Best JRPGs Like Metaphor: ReFantazio

With the release of Metaphor: ReFantazio, Atlus can add another trophy to its JRPG shelf. While the game as a whole is something distinctive, elements of it can be found in other titles. If you’ve completed the monumental task of finishing Metaphor and are looking for other games like it, we’re here to help. Here are some of the best JRPGs like Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Persona 5 Royal

It’s only natural to look to what the Metaphor team worked on before, and that takes us to Persona 5 Royal. There’s no question that large chunks of modern Persona served as the basis for Metaphor. That means that if you enjoy the gameplay of Metaphor, you’ll probably enjoy Persona 5 Royal as well. Sure, the setting is completely different. It will still feel like a comfy pair of shoes for Metaphor veterans. Probably the most obvious and best JRPG like Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Shin Megami Tensei IV

From the Press Turn battle system to the medieval setting you find yourself in from the start of the game, Shin Megami Tensei IV has many things in common with Metaphor. It goes in a very different direction with its story, but it’s a cool direction. Shin Megami Tensei IV is at the moment only available on the Nintendo 3DS, but it’s worth tracking down a copy if you want to experience one of the best JRPGs like Metaphor: ReFantazio within the Atlus milieu. You’ll also want its follow-up, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak

Stepping outside of Atlus games, another good option is The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak. With its heavy emphasis on thematically rich storytelling and fantasy setting, Trails Through Daybreak has plenty to like for Metaphor fans. The combat system is doing its own thing, with an excellent mix of action-based and turn-based battles. It’s the start of a bold new chapter for the Trails series, and worth checking out for anyone who likes JRPGs.

Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection

I’m trying not to fill this list with Atlus games, I swear. The Etrian Odyssey games have a fantasy theme, but that isn’t anything unusual in the JRPG genre. That said, the way the front and back row work in these games is quite similar to how Metaphor: ReFantazio handles things. Sure, they likely both drew inspiration from Wizardry. It’s still a similarity, and anything I can do to get more people to play Etrian Odyssey is worth it.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

This one is admittedly a bit of a stretch, but let’s roll with it. Three Houses uses a calendar-based system for planning your activities, which is at least one element it shares with Metaphor: ReFantazio. There’s the fantasy setting, too. The tactical turn-based battle system is obviously quite different, but the emphasis on capitalizing on enemy weaknesses is present. While it’s tamer in Three Houses, you also have a story about factions vying for power. Not the first game you might think of when searching for the best JRPGs like Metaphor: ReFantazio, but it’s worth considering.

What do you think is the best JRPG that’s like Metaphor Re:Fantazio? Let us know in the comment section below!