Uncovering the Societal Truths in "ReFantazio": A Masterful Blend of Politics and Fantasy

Studio Zero's latest release, "ReFantazio," is a bold and unapologetic exploration of the intersection between politics and video games. This stylish fantasy successor from the Persona team delivers a powerful message about the perils of unchecked anxiety, inequality, and discrimination, all wrapped in a captivating magical steampunk setting.

A Thought-Provoking Journey through the Utopian Ideals of Euchronia

Navigating the Complexities of a Divided Kingdom

From the moment the game begins, "ReFantazio" immerses players in the intricate world of Euchronia, a United Kingdom composed of 10 distinct tribes. As a young human-looking Elda, the protagonist embarks on a journey alongside a fairy companion, encountering the harsh realities of discrimination and societal divides. The pacing is deliberately slow, allowing players to fully grasp the underlying tensions and the disgust other races feel towards the Elda, regardless of their location within the kingdom.This deliberate pacing serves to emphasize that "ReFantazio" is as much about the day-to-day lives of Euchronia's people as it is about the protagonist's quest to assassinate the devious general who killed the king and cursed the prince. Players are encouraged to explore the various hubs, engaging with the citizenry and building long-term relationships with key figures. These social interactions unlock the protagonist's full potential in combat, seamlessly blending the game's political and combat elements.

A Tournament of Succession: Navigating the Challenges of Power

Approximately 10 hours into the campaign, the protagonist finds themselves competing in a tournament to determine the successor to the throne. This plot device serves as a clever way to spread the action over three in-game months, allowing players to explore the kingdom's capitals and smaller communities. Each location serves as a hub for a pivotal event, one of the trials for the tournament, and introduces a large central dungeon that may take multiple in-game days to complete.Throughout this journey, "ReFantazio" never loses sight of the smaller details, encouraging players to explore the smaller caves, towers, and open outdoor areas to fulfill sidequests and gather valuable resources. This approach stands in contrast to the Persona games, where building one's reputation is often mired in real-world chores and jobs. In "ReFantazio," there is always something engaging and different to participate in, ensuring that players' time is spent meaningfully in combat, experimenting with the game's flashy cross-class Synthesis skills.

Embracing the Utopian Ideals: Consequences and Ripple Effects

The game's overarching themes of utopia, inequality, and the nature of societal progress are woven seamlessly throughout the gameplay. Quality-of-life improvements, such as the job-based Archetype board, are not just conveniences but rather representations of the game's commentary on the unrewarding ways in which our time can be wasted. Even seemingly trivial quests, like the search for bathwater, end up making poignant statements about commerce and its impact on the common people.The game's nearly hour-long, combat-free epilogue is perhaps the most politically charged segment of the entire campaign. Here, players witness the consequences of the decisions they've made, and the ripple effects that shape the future of Euchronia. "ReFantazio" not only puts the protagonist's ideals to the test through the game's life-or-death boss battles but also showcases the lasting impact of those choices on the kingdom and its people.

A Masterful Blend of Gameplay and Sociopolitical Commentary

"ReFantazio" is a game that respects both its players' time and the characters' differing beliefs. While there may be areas that players wish they had more time to explore, the game's pacing and narrative structure ensure that every moment is meaningful and contributes to the overall experience. The turn-based combat system, inspired by the Shin Megami Tensei series, is a finely tuned and engaging mechanic that requires players to strategically exploit and defend against physical and elemental weaknesses.In the end, "ReFantazio" stands as a brilliant rebuttal to those who believe that politics have no place in video games. Studio Zero has crafted a masterpiece that seamlessly blends political and societal commentary with a captivating fantasy narrative and engaging gameplay. This game is a must-play for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and immersive experience that challenges the player's own beliefs and values.