ReFantazio: A Fresh Take on Persona's Classic Formula
Over the years, the Persona series by Atlus has been a staple in the gaming world, known for its blend of high school social simulation and RPG elements. These games have always emphasized the power of friendship and human connection. However, despite promoting progressive ideals, they have often stumbled over regressive stigmas. Enter Metaphor ReFantazio, a new fantasy RPG that aims to break away from these problematic tropes. Let's dive into how this game sets itself apart and what it brings to the table.
Breaking Away from Persona's Past
The Persona series has faced criticism for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and women. Despite advocating for the oppressed, it often fell short in its representation. Persona 5, for instance, portrayed gay men negatively while advocating for the underprivileged. Similarly, it mishandled sensitive topics like sexual abuse and gender roles.
In contrast, Metaphor ReFantazio takes a different approach. It consciously avoids the pitfalls of its predecessors, offering a more inclusive and respectful narrative.
Subverting Expectations
One of the standout moments in Metaphor is how it handles character interactions. Early in the game, a scene involving Neuras, the party's pilot, and Junah, a famous vocalist, plays on expectations. Instead of falling into the trope of an older man being creepy towards a young woman, the game surprises players with a refreshing twist.
- Neuras admires Junah's ship, not her looks.
- Hulkenberg, a stoic knight, respectfully fangirls over Junah.
This scene effectively subverts the usual skeevy tropes, endearing players to the characters.
A Step Forward for Atlus
While Metaphor ReFantazio may not be groundbreaking in its portrayal of romance or LGBTQ+ relationships, it avoids harmful stereotypes. By steering clear of problematic storylines, it offers a more sophisticated and mature take on themes explored in Persona.
Atlus seems to be learning from past mistakes, and while omitting certain storylines isn't as progressive as thoughtfully including them, it's a step in the right direction.
Join the Conversation
Metaphor ReFantazio represents a promising shift in how Atlus handles sensitive topics. If you're a fan of RPGs and want to explore a game that challenges conventions, this might be the one for you.
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