Metaphor ReFantazio vs Persona 5 Royal: How Are the Two Atlus RPGs Different?

Metaphor ReFantazio and Persona 5 Royal share a lot in common but do enough things different to stand on their own.

Both games have been developed by the same studio (Source: Atlus)
Both games have been developed by the same studio (Source: Atlus)

Metaphor ReFantazio has gained much critically acclaim since its release. It is a spiritual successor to Persona and wears its influence on its sleeve, partly since both games are by the same developer – Studio Zero. Still, Studio Zero does enough to make Metaphor ReFantazio distinct, so the JRPG stands on its own.

Metaphor ReFantazio and Persona 5 Royal share quite a few differences, and here is a brief overview of the same.

Differences Between Metaphor ReFantazio and Persona 5 Royal

1) Drastically Different Settings

Metaphor ReFantazio True Ending.
Metaphor ReFantazio has a medieval setting (Source: Atlus)

The very first thing that sticks out when playing Metaphor ReFantazio is its unique medieval setting. The game incorporates several high-fantasy elements into a medieval environment that’s colored in various shades of grey. Persona 5 Royal, on the other hand, takes place in modern-day Tokyo. Neon lights line the street, and the game boasts a vibrant color palette that reflects its modern essence. One game is bleak, while the other is bright and colorful. 

2) Medieval vs Modern-Day Themes

How to Complete the Archetype Hero Achievement in Metaphor ReFantazio
The story and themes of Metaphor ReFantazio revolve around royalty (Source: Atlus)

Metaphor ReFantazio is set during the medieval period when royalty was everything. The game’s quests and story expand on these themes of royalty and its impact on the realm. Persona 5 Royal, on the other hand, is set in the modern day and thus depicts modern problems (with modern solutions). Rebellion and the pitfalls of modern society are front and center in Persona 5 Royal. 

3) A Larger World vs Smaller Hub

There are two treasure chests to loot (Source: Atlus)
Metaphor ReFantazio places a greater emphasis on exploration (Source: Atlus)

The world of Metaphor ReFantazio puts exploration front and center. There are several shops to visit, NPCs to talk to, and collectibles to find. These are all scattered across the game’s various cities. Persona 5 does this on a far smaller scale. The world is more linear, and you are only truly able to explore in the game’s dungeons. 

4) Archetypes vs Personas

Archetypes ensure quality over quantity (Source: Atlus)
Archetypes ensure quality over quantity (Source: Atlus)

Both games feature Stand-like entities that you call upon during combat. Metaphor ReFantazio uses Archetypes, whereas Person 5 Royal uses Personas. Both work much the same. However, Archetypes are smaller in number, which allows them to be more personalized and in-depth. Personas, on the other hand, are abundant, like a Pokemon plague. As a result, they are rather homogeneous. Archetpyes are also far more customizable than Personas. 

5) Difficulty Levels

Metaphor ReFantazio is a much harder game (Source: Atlus)

Metaphor ReFantazio tones down the hand-holding and puts on a greater challenge for players to overcome. The game puts a greater emphasis on strategy and pre-battle preparations, allowing you to buy items and counter items before you get to battle. Persona 5 Royal, on the other hand, offers greater leeway with strong Personas and allows players to cruise through most of the game. 


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