Among the vibrant cast of characters in Metaphor: ReFantazio, Strohl has captured the hearts of Japanese fans, claiming the top spot in a recent popularity poll. Joining him in the favored circle are Louis and the protagonist, both rounding off the trio of fan favorites. However, it’s a different story in Southeast Asia, where fans have chosen Hulkenberg as their standout character.
Since its release on October 11, 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Atlus’s latest RPG offering, has been showered with praise from both critics and players alike. The game not only wowed with its storytelling and artistic direction but also clinched three awards at The Game Awards, solidifying its place as one of the year’s best in the role-playing category. Its eclectic ensemble of characters has been a highlight, drawing players into the enchanting world Atlus has crafted.
In mid-January 2024, Atlus revealed some intriguing insights from an ongoing fan poll. Strohl emerged as a favorite, amassing 4,637 votes from Japanese fans, which put him ahead of Louis, who trailed by just a whisker with 5% fewer votes. The protagonist was hot on their heels with 3,483 votes. Also making waves were Basilio and Eupha, completing the top five with 3,379 and 2,694 votes respectively.
Interestingly, the fan preferences shift notably outside of Japan. A poll conducted by Atlus SEA unveiled that Hulkenberg has captured the imagination of fans in Southeast Asia, topping their poll and jumping up six ranks compared to Japan. Heismay settles in second place there, a slot he doesn’t hold in Japan, while Strohl lands as third favorite. These differences highlight the game’s diverse appeal, which has fans worldwide connecting with different characters, thanks to their unique traits and depth.
This diversity among characters enhances the game’s social mechanics, encouraging players to forge connections—known as Bonds—in this title, akin to establishing Social Links in the Persona games from the same developer. Metaphor: ReFantazio has struck gold, surpassing one million sales within just 24 hours of its release, and it seems there’s more on the horizon. Rumors suggest the game might soon find its way onto the Nintendo Switch 2, with the much-anticipated console expected to launch between June and November 2025, following hands-on preview events happening worldwide.
Source: Atlus SEA.
