With the unveiling of Atlus’ Project Re Fantasy as Metaphor: ReFantazio, anticipation has swirled around how players will engage with this new fantasy RPG. For those who have immersed themselves in titles like Shin Megami Tensei V and Persona 5 across various platforms, the question arises: will Metaphor: ReFantazio be best enjoyed on a home console or on the go with a Steam Deck? My experience has led me to explore both avenues, ultimately dedicating over 120 hours to the game on my Steam Decks, alongside around 30 hours on console versions. Here, I will delve into the current build of the game on Steam Deck, highlighting the optimal settings for an enhanced experience.
Performance Insights and Recommendations
Since its release, the PC review build of Metaphor: ReFantazio has undergone several patches, each enhancing performance on the Steam Deck. Valve currently categorizes the game as “Playable” rather than “Verified,” primarily due to small text that can be challenging to read and the need for manual adjustments to graphics settings for optimal performance. Having played extensively, I can affirm these observations.
Upon initial play, it became evident that Metaphor: ReFantazio’s PC port lacked the polish seen in previous titles like Persona 5 Royal. The graphics optimization left much to be desired, particularly in terms of anti-aliasing. The default rendering scale was set at 125%, which did improve the image clarity on the Steam Deck’s display; however, I advise against exceeding a 100% rendering scale for now. The game features distinct menus for graphics and display settings, allowing for adjustments via presets or individual settings. I recommend the latter approach for Steam Deck users.
Optimal Settings for Steam Deck
After exploring various locations within Metaphor: ReFantazio, including optional dungeons, I noted significant performance dips below 30fps in certain areas prior to the latest patches. The opening desert, the first main hub city, a mid to late-game location, and the final dungeon were particularly affected, with the latter experiencing frame rates plummeting below 20fps. Thankfully, the most recent patch has improved this, with the final dungeon now consistently running above 30fps, occasionally reaching 45-50fps.
For the best experience on Steam Deck, I recommend the following settings:
- Rendering Scale: 100%
- Texture Quality: Normal
- Fullscreen Mode: Enabled
- Ambient Occlusion: Off
- Frame Rate Limit: 30fps (though uncapped may yield higher frame rates in many locations)
While achieving a locked 40 or 45fps at 90hz is currently unfeasible without sacrificing image quality, targeting 30fps at native resolution provides a more stable experience. For those who enjoy connecting their Steam Deck to a TV or monitor, I suggest running the game at 1080p with a 75% rendering scale to ensure a sharper UI while maintaining performance.
Display and Control Options
Metaphor: ReFantazio operates exclusively at a 16:9 aspect ratio, regardless of the resolution settings. My experience with fullscreen at 800p was satisfactory. For v-sync, it’s advisable to turn it off if you are capping the frame rate through the Quick Access Menu, or enable it if using the in-game limiter set at 30fps. Additionally, the game allows for customizable button prompts, which I found particularly useful while using my PS5 controller.
One minor inconvenience I encountered was the inability to launch the game offline initially, likely due to DRM protocols. This required a brief tethering to my phone’s hotspot, but I adapted by keeping the game in sleep mode when not in use. Such issues are not uncommon with recent SEGA-published titles, but they are worth mentioning for prospective players.
Visual and Gameplay Experience
Visually, Metaphor: ReFantazio diverges from the familiar aesthetics of Atlus, leaning more towards a style reminiscent of Catherine rather than Persona. Despite this shift, the game retains an engaging structure, borrowing elements from the newer Persona titles while offering a unique experience.
Reflecting on my time spent with Metaphor: ReFantazio, I find myself eager to replay it more than Persona 5, thanks to its dynamic combat and varied locations. The game boasts an impressive array of optional dungeons, with two still awaiting my completion in my New Game Plus save. The initial demo had raised concerns about performance, but the current build runs smoothly, showcasing significant improvements since its early days.
With stylish menus, captivating character designs, and an exceptional soundtrack, my primary technical grievance remains the absence of anti-aliasing. While higher rendering scales offer a temporary fix, they come at the cost of performance. I hope future updates will introduce even basic anti-aliasing options.
Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out as a noteworthy release from Atlus, particularly given its simultaneous launch on PC and consoles. My journey through this expansive RPG has been rewarding, and the ongoing optimization enhances its appeal for Steam Deck enthusiasts seeking a portable gaming experience. I look forward to continuing my adventure in New Game Plus mode and encourage others to explore this title on their Steam Decks for a rich, engaging experience.
