ReFantazio Creators Envision a Series, With Sequel Concepts Already Brewing

When Studio Zero embarked on creating Metaphor: ReFantazio, the intent was clear: to take its place alongside the beloved Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series, both of which the studio had a significant hand in developing. The project aimed to establish a new JRPG franchise that could hold its own against these titans of the genre.

Now that Metaphor: ReFantazio has hit the shelves, capturing the admiration and accolades of gamers worldwide, it’s evident that their first foray has struck gold. Players and critics alike have embraced it with open arms, nominating it for game of the year honors. Yet, the prospect of a sequel remains shrouded in mystery.

In an enlightening discussion featured in this week’s issue of the esteemed Japanese magazine Famitsu (#1880), Katsura Hashino, the mastermind behind Studio Zero, shared some intriguing insights into Metaphor’s future. The conversation, which surfaced through ryokutya2089 and picked up by Persona Central, reveals Hashino’s aspirations for a potential sequel.

Hashino expressed an intriguing vision for a new game setting, hinting at a shift towards a historical backdrop, such as Japan’s Sengoku period. “If I choose the Sengoku era as the setting, it might morph into something reminiscent of the Basara series,” Hashino mused with a chuckle.

Despite these fascinating musings, there are no concrete plans for a sequel to ReFantazio yet. Hashino and his team are hopeful, though, that Metaphor could evolve into a full-fledged series in its own right.

Given Metaphor: ReFantazio’s status as Atlus’ best-selling game to date, with over a million copies flying off the shelves at launch, the likelihood of a sequel seems promising. Its impressive performance on PC, an area where Atlus’ Persona series hasn’t always shone as brightly, is particularly noteworthy.

For those who might be wondering what all the excitement is about, our glowing 5-star review of Metaphor: ReFantazio offers a comprehensive look at why this game has resonated so deeply with audiences. And no, it’s not just another Persona for grown-ups—there’s so much more to it than that.