In the upcoming RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Atlus is addressing key concerns of modern players, particularly their aversion to wasting time in games. The lead battle planner, Kenichi Goto, shared insights on how the development team aimed to create gameplay that minimizes the frustration of dying during challenging battles.

“When they reach the ‘game over’ screen, they feel like their efforts went to waste,” Goto remarked during a recent panel at the Game Developers Conference.

This sentiment drives the game’s design, which allows players to reset battles easily and take advantage of generous autosaving features. Goto emphasizes that engaging combat is crucial, stating that RPGs should feel like resource management games. This approach prioritizes excitement and a sense of safety for players, ensuring that even if they fail, the time lost remains minimal.

Furthermore, the game features a unique “rewind” system, allowing players to reverse tricky decisions and try again without significant time penalties, effectively making it more accessible to a contemporary audience.

Through these innovations, Metaphor: ReFantazio seeks to blend challenge with convenience, providing gamers with the experience they crave without the excessive frustration of the genre’s traditional mechanics.