Atlus’ new game from Persona designer Katsura Hashino is about to transform fantasy games—with anxiety.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is out imminently, available on PS5 and PS4 on 11th October. Persona fans will quickly recognise that the series' iconic calendar system has returned. Still, new players and Atlus veterans alike can rest easy, comforted by the knowledge that nothing in the game is missable.

When you think of the Persona series you think of Persona 3, 4 and 5, and that’s because these are the games directed by Katsura Hashino. While there were three

ReFantazio is the first original game from Atlus' new Studio Zero, but it fails to bring much that sets it apart from the Persona franchise.

Metaphor: ReFantazio doesn't escape Persona's shadow, but its charming cast of characters and fun turn-based combat make it a worthwhile RPG on its own.The Latest Tech News, Delivered to Your Inbox

ReFantazio, and contributor Lewis Parker had nothing but praise for the game in his 95% review. But this is also shaping up to be one of those special moments when everybody reviewing a game shows their cards and realizes they all reached the same conclusion.

ReFantazio follow. The Persona series has a history of carving out time to belittle queer people and women, even when it spends large swaths of its runtime advocating against the systems that keep those people down.

ReFantazio, an epic RPG that launches on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC on October 11th. In a lot of ways, it’s reminiscent of Persona, with slick menus, turn-based combat, and gameplay systems forged through making meaningful connections with characters.