For better or for worse, Atlus' proclivity toward the re-release formula has become something of a standard these days. Players need not look further than modernPersonato see that enhanced editions have become commonplace, though other IPs under Atlus' umbrella, includingCatherineandSMT, have received similar treatment. The pattern has, understandably, caused derision among some fans, already working its way into speculation aboutMetaphor: ReFantazio’s future. AfterMetaphor: ReFantaziowon three times at the Game Awards 2024for its impeccable narrative, art direction, and RPG foundations, the question of what will follow has remained a point of conjecture.
Though no concrete plans have been made (or revealed, at least) forits future, directorKatsura Hashino has stated he wishes forMetaphorto become a series one day. What this means in the context ofMetaphor: ReFantazio’s story is unclear: prequel, sequel, or spinoff, story DLC/expansion or re-release; the options are plenty.Metaphor’s success will almost certainly warrant a follow-up in Atlus' eyes, though the company’s pattern toward re-releases could leave an ever-growing divide in fan reception should it be applied. Still, there are pros and cons to what an enhanced edition ofMetaphor: ReFantaziocould bring, much like howPersona 5 Royaliterated on its original experience, which are worth weighing out.
Weighing the Costs of Metaphor: ReFantazio Following the Traditional Atlus Re-Release Formula
The Pros of an Enhanced Edition
Theenhanced editions of Atlus' pasthave served as more than remasters or ports, as they’ve worked to entwine new conceits within their original stories. The Atlus ’re-release girl' is emblematic of this, evidenced more recently inSMT 5: Vengeance’s Yoko Hiromine, shaking up any previous narrative contexts without requiring complete upheavals. ShouldMetaphortake a similar route, it might not contend with a ’re-release girl' per se, but it would likely follow a similar structure. This could be throughMetaphor’s Royal Mage Academy, which could become a full dungeon, while it could also focus on the addition of followers, ascharacters like Batlin could have been cut content.
While this type of content could help with points of critique overMetaphor’s late-game pacing, it is worth considering whether it would warrant a full re-release over the expansion/DLC approach. AsMetaphorhad a multiplatform release, there isn’t much need for enhanced console accessibility, nor is there too much mechanically that needs iterated on. New story content could mean additionalplayable characters and Archetypeson a scale that DLC might not achieve, which could work inMetaphor’s favor if it were gracefully integrated into its original story, though it would come with inherent risks of its own; balance is key, and new story or character additions are difficult to place in already established narratives.
The Cons of an Enhanced Edition
The biggest con for players with the re-release structure is, put simply, money. A re-release asks players to effectively purchase the same game twice, and while new narrative beats and mechanics could make the experience feel different when enough time has elapsed from the original game’s release, its premise still hinges on what its predecessor had to offer. In something likeSMT 5’s case, it can be argued thatVengeancewas a much-needed upheaval of the original game’s story, bringing nuance to its characters and even more complexity to its battle system.Metaphor: ReFantazio’s story, however, does not require the same degree of fine-tuning, and thus a re-release could feel redundant.
A Compromise Through DLC/Story Expansion
More variety in side dungeons and superbosses, particularly when most ofMetaphor’s were designed around its dragons, could work to the benefit of a re-release, though it seems Studio Zero’s resources would ultimately be better allocated to a new game under the IP, or, as aforementioned, a DLC expansion. AMetaphor: ReFantaziostory expansioncould be placed in media res, adding its own new context or dungeon withinthe title’s story, drawing from its already established framework. Thus, DLC would be a compromise that offers the same benefits as a traditional re-release without necessitating the same pattern, which could strike more favorably among fans.
