The devil is in the details when it comes to making outstanding games and Metaphor: ReFantazio gets a lot of those details right.
Atlus’ foray into creating a game that clearly shares the tried and true Persona DNA, but distinguishes itself as a unique franchise, has already impressed its fair share of critics. There’s a lot to love between its compelling fantasy world and endearing character moments. But for me, I adore one single screen: The post-fight victory summary screen.
Metaphor: ReFantazio has turn-based combat where you compose a team of fighters with varying roles and specialties. While the game allows players to defeat weaker enemies with real-time combat in the dungeon, you’ll still do plenty of regular turn-based battles. Each time you win a fight against a group of monsters, the screen flashes to a victory screen. It shows your party walking against a red and white background, and information like how much experience and money you earned from the combat.
It sounds kind of simple, but I really can’t get over just how good it looks. The composition and broad stroke of color immediately captivates my attention; The characters strut confidently in perfectly animated, smooth slow motion; and best of all, you’ll be rewarded with additional boosts and a banner that says “Unscathed Victory” if the enemy doesn’t inflict damage on your party.
I really like the post-fight screen, but the UI and menus in general are also stunning. The pause screen makes the protagonist look like a dreamy watercolor painting come to life. According to Katsura Hashino, who has directed several Persona games as well as Metaphor: ReFantazio, the menus require a lot of time to make and are “actually really annoying” to create because the team makes unique designs for every menu.
“Whether it’s the shop menu or the main menu, when you open them up there’s a whole separate program running and a separate design that goes into making it,” Hashino told The Verge.
To me, details like the menu or post-fight screen shine like jewels in the crown of Metaphor: ReFantazio. There’s an undeniable confidence that shines through in the little things, and I think it’s a central part of what makes the game so special. Some of the battles or sections of the game can get really tough. You need all the encouragement you can get, and each time I see the screen, I’m left feeling ready to save the world — one fight at a time.
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