dreams, fantasies, and wishes. But dreams, fantasies, and wishes. But dreams, fantasies, and wishes. But because of the king's negligence to his because of the king's negligence to his because of the king's negligence to his kingdom and his inability to truly seek kingdom and his inability to truly seek kingdom and his inability to truly seek that dream out for himself, that dream out for himself, that dream out for himself, he is trapped within this imaginary he is trapped within this imaginary he is trapped within this imaginary academia. Our protagonist doesn't want academia. Our protagonist doesn't want academia. Our protagonist doesn't want that for himself. After all the people that for himself. After all the people that for himself. After all the people he has met, places he has visited, he has met, places he has visited, he has met, places he has visited, experiences he has triumphed through, experiences he has triumphed through, experiences he has triumphed through, and lessons he has learned, he cannot and lessons he has learned, he cannot and lessons he has learned, he cannot just sit back idly and live out his days

just sit back idly and live out his days just sit back idly and live out his days in a fantasy. His fantasy as the prince in a fantasy. His fantasy as the prince in a fantasy. His fantasy as the prince has already come to life and his has already come to life and his has already come to life and his fantasies can be realized in other ways fantasies can be realized in other ways fantasies can be realized in other ways too. With all he has learned from his too. With all he has learned from his too. With all he has learned from his journey in the utopia novel, he realizes journey in the utopia novel, he realizes journey in the utopia novel, he realizes a paradise in a utopia is impossible. a paradise in a utopia is impossible. a paradise in a utopia is impossible. There will unfortunately always be There will unfortunately always be There will unfortunately always be conflict, strife, and corruption. But it conflict, strife, and corruption. But it conflict, strife, and corruption. But it will only get worse when you turn a will only get worse when you turn a will only get worse when you turn a blind eye to such problems. With blind eye to such problems. With blind eye to such problems. With everything you learn and everything that everything you learn and everything that everything you learn and everything that inspires you, it should push you to make inspires you, it should push you to make inspires you, it should push you to make a change in the world. And that's what a change in the world. And that's what a change in the world. And that's what Will chooses to do. Moore's insistence Will chooses to do. Moore's insistence Will chooses to do. Moore's insistence on keeping Will in his fantasy world is on keeping Will in his fantasy world is on keeping Will in his fantasy world is brought about through his negligence as brought about through his negligence as brought about through his negligence as a king as he turns a blind eye to the a king as he turns a blind eye to the a king as he turns a blind eye to the fears and anxieties of his people. He fears and anxieties of his people. He fears and anxieties of his people. He cannot rule a world where he must bear cannot rule a world where he must bear cannot rule a world where he must bear everyone's worries all alone. The people everyone's worries all alone. The people everyone's worries all alone. The people must face their fears and insecurities must face their fears and insecurities must face their fears and insecurities themselves. But this insistence to keep themselves. But this insistence to keep themselves. But this insistence to keep his son within this fantasy is also his his son within this fantasy is also his his son within this fantasy is also his fatherly instinct. He knows firsthand fatherly instinct. He knows firsthand fatherly instinct. He knows firsthand how bad the world can be and how how bad the world can be and how how bad the world can be and how terrible people can be. And he can't let terrible people can be. And he can't let terrible people can be. And he can't let his son live in a world like this. He as his son live in a world like this. He as his son live in a world like this. He as a father can't possibly watch his son a father can't possibly watch his son a father can't possibly watch his son live in this kind of reality. He wants live in this kind of reality. He wants live in this kind of reality. He wants him to be safe and comfortable in a him to be safe and comfortable in a him to be safe and comfortable in a fantasy where no such corruption and fantasy where no such corruption and fantasy where no such corruption and anxiety, discrimination, and pain anxiety, discrimination, and pain anxiety, discrimination, and pain exists. Both of these massive reveals

exists. Both of these massive reveals exists. Both of these massive reveals hit me very hard. As many of you know, hit me very hard. As many of you know, hit me very hard. As many of you know, video games, stories, and media inspire video games, stories, and media inspire video games, stories, and media inspire me in so many ways. I relate to so many me in so many ways. I relate to so many me in so many ways. I relate to so many characters I see in games like Rex, characters I see in games like Rex, characters I see in games like Rex, Shul, Noah, Cloud, Link, Crom, Zidon, Shul, Noah, Cloud, Link, Crom, Zidon, Shul, Noah, Cloud, Link, Crom, Zidon, and so many others whose stories and and so many others whose stories and and so many others whose stories and journeys shape me as a person. But journeys shape me as a person. But journeys shape me as a person. But that's so easy to just say. Living in that's so easy to just say. Living in that's so easy to just say. Living in these fantasies and getting lost in them these fantasies and getting lost in them these fantasies and getting lost in them is great. But the best thing is when I is great. But the best thing is when I is great. But the best thing is when I take these lessons and experiences and take these lessons and experiences and take these lessons and experiences and use them to shape my life. and seeing use them to shape my life. and seeing use them to shape my life. and seeing the protagonist and metaphor choose to the protagonist and metaphor choose to the protagonist and metaphor choose to do that is such an inspiring and moving do that is such an inspiring and moving do that is such an inspiring and moving moment. In addition, Moore's hesitancy moment. In addition, Moore's hesitancy moment. In addition, Moore's hesitancy is something I can relate to as well, is something I can relate to as well, is something I can relate to as well, but of course, not from the parenting but of course, not from the parenting but of course, not from the parenting point of view. There are many times in point of view. There are many times in point of view. There are many times in my life where my family or close friends my life where my family or close friends my life where my family or close friends were hesitant of decisions and choices were hesitant of decisions and choices were hesitant of decisions and choices that I might make. Whether it's relating that I might make. Whether it's relating that I might make. Whether it's relating to my career, the company I keep around, to my career, the company I keep around, to my career, the company I keep around, my hobby and interests, or anything my hobby and interests, or anything my hobby and interests, or anything else. They would sometimes suggest the else. They would sometimes suggest the else. They would sometimes suggest the path of more comfort and stability. None path of more comfort and stability. None path of more comfort and stability. None of these suggestions or concerns ever of these suggestions or concerns ever of these suggestions or concerns ever come from a place of malice or from any come from a place of malice or from any come from a place of malice or from any ill intentions, mind you. But it's ill intentions, mind you. But it's ill intentions, mind you. But it's natural to be cautious and careful for natural to be cautious and careful for natural to be cautious and careful for the ones that you love. But as a the ones that you love. But as a the ones that you love. But as a creative person myself, I know what it's creative person myself, I know what it's creative person myself, I know what it's like to push my boundaries, take risks, like to push my boundaries, take risks, like to push my boundaries, take risks, and break the norms. And usually the and break the norms. And usually the and break the norms. And usually the best things in my life come when I

best things in my life come when I best things in my life come when I choose these particular decisions for choose these particular decisions for choose these particular decisions for myself and not because of anyone else. myself and not because of anyone else. myself and not because of anyone else. And once more understands that, he And once more understands that, he And once more understands that, he builds faith and a love for his son that builds faith and a love for his son that builds faith and a love for his son that he had never felt before. And that's the he had never felt before. And that's the he had never felt before. And that's the power our protagonist needs to defeat power our protagonist needs to defeat power our protagonist needs to defeat Louise. The power of his fantasy brought Louise. The power of his fantasy brought Louise. The power of his fantasy brought into his reality. And what hits even into his reality. And what hits even into his reality. And what hits even harder is the song that is playing at harder is the song that is playing at harder is the song that is playing at this point. It's a song that hasn't been this point. It's a song that hasn't been this point. It's a song that hasn't been played since the very start of the game. played since the very start of the game. played since the very start of the game. It's called Traversing the Waste. It's a It's called Traversing the Waste. It's a It's called Traversing the Waste. It's a song that kicks off the adventure with song that kicks off the adventure with song that kicks off the adventure with Galico putting it in your brain and Galico putting it in your brain and Galico putting it in your brain and reminding you music is the first magic reminding you music is the first magic reminding you music is the first magic this world has ever known. Having that this world has ever known. Having that this world has ever known. Having that come back near the end of the game is come back near the end of the game is come back near the end of the game is interesting. Hear me out. But whenever I interesting. Hear me out. But whenever I interesting. Hear me out. But whenever I hear the song, I see it as a symbolic hear the song, I see it as a symbolic hear the song, I see it as a symbolic representation of the protagonist's representation of the protagonist's representation of the protagonist's parents. The Elden Queen and the king, parents. The Elden Queen and the king, parents. The Elden Queen and the king, both still long dead, have been on this both still long dead, have been on this both still long dead, have been on this adventure with us. and supporting your adventure with us. and supporting your adventure with us. and supporting your cause from the very start with the elder cause from the very start with the elder cause from the very start with the elder magic of your mother within Galica and magic of your mother within Galica and magic of your mother within Galica and the inspiring utopia novel from our the inspiring utopia novel from our the inspiring utopia novel from our father. We were never alone this entire father. We were never alone this entire father. We were never alone this entire time.

time. time. So that was a whole lot of information So that was a whole lot of information So that was a whole lot of information just to answer the one simple question just to answer the one simple question just to answer the one simple question posed in the title in the beginning of posed in the title in the beginning of posed in the title in the beginning of this video. Did Metaphor Reefantu exceed this video. Did Metaphor Reefantu exceed this video. Did Metaphor Reefantu exceed my lofty expectations? Well, in many my lofty expectations? Well, in many my lofty expectations? Well, in many ways, yeah. Yes, it did. It even ways, yeah. Yes, it did. It even ways, yeah. Yes, it did. It even surpassed them. The story and characters surpassed them. The story and characters surpassed them. The story and characters were honestly what I was most interested were honestly what I was most interested were honestly what I was most interested in. And the way they weave this in. And the way they weave this in. And the way they weave this narrative together was mindblowing, narrative together was mindblowing, narrative together was mindblowing, immersive, and inspiring. In some of the immersive, and inspiring. In some of the immersive, and inspiring. In some of the combat and gameplay related things, combat and gameplay related things, combat and gameplay related things, there is room for improvement, but it's there is room for improvement, but it's there is room for improvement, but it's still top of the line when it comes to still top of the line when it comes to still top of the line when it comes to modern JRPGs. Like, I will say this, you modern JRPGs. Like, I will say this, you modern JRPGs. Like, I will say this, you guys know how much I love Xenolade 3. guys know how much I love Xenolade 3. guys know how much I love Xenolade 3. It's one of my favorite video games of It's one of my favorite video games of It's one of my favorite video games of all time. I think this archetype system all time. I think this archetype system all time. I think this archetype system is an overall better job system than is an overall better job system than is an overall better job system than even the hero system in Xenolade even the hero system in Xenolade even the hero system in Xenolade Chronicles 3. And not only that, I think Chronicles 3. And not only that, I think Chronicles 3. And not only that, I think that this game is the best modern video that this game is the best modern video that this game is the best modern video game I have played this entire decade game I have played this entire decade game I have played this entire decade since Xenolade 3. And that means it since Xenolade 3. And that means it since Xenolade 3. And that means it beats out the likes of SMT5, Spider-Man beats out the likes of SMT5, Spider-Man beats out the likes of SMT5, Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarok, and even Tears 2, God of War Ragnarok, and even Tears 2, God of War Ragnarok, and even Tears of the Kingdom. For me personally, and of the Kingdom. For me personally, and of the Kingdom. For me personally, and many other modern games that have many other modern games that have many other modern games that have released in the past 5 years, it is released in the past 5 years, it is released in the past 5 years, it is similar to Persona, but it's not to its similar to Persona, but it's not to its similar to Persona, but it's not to its detriment. As I played Metaphor, I felt detriment. As I played Metaphor, I felt detriment. As I played Metaphor, I felt like I was playing a Hashino directed like I was playing a Hashino directed like I was playing a Hashino directed Atlas game and not a Persona game with a Atlas game and not a Persona game with a Atlas game and not a Persona game with a fantasy world and characters. Like I fantasy world and characters. Like I fantasy world and characters. Like I said, I discovered Project Re Fantasy 3 said, I discovered Project Re Fantasy 3 said, I discovered Project Re Fantasy 3 years back and I did not expect this

years back and I did not expect this years back and I did not expect this game to impact me the way that it did. game to impact me the way that it did. game to impact me the way that it did. And just like Katar Hashino and Studio And just like Katar Hashino and Studio And just like Katar Hashino and Studio Zero say, this game is something that is Zero say, this game is something that is Zero say, this game is something that is redefining the fantasy RPG genre. Not redefining the fantasy RPG genre. Not redefining the fantasy RPG genre. Not only did it redefine the fantasy RPG only did it redefine the fantasy RPG only did it redefine the fantasy RPG genre, but to me it reminded me why I genre, but to me it reminded me why I genre, but to me it reminded me why I love fictional stories in the first love fictional stories in the first love fictional stories in the first place, why I am inspired by them, and place, why I am inspired by them, and place, why I am inspired by them, and why I play video games. why I play video games. why I play video games. There is something for all of us in this There is something for all of us in this There is something for all of us in this game, and I hope if this game interests game, and I hope if this game interests game, and I hope if this game interests you, you can give it a shot and get you, you can give it a shot and get you, you can give it a shot and get something fruitful out of it. This is a something fruitful out of it. This is a something fruitful out of it. This is a once-ina-lifetime experience, and I'm once-ina-lifetime experience, and I'm once-ina-lifetime experience, and I'm certain we will be talking about this certain we will be talking about this certain we will be talking about this game for years and decades to come. [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] Hey guys, this is Nishquick. Thank you Hey guys, this is Nishquick. Thank you Hey guys, this is Nishquick. Thank you so much for watching that video. And if so much for watching that video. And if so much for watching that video. And if you enjoyed it, check out these two you enjoyed it, check out these two you enjoyed it, check out these two videos on the left and maybe subscribe videos on the left and maybe subscribe videos on the left and maybe subscribe if you haven't on your way out. And big if you haven't on your way out. And big if you haven't on your way out. And big shout out to all my channel members

shout out to all my channel members shout out to all my channel members whose names you can see on the screen whose names you can see on the screen whose names you can see on the screen right now. I'll see you guys in the next right now. I'll see you guys in the next right now. I'll see you guys in the next video later.