Exploring the Unique Human Designs in Metaphor: ReFantazio
Metaphor: ReFantazio is not your typical horror game. It’s a fantasy RPG that boasts an engaging storyline and a complex combat system. However, the game manages to blur the lines between genres with its unique monster designs, particularly the creatures known as “humans.” When encountering these beings, players may find themselves questioning which category these monsters truly belong to.
[Ed. note: The following contains spoilers for some of the enemy designs in Metaphor: ReFantazio.]
Unveiling the Intriguing Human Creatures
The journey into Metaphor begins with a thrilling encounter in a major dungeon where soldiers are swiftly defeated by a colossal floating creature. This monster features multiple humanoid limbs, a skull-like face with wings and horns, and a torso encased in a red egg-shaped shell, leading your companion to dub it as a “human.”
As players delve deeper into the game, they come across various other humanoid beings with bizarre appearances. These so-called humans, ranging from large eggshell-encased creatures to armored frog soldiers, populate the world of Metaphor: ReFantazio, instilling a sense of mystery and dread among its inhabitants.
Artistic Inspiration Behind the Designs
Notably, the design of these enigmatic humans draws inspiration from the works of Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch, particularly his renowned painting The Garden of Earthly Delights from the 1500s. Bosch’s intricate depictions of fantastical beings, especially those featured in the hellish third panel of his triptych, have greatly influenced the unsettling aesthetic of the game’s monstrous inhabitants.
While the exact origins and purpose of these creatures remain shrouded in mystery within the game, recognizing the artistic roots of their designs adds a layer of depth to players’ experiences. Players may find enjoyment in discovering parallels between the humans in Metaphor: ReFantazio and the eerie figures portrayed in Bosch’s iconic artworks.