The year isn’t over yet, but if you follow RPG fans online, then you know it. they call Metaphor: ReFantazio game of the year hardware. Well, according to the Steam reviews, these people might be right. This is a very popular anime-style RPG from developer ATLUS, known for the phenomenal Character franchise, in a whole new world more inspired by fantasy than the latter.

Learn more: Here are your 2024 GOTY nominees for the 10th annual Geoff Keighley Game Awards

Metaphor: ReFantazio follows the political turmoil after the king’s assassination and a hero’s journey to restore peace and prosperity to the kingdom. Taking control of the main character, players delve into dungeons, tackle quests, and meet various companions with unique relationships and virtues, all while finding time to complete the main story across an expansive world. It’s a lot to swallow for players unfamiliar with ATLUS’ particular brand of role-playing, but it’s also one of the team’s most welcoming titles. This is a great place to start if you’re curious about these games, although it’s not without its problems. As you will see from the various negative Steam reviews below, people have concerns and qualms and are not afraid to voice such opinions and complaints.

On the plus side, players are proclaiming it to be the studio’s best RPG yet, with a gripping storyline and unmissable cutscenes. Many also consider tough fights to be rewarding despite the difficulty. Unfortunately, this is also a point of contention. On the negative side, many players claim that the difficulty is too extreme and that replaying numerous boss fights – an effort often required – spoils the experience.

Additionally, countless negative reviews from Steam gamers point the finger at the infamous DRM, Denuvo, which decreases performance and causes issues when attempting to play the game. Players also complain about poor balancing, combat overly tricky bosses, as well as boring dialogue and characters that erase any enjoyment from the experience.

If you are unsure about Metaphor: ReFantazio— GOTY many gamers for 2024 — here’s a look at the latest ATLUS RPG, as told by Steam reviewers!