Metaphor: ReFantazio, a fantasy RPG by Atlus, has garnered attention for its performance on Steam Deck and consoles. With over 120 hours of gameplay logged on Steam Deck and some additional time on consoles, it’s clear that the game performs well on Valve’s handheld, though not without requiring some adjustments. Currently, it has been marked as Steam Deck Playable, not Verified, due to small text and the need for manual graphic settings tweaks.
The PC port faces optimization challenges, particularly in terms of graphics and performance. Compared to Atlus’ previous titles like Persona 5 Royal, Metaphor seems to lack certain features, such as proper anti-aliasing. The default rendering scale of 125% enhances image clarity but is not recommended, as 100% provides a better balance between visual quality and performance on Steam Deck.
In terms of graphics settings, manually adjusting individual options is recommended over-relying on presets. Certain settings, such as lowering texture quality and turning off ambient occlusion, significantly improve performance. Early-game areas and the final dungeon experienced severe frame rate drops before patches, but post-update, performance has improved, with frame rates consistently reaching above 30fps in most areas, even in demanding locations.
While there were initial performance issues, patches have helped stabilize gameplay, leading to a smoother experience. For optimal play, targeting a 30fps frame rate is recommended, though leaving it uncapped can result in frame rates closer to the 40s and 50s in some areas. Achieving a consistent 40 or 45fps at 90hz isn’t feasible without sacrificing image quality, making 30fps the most reliable option at the native resolution.
When playing Metaphor docked on a TV or monitor, the recommended resolution is 1080p with a rendering scale of 75%, ensuring clear UI elements while maintaining decent performance. Playing at 1440p is possible but places too much strain on the system, causing frame rates to dip below 30fps in areas where performance is usually stable. The game is locked to a 16:9 aspect ratio, regardless of resolution.
Convenient features include customizable button prompts based on the controller and a toggle option for running, eliminating the need to hold a button continuously in RPGs. A minor issue with the game launching offline was noted, likely due to DRM restrictions, but this can be resolved with an internet connection. Additionally, touchscreen support for dialogue progression adds to the game’s portability on Steam Deck.
Visually, Metaphor stands apart from other Atlus titles, drawing comparisons to Catherine rather than Persona. Despite this, its structure shares similarities with modern Persona games, offering varied locations and optional dungeons that enhance its replayability. With over 100 hours of content, including New Game Plus, the game provides ample opportunity for exploration.
Metaphor: ReFantazio has improved significantly since its initial demo release, running smoothly on Steam Deck despite a few lingering technical issues. While anti-aliasing remains a missing feature, the game’s optimization and performance updates make it a strong choice for RPG fans looking for a portable experience on the Steam Deck. Further patches may enhance the PC port even more, making it an even more appealing option for players.
