Summary
Persona 3changed things for the series in many ways. One of the new mechanics was the Social Links system that allowed players to befriend NPCs to get bonuses through a series of side quests. Social Links were used inPersona 4and while they have a different name inPersona 5via Confidants, they operate the exact same way.
In Studio Zero’s latest RPG,Metaphor: ReFantazio, they have a brand new system called Followers. While the core is similar, it’s actually a lot different mechanically. Let’s see how the two systems differ between the latestPersonagame andMetaphor: ReFantazio.
6No Strict Schedule (Mostly)
When They Want To Hang Out, They’ll Let You Know
There is a calendar system inMetaphor: ReFantaziosimilar to real life and thePersonagames that use it. However,Metaphor: ReFantaziohas made up days of the week including Flamesday, Watersday, Arboursday, Metalsday, and Idlesday. While there are some restrictions on Followers, the system is a bit looser.
There is not a system wherein Alonzo, for example, will only appear on one day of the week. It’s a bit more dynamic in that players may have to progress through the story or level up some Royal Virtue inMetaphor: ReFantaziolike Tolerance. Some characters may only appear at night, so yes, while there are some caveats, Followers are not as bound by rules as other Atlus games is the point.
5Party Members Can Hang Out On The Go
The Gauntlet Runner Is A Great HQ
Metaphor: ReFantaziois absolutely brimming with new ideas not justfor Atlus gamesbut for video games on the whole. For example, players will get a giant ship that runs on the land called a Gauntlet Runner. This will evolve throughout the game to incorporate water and air travel too. When players have to go between cities or dungeons, time ticks down like normal. However, players do not lose progress in this.
They can use their time on the Gauntlet Runner inMetaphor: ReFantazioto level up stats, increase Royal Virtues, or spend time with Followers. There are even some Follower episodes that are restricted to the Gauntlet Runner which may sound like a restriction but again it’s more like a good dynamic way to show the party growing on this epic journey. Players rarely get to see NPCs comment on the story as it is happening in other social situations likePersona 5.
4Followers Unlock Archetypes
The Class System Of The Gods
The biggest difference betweenPersonaandMetaphor: ReFantaziooverall is the Archetypes. Party members will come with attached Archetypes that act like classes in other RPGs. Hulkenberg, for example, begins as a Knight. Every playable character can switch between Archetypes, allowing players to create their own strategies.
Non-party members have Archetypes as well, giving players more of a want to track Followers down. While certain Arcana inPersona 5can strengthen the Persona of a particular sign, like The Lovers, it’s not quite the same as getting a new class with evolving parts. It’s an intricate gameplay system that any Atlus fan can dig into.
3Non-Party Member Upgrades Matter
Learn How To Game The System
Getting new Archetypes is not the only reason to form bonds with Followers. The upgrade paths with non-party members feel so much more beneficial than any Social Link in thePersonagames. There are parallels for sure, but overall, players are going to have a hard time choosing which Follower to chase after first.
For example, Maria can increase EXP gained after battle and allow players to cook without passing time. Brigitta can open up a powerfulaccessory shop inMetaphor: ReFantaziofor players as well as lower prices across the land and increase the Magla to Reeve exchange rate. There’s a lot to dive into and thankfully an early upgrade from More will allow players to see what every upgrade will do.
2No Optional Romances
It’s A Relief In An RPG
Maybe one of the most refreshing things aboutMetaphor: ReFantaziois that it isn’t overtly thirsty for its characters. The fans may have favorite male or female characters but the characters in the game aren’t pining for anyone in particular aside from sharing adoration for some like the pop star equivalent, Junah. Players don’t even have the option to get romantic with Followers, unlikemostPersonagames.
They may be able to form tight bonds with female characters but that is all. This may feel like a detriment for fans who love that romantic sim element but others will praiseMetaphor: ReFantaziofor being different. Not every story has to have a shoehorned love plot thrown into it.
1Little Is Voiced
It’s A Step Back
Persona 5’sConfidant system voiced characters when players first met them and when they experienced their final episode. This was how it was done for other games too all except for a certain recent remake. InPersona 3 Reload, every Social Linksepisode was voiced which was a huge improvement.
Even thoughMetaphor: ReFantaziocame after, it goes back to thePersona 5Confidant system of voicing the first and last episodes of Follower conversations. It makes them the same in this regard but this is still a bit different in that the main character speaks directly now. Even though he won’t voice all of his lines, the character will technically be saying them after the text is chosen.
