Key Takeaways
- Parallels with Persona series evident: Metaphor’s bond system mirroring Social Link system.
- Engaging bonds with various characters like Strohl, Gallica, and Bardon offer depth and intrigue.
- Alonzo’s twist-filled journey proves satisfying, evolving character from hostility to understanding.
There are plenty of different ways you can recognise the similar team of developers that worked on Metaphor: ReFantazio and the Persona series, but one of the biggest parallels is with the bond system in Metaphor and Persona’s staple Social Link system.
Throughout the length of Metaphor: ReFantazio, you’ll get the chance to socialize with 14 specific characters, learn more about them and their place in Euchronian society, as well as earn buffs and new abilities at the same time. All 14 of these stories will keep you engaged throughout the game’s runtime, but which are the most interesting?
7
Strohl
Hometown Hero
One of the first bonds you unlock in Metaphor: ReFantazio is with your first party member Strohl. The clemar is a former noble, hailing from a town called Halia not far from the capital. We meet Strohl trying to prove himself as a worthy noble in spite of the loss of his family and their hometown following a human rampage that destroyed it.
Throughout Strohl’s bond, you’ll earn his trust and help him in learning more about the feels believable.
6
Gallica
Finding Her Place
Unlike the other bonds in the game, your connection with Gallica is not optional, and you don’t get to choose when you have meaningful conversations with her. This is a little frustrating since you lack control over the Mage lineage, but storyline-wise, it’s a strength, and lets you learn more about Gallica at specific story-relevant moments.
The truth of the protagonist’s relationship with Gallica is mysterious and kept under wraps for most of the game, and the fairy herself is shown to struggle with her place in the party, since aside from Neuras, she’s the only one that doesn’t get directly involved in fights. In spite of this internal conflict, Gallica learns that this just means she has a more unique role in the party, and helps in other ways.
5
Bardon
Rightful Ruler
Throughout the Martira arc of the story, you’ll likely be anxious to see if Bardon is wrapped up in the conspiracy surrounding the kidnappings, or if he’ll even survive until the end of the arc, but, luckily, the Roussainte guard manages to survive mostly unscathed.
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Being left the most reputable figure in Martira after the events of the kidnappings, Bardon is thrust into leadership. While he always has the best intentions for his people, we see how he struggles with decision-making and living with the consequences. Watching the tumultuous rule of Bardon is engaging, and will always keep you interested in what happens next.
4
Brigitta
Heart Of Gold
One of the earliest optional bonds you have the choice of unlocking in Metaphor: ReFantazio, Brigitta is a merchant in the capital of Grand Trad, and after helping her out with some favors, you slowly start to build a trusting relationship with the stoic rhoag.
Throughout her narrative you’ll get to see her more unique sensitive side, but also learn about how her business and personal life is wrapped up in the darker side of the Sanctist church. Helping Brigitta work through the emotional journey she progresses through is sometimes tricky, but always rewarding.
3
Basilio
Brother’s Backstory
The last member to join your party, and likely the last bond you’ll unlock as well, Basilio is at a particularly tough time in his life when you start to build your connection with him. Following the loss of his brother Fidelio, you witness Basilio’s reunion with childhood friend Vinca.
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Both were subjects of the horrendous igniter experiments that were done to innocent paripus children, and we can see through their relationship how it sent them on two very different paths. A tale as tragic as this one would be needlessly dour with most characters, but with Basilio’s sunnier disposition (in spite of everything), it’s a great way to give his character more depth.
2
Maria
Your Biggest Supporter
Likely the first optional bond you’ll begin, Maria is the child of your former party member and fallen hero Grius. You’ll begin the bond with her as she works through the grieving process at a horrifically young age, all while coping with the discrimination she faces for having heritage from two different tribes.
Maria is a great contrast with villain Zorba, who was also a ‘halfblood’, and we see how, with the proper support, she is able to retain her positivity and work through this rough patch, instead of going down the route Louis’ necromancer was pushed into. Her narrative is also a little less linear than some of the other bonds, making it refreshing to revisit throughout the story.
1
Alonzo
Twist After Twist
While bonding with Alonzo isn’t the easiest task at first, thanks to his open hostility and manipulative personality, once you get to know the enigmatic nidia, you’ll start to see just why he is the way that he is.
Arguably the most eventful and twist-filled bond in the game, you never know what you’ll get every time you go to spend time with Alonzo. By the end, his character will be nothing like the man you first met, but also still the same in some core ways as well, and it’s a satisfying journey to go on with him.
- Released
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October 11, 2024
- Developer(s)
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Studio Zero
- Engine
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GFD
- ESRB
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T For Teen // Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- How Long To Beat
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66 Hours
- Steam Deck Compatibility
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Playable
- OpenCritic Rating
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Mighty