5/5 ★ – spathcody's review of Metaphor: ReFantazio.

This is probably, up to this point, my favorite Atlus game. Overall I think it somehow sticks the landing and has the best story, best combat, and best characters out of any of the games they've made. While I get the appeal of it, and tend to enjoy the setting for Persona games, I think the general "daily life of a high schooler" setting has limited Atlus from telling stories and writing character arcs that have a real weight to them. Well, that, and having the each female party member just exist as a romance option. That tends to be another thing that limits character arcs from feeling more organic. Leaving that behind and forging something new with the general gameplay loop found in Persona games is such a breath of fresh air, and I really hope it's something they're considering for future Persona games as well (this is copium). The story is easily my favorite of any of their games, especially since it's a very timely, relatable story regarding public turmoil, anxiety over the future of your country, and a general sense of hopelessness in regards to changing the world to be a better place. Just absolutely incredible all around, and one that moved me multiple times. Gameplay is probably the most refined and unique that they've done in quite awhile. I'm a sucker for a job type class system in turn-based games, and the sheer number of them along with all of the different synthesis attack options between party members kept me experimenting throughout the entire game. Just an absolute blast. I definitely won't be forgetting this one for quite awhile, and definitely will revisit soon.