ReFantazio Opens the Door to a Potential Sequel Path

Over the last year, Atlus enthusiasts have been treated to a series of fantastic releases, with Metaphor: ReFantazio emerging as the standout success. This new intellectual property from the developer has not only won over critics but also clinched several accolades at The Game Awards 2024, including Best RPG, Best Narrative, and Best Art Direction. With such honors under its belt, the possibility of a sequel seems pretty promising, prompting fans to wonder about the paths a follow-up might pursue.

Although Katsura Hashino, the director of Metaphor: ReFantazio, has mentioned that they haven’t yet solidified plans to transform the game into a series, he has also expressed hope that it could one day evolve into one. It might take some time for a sequel to materialize, yet the original provides a robust platform that a successor could well build upon. Some fan theories suggest we may see more of a spiritual successor than a direct continuation. However, given the game’s cliffhanger finish, a direct sequel feels like a real possibility.

Major Spoilers Alert: The following discusses key elements of Metaphor: ReFantazio.

After players wrap up the coup against Louis and see the protagonist ascend as the new King of Euchronia, they experience an epilogue where the main characters settle into fresh roles within the kingdom. Many of the game’s Followers take on roles in the new royal court—Strohl steps up as the Royal Army’s general, while Hulkenberg takes charge as the captain of the King’s Royal Guard. However, it is Catherina’s role that could hold significant implications for a possible Metaphor continuation.

In the game’s closing scenes, Catherina is shown to have become an emissary to kingdoms beyond Euchronia’s borders. Throughout Metaphor: ReFantazio, players explore much of the Kingdom of Euchronia. Still, this tidbit of dialogue hints at unexplored continents that the game doesn’t currently allow access to. These undiscovered lands might have their own narratives and conflicts, paving the way for a sequel with fresh narratives within the same universe, possibly charting a course towards one of the realms Catherina explores post-game.

Catherina could serve as the linchpin linking Metaphor: ReFantazio to its sequel, maintaining the connection without necessitating the same roster of characters. Acting as both an ambassador between Euchronia and the new locale and as a bridge for players, she can nod to the linkage between the games. This approach could preserve the enigmatic air of Metaphor’s world, expanding on unresolved mysteries such as the ancient world’s tale, while simultaneously delivering an innovative experience.

Taking inspiration from the Persona series, where each installment stands on its own yet links via recurring elements like Igor and the Velvet Room, Metaphor could adopt a similar narrative formula. This strategy allows for continuity and standalone experiences, coupled with potential for spin-offs and brief nods between games.

Adding Catherina as a playable character in the sequel, a possibility fans have been hoping for, would be a significant way to tie these worlds together. In Metaphor: ReFantazio, players wished for Catherina’s inclusion in the party as the group’s Paripus representative, a wish that Basilio ultimately fulfilled. By featuring her as a temporary playable character, similar to how Grius was in the original, she could take up the role of an envoy from Euchronia offering aid to a new, besieged nation.