In the vibrant world of Metaphor: ReFantazio, Strohl tops the popularity rankings among Japanese fans as per the game’s official poll results. Likewise, Louis and the unnamed protagonist follow closely behind, rounding out the top three. Contrastingly, over in Southeast Asia, it’s Hulkenberg who captures fans’ hearts the most.
The game, rolled out on October 11, 2024, garnered near-universal praise from critics and managed to scoop up several awards at The Game Awards, winning in categories like best narrative, art direction, and role-playing game of the year. Metaphor: ReFantazio is celebrated for its rich tapestry of intriguing characters, each more captivating than the last.
In a bid to really understand which characters players cherish the most, Atlus conducted a poll. Strohl, a standout favorite, received 4,637 votes in Japan, outpacing Louis, who sits in second place. Meanwhile, the game’s protagonist managed to secure third place with 3,483 votes. The remaining slots in the top five go to Basilio and Eupha, who captured 3,379 and 2,694 votes, respectively.
Interestingly, the character preferences shift significantly when looking at other regions. As per a poll shared by Atlus SEA, fans outside Japan have a different lineup of favorites. In Southeast Asia, Hulkenberg claims the top spot, followed by Heismay, pushing Strohl to third place. The differences in character popularity reflect the diverse interests and cultural nuances in different regions, as fans engage with Metaphor: ReFantazio’s extensive lineup.
Atlus clearly aimed to replicate the successful formula seen in their Persona series by crafting a diverse cast that invites players to form bonds with a wide array of characters, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Metaphor: ReFantazio’s success is not just with critics but also commercially, hitting one million sales in its first 24 hours. As players around the globe continue to immerse themselves in its vibrant narrative, there’s buzz about the game possibly making its way to Nintendo’s next console, the Switch 2. Though the release date for this console remains under wraps, expectations are high for its arrival sometime between June and November 2025.
With more players getting the chance to experience this captivating RPG, it’s only a matter of time before Metaphor: ReFantazio cements its place as a hallmark in the genre.
Source: Atlus SEA
