Looking back at the past few years,2024’s choices for the best PC gamesare full of solid options. Some have entertaining combat mechanics, while others tug at your heartstrings and make you contemplate life. Nonetheless, several shone through as superb this year, with Destructoid’s choice for the best PC game of 2024 being none other thanMetaphor: ReFantazio.
The inspiration from ATLUS’Shin Megami TenseiandPersonaseries is almost immediately apparent, but there’s enough present to helpMetaphorstand out from the ground. You still haveSMTandPersona-like combat mechanics, with Archetypes taking center stage and allowing for more customization than usual. Nonetheless, the overall vibe has shifted from chill high school adventures to a medieval-themed world where a young protagonist travels across the continent to save a kingdom’s prince.
If anything, it pulls more of its dark and, at times, bleak tone fromShin Megami Tensei, with in-world social and political issues being at the forefront rather than post-apocalyptic survival.Metaphorcertainly isn’t the most lighthearted game you’ll find, but there are still plenty of chances to spend time with friends or cook a warm meal if that’s more your style.
Much ofMetaphor: ReFantaziofeels familiar enough for veteran playersSMTorPersonato jump in and enjoy it. Beyond that, even those who have never touched ATLUS’series and find some parts off-putting or feel general reluctance can snatch onto the vastly different soundtrack, art style, or story progression system.Metaphorcompletely separates itself from previous ATLUS titles, with almost every aspect being changed or improved, without taking away from what makes these series enjoyable in the first place.
For those who like a continuous story, there is also enough wiggle room for DLCs or sequels to come out ofMetaphor. Although there’s no guarantee of it and no telling what’ll happen from now on with this title, the potential is certainly there. That said, it still stands quite well on its own with a satisfying story flow and conclusion, so it’s only a matter of time before we learn whether it’ll expand from here.
