Although Metaphor: ReFantazio is the former Persona team’s first foray into high fantasy, it might also be the most grounded and deeply human game they’ve ever made. By intertwining magical elements with universal themes – such as prejudice, poverty, grief, cycles of violence, fear, and the role that religion and politics can play in oppressing and empowering people – Metaphor is able to portray humanity with some distance to be examined through a unique lens. It asks its players countless questions, although the answers may not be simple or clear. The focus is on one question in particular: Does fiction have the power to shape our world?

As the game comes to an end, the answer is a resounding yes. Metaphor: ReFantazio is a beautiful exploration of how imagination is a vessel for ideas and humanity, even in the darkest of times. It understands the influence that art and the ideas it conveys have on society and challenges us to believe in and question the media we consume.

The game’s characters – from bubbly blonde pop star Junah and wise ninja Heismay to the disgraced but beloved Louis – are all well-designed, well-voiced and thoroughly engaging, making them instantly appealing (or loathsome) to players . Each offers their own exploration of the various themes mentioned above, weaving stories that are heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. This depth is also given to the game’s numerous supporting characters, representing the largest and most complete roster of social connections in an Atlus game to date.

The studio handles all of these narratives with nuance and precision, demonstrating respect for the intelligence of its players and great conviction in its own beliefs. At a time when games are all too often criticized for being too political, Atlus stands firmly on the side of compassion, making it clear that tackling social problems, taking collective action, standing up for your ideas and believing in are virtues a better future for yourself and those around you. Living in fear and giving in to hate is easy, metaphor reminds us. It takes strength to remain hopeful and caring.

Despite being a lengthy game, Metaphor is phenomenally paced, with an appropriate amount of time devoted to each area, character, and story arc. These storylines are also all particularly memorable, as the game is full of spectacle, unusual situations that prevent monotony, and intriguing plot twists. In this sense, the game often reminded me of the late ’90s JRPGs I grew up with – the ones full of theatricality, humor, and a strong sense of adventure. It is an almost intangible and indescribable quality, but one that Metaphor undoubtedly possesses.

And yet, Metaphor significantly improves on old-school turn-based combat, addressing the system’s most common complaint – namely its slower speed – through intelligent button mapping, excellent party flexibility, and the addition of light action combat. This all makes for battles that are strategic yet breezy, and dungeon traversals that don’t feel over the top or feel more like a chore than an adventure. The game’s other systems, from the calendar to the royal virtues to the archetype tree, fit perfectly into combat, providing dynamic gameplay that feels connected and extremely satisfying.

Remarkable art direction and music further enhance the experience, as Metaphor does not use a single color palette, as is typical with Persona, but rather uses several different colors to convey different themes and tones and enhance the feeling of the journey. His music is similarly complex and rich in contrast, as it oscillates between choirs of angels and frenetic songs. While its stories may be universal, there is something otherworldly about the imagery and music that reminds players that this world is dark and fantastical.

Regardless of when Metaphor: ReFantazio was released, it would remain an exceptional title. But in 2024 – a year marked by political unrest, rising inequality, fear, distrust, misinformation and division – no game feels more fitting and essential. While not every work of fiction can change the world or infuse it with seemingly withdrawn goodness, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a reminder that art can change us.

Are you curious if your favorite game of 2024 made it into our top 10? Check out our list of the 10 best GameSpot games of 2024.