The highly acclaimed role-playing game (RPG), Metaphor: ReFantazio, has received an official manga adaptation, offering fans a fresh way to experience the game’s rich world and narrative. The manga, which began serialization on January 21, 2025, is penned by Yoichi Amano, who previously worked on the Dragon Quest Treasures manga adaptation. It is available in English on the Manga Plus platform, allowing a global audience to delve into this new take on the story.
A New Spin on a Familiar Tale
While the manga closely follows the core narrative of the game, it introduces some intriguing changes. The most notable alteration appears in the beginning of the story. In the game, the protagonist, Will, and his fairy companion, Gallica, are rescued from bandits by Hulkenberg. However, the manga replaces Hulkenberg with the noble knight, Strohl, who saves them from the ambush. This change alters the initial character interactions and suggests that the manga will not be a simple retelling of the game, but rather a new interpretation of the story.
Another notable change is the streamlining of some plot points. For example, the manga moves the king’s funeral to an earlier point in the story, and removes the plotline where Will and Strohl join the army, and awaken their Archetype powers. The manga adaptation also presents Will as more expressive and less formal than his game counterpart. These changes may contribute to the manga’s pacing and introduce a new comedic tone to the story.
Key Differences from the Game
- Introduction: The protagonist is rescued by Strohl, instead of Hulkenberg, during the initial bandit attack.
- Plot Streamlining: The king’s funeral occurs earlier in the manga, and the army plotline is removed.
- Character Presentation: Will’s personality is more expressive and less formal compared to the game.
The World of Metaphor: ReFantazio
Metaphor: ReFantazio is set in the kingdom of Euchronia, a medieval fantasy realm that mirrors the contemporary real world. The game begins after the assassination of King Hythlodaeus V, plunging the kingdom into political turmoil and setting the stage for a quest to find his successor. The game follows Will, an orphan from the magic-wielding Elda tribe, as he embarks on a journey to lift a curse from his childhood friend, the prince of Euchronia. The game’s narrative explores themes of utopia and the dissonance between ideal fantasy settings and the real world, considering varying perspectives on topics such as justice and reason.
The Game’s Story and Setting
- Setting: The game is set in the medieval fantasy kingdom of Euchronia, after the assassination of King Hythlodaeus V.
- Protagonist: Players follow Will, an orphan, on a quest to save the cursed prince.
- Themes: The game explores themes of utopia, justice, and reason.
The Game’s Acclaim and Success
Developed by Studio Zero, a subsidiary of Atlus, and published by Sega, Metaphor: ReFantazio was released on October 11, 2024, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. The game was a smash hit, breaking sales records for Atlus titles, selling a million copies on launch day, and receiving high scores from critics and fans alike. At the Game Awards 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio won awards for Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, and Best Role Playing Game. It was also nominated for Game of the Year. This success solidified its place as one of the best games of 2024.
Achievements
- Sales: Sold one million copies on launch day, becoming Atlus’ fastest-selling game.
- Critical Acclaim: Received high scores from critics and fans.
- Awards: Won Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, and Best Role Playing Game at The Game Awards 2024.
Manga Adaptation Details
The manga adaptation is penned by Yoichi Amano, known for his work on the Dragon Quest Treasures manga. The first chapter of the Metaphor: ReFantazio manga is available for free in English on the Manga Plus website and app. It was released on January 21, 2025, simultaneously with its serialization in Shueisha’s V Jump magazine in Japan. The first chapter consists of 58 color pages. The manga aims to adapt the game’s lengthy narrative, which combines RPG elements with political commentary within a rich fantasy world.
Manga Specifics
- Artist: Yoichi Amano
- Release: Started on January 21, 2025, in V Jump magazine and on Manga Plus.
- Availability: The first chapter is available in English on Manga Plus.
- Content: The first chapter contains 58 color pages.
The Creative Minds Behind Metaphor: ReFantazio
The game is directed by Katsura Hashino, who is also known for his work on the Persona series. Hashino’s creative philosophy emphasizes the importance of human emotion in game development. He is known to be against games that are designed by business executives focused solely on profit. Other key staff include character designer Shigenori Soejima and music composer Shoji Meguro, both of whom also worked on the Persona series. The game’s narrative and setting are inspired by Hashino’s desire to explore the idea of utopia and the challenges of achieving equality in the real world.
Key Creative Personnel
- Director: Katsura Hashino
- Character Designer: Shigenori Soejima
- Music Composer: Shoji Meguro
Where to Read the Manga
The English version of the Metaphor: ReFantazio manga is available on the Manga Plus website and app, allowing fans worldwide to easily access the story. The digital release coincides with the manga’s serialization in Japan’s V Jump magazine.
Conclusion
The official manga adaptation of Metaphor: ReFantazio is a welcome addition for fans of the game and newcomers alike. It offers a fresh perspective on the game’s narrative, with some notable changes that add to the intrigue. With its availability in English on Manga Plus, the manga will likely expand the reach of the game’s already popular world. The adaptation is another example of Atlus’s commitment to expanding their popular franchises, and it hints that an anime adaptation may also be on the horizon.
