Metaphor: ReFantaziodelivered a well-crafted story filled with great worldbuilding and compelling characters, but even the most complete narratives leave room for expansion. Atlus has previously explored post-launch content inPersona 5 Royalwith its “third semester” andCyberpunk 2077set the bar for mid-game expansions withPhantom Liberty.IfMetaphor: ReFantaziowere to receive a story DLC, the biggest question would be its placement in the timeline. It could be woven into the middle of the existing story, but it could just as easily expand upon the events following Louis’ defeat. Either approach could provide deeper insights into underdeveloped elements of the base game.
Several aspects ofMetaphor: ReFantaziooffer intriguing avenues for DLC, from unresolved character abilities to the deeper motivations of its antagonist. Eupha’s lost telepathic power, Louis’ ambiguous goals, and the enigmatic connection between the player and the protagonist all present potential narratives that could enrich the game’s already immersive storytelling.
Eupha’s Telepathic Ability Could Use More Understanding
Eupha is one ofMetaphor: ReFantazio’smost intriguing charactersthanks to her “fish-out-of-water” storyline, yet an early ability she exhibits never resurfaces once she joins the protagonist’s party. During the Virga Island arc, Eupha communicates telepathically, using her ability twice to advance the plot. However, after she becomes a companion, this talent is conspicuously absent, even in moments where it could be useful, such as in battle or tense negotiations.
A DLC could revisit Eupha’s telepathic gift, exploring why she no longer uses it and whether it could play a larger role in the story. Perhaps her power was linked to an external force or an unconscious defense mechanism that she lost after joining the protagonist. A mid-game DLC could followEupha on a personal questto rediscover and master this skill, unlocking new abilities and insights into the nature of her past. Alternatively, a post-game expansion could frame her ability as a key to resolving lingering conflicts, positioning her as a bridge between warring factions or even unlocking hidden truths about the kingdom’s history.
Louis’ Goals Could be Fleshed Out More
AsMetaphor: ReFantazio’sprimary antagonist, Louis commands an imposing presence, but his motivations remain underdeveloped. The game presents his goals clearly, yet it provides little context regarding what shaped his ambitions. Unlike villains in other Atlus games, such asPersona 5’sShido orShin Megami Tensei’sLucifer, Louis lacks a deeper emotional arc that would make his perspective more compelling.
A DLC could take two approaches to addressing this. A mid-game expansion could add flashbacks detailing key events in Louis’ past, showing the pivotal moments that drove him to his final stance. While present in the latter parts of the game, the reveals arguably came too swiftly during moments where many story revelations were happening simultaneously. Players could experience these scenes firsthand, witnessing the betrayals or revelations that hardened his worldview. Alternatively, a post-game DLC could introduce a scenario where remnants ofLouis’ influencepersist beyond his downfall, leading to an ideological crisis within the protagonist’s world. This could present an opportunity for the party to unravel his true motivations retroactively.
The Player’s Role in Metaphor: ReFantazio Needs Clarity
One of the most intriguing aspects ofMetaphor: ReFantaziois its fourth-wall-breaking narrative. Unlike other RPGs, the game explicitly acknowledges the player as a separate entity from the protagonist. The narrator asks for the player’s name, not the character’s, and references to human civilization hint at an unknown connection between the game’s world and reality. However, the game does not fully explore this concept, leaving a fascinating mystery largely unexamined.
A DLC could dive deeper into this idea, especially in a post-game scenario where the protagonist begins to question their origins. The story could introduce a hidden faction aware of the player’s existence, leading to revelations about why the protagonist’s tribe is considered a remnant of a lost world. However, this expansion would need to be careful not to pushMetaphor: ReFantaziotoo far into a dystopian setting. WhileShin Megami Tenseigamesoften lean into apocalyptic themes,Metaphor: ReFantaziomaintains a distinct medieval fantasy tone that should remain intact. The challenge would be expanding on these mysterious elements without undermining the game’s established atmosphere.
The Best Approach for a Metaphor: ReFantazio DLC
IfMetaphor: ReFantaziowere to receive a story expansion, a mid-game DLCin the style ofPhantom Libertycould seamlessly integrate new content without disrupting the original ending. Eupha’s missing power and Louis’ backstory could be explored through added side arcs. However, a post-game expansion could also work, particularly if it builds on the player’s role in the story while avoiding a full dystopian shift. Ultimately, a well-crafted DLC would serve to enhanceMetaphor: ReFantazio’sstrongest narrative elements, providing players with an even deeper appreciation of its world and characters.
