(Image credit: Sega / Atlus)
In an effort to enhance the traditional Atlus formula, Metaphor: ReFantazio introduced innovative real-time action combat, allowing players to stun or eliminate lower-level foes without engaging in typical turn-based encounters. This was aimed at addressing the prevalent grinding problem within the JRPG genre.
However, during its development, Atlus inadvertently took the action combat concept too far. As shared in a panel at the Game Developer’s Conference 2025, Kenichi Goto, an Atlus veteran responsible for planning battle systems for renowned titles like Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, revealed that the team sought to “reduce the number of predictable battles” in their latest fantasy epic.
The result was the action combat system, which evolved to address combat feeling like a chore. “Our response to this issue was the Fast and Squad battle system,” Goto noted. By allowing players to swiftly deal with enemies on the field, the system aimed to resolve the grinding dilemma rather than introduce action for the sake of action.
At one point, the system became overly permissive, allowing players to defeat comparably or higher-leveled enemies given enough time. During playtesting, it became evident that players struggled with when to engage in turn-based battles versus defeating enemies directly. According to Goto, “It was a critical problem,” as players often viewed reverting to turn-based combat as a concession.
This feedback prompted the development team to refine Metaphor’s action combat, so that players could only easily dispatch low-level foes on the field. “We realized that action should merely serve as a gateway to the core of the game, which is the turn-based battles,” clarified Goto.
Despite initial concerns that turn-based JRPG combat might be becoming obsolete, Goto now believes in a “long future ahead” for the format. The adjustments ensure that Metaphor stays true to its turn-based roots, despite its ambitious innovations.
For more insights on Shin Megami Tensei, visit Atlus SMT, or explore the development journey at Persona’s official site.
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