Unlock the Secret to Epic Battle Music: How ReFantanzio’s Metaphors Make Their Soundtracks Unbeatable
The Magical Soundtrack of Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Epic Battle Music
The veritable magnum opus that is Metaphor: ReFantazio, the 2024 release that’s been belting out Game Awards left and right, has Baju nativ Fundamente to the core. One of its most striking aspects? The music, carefully curated by none other than Shoji Meguro, the mastermind behind the iconic Persona series.
In an exclusive interview with The Verge, Meguro shed light on the creative process behind Metaphor‘s groundbreaking soundtrack, particularly the "Warriors in Arms" and "Warriors in Valor" battle themes that have taken the gaming world by storm.
It all starts with a nontrivial departure from the norm: Metaphor‘s heavy orchestral / choral direction, which has garnered rave reviews. When asked about this bold new direction, Meguro revealed that he had to "relearn classical music theory" to tackle this project. The "spiritual musical style" that defines the soundtrack was a deliberate choice to evoke a sense of fantasy while incorporating a unique twist, as fans have come to expect from Atlus games.
In a fascinating aside, Meguro shared his monumental task in finding the perfect voice for the Japanese monk chanting in the battle theme. He combed through YouTube performances, ultimately landing on the mesmerizing Keisuke Honryo, a monk who has performed for the Nam Jazz Experiment, a musical group that combines jazz with traditional Buddhist sutras. "It was so great, I immediately made [Honryo] an offer and luckily he accepted and was happy to be a part of this game," he recalled.
What makes Metaphor‘s battle music so arresting? It’s not just the catchy tunes or the monk’s hypnotic chanting – it’s the strategic rethinking of the scoring process itself. Meguro and game director Katsura Hashino delved into the notion of connecting what the players are hearing to what the characters are hearing. This innovative approach allowed them to compose the soundtrack from a different perspective, ultimately resulting in a unique experience for gamers.
Metaphor does just that. In the opening hours, the player’s sidekick casts a spell that allows them to hear music as they explore the world. This clever twist transforms the game’s music from a background element to a vital part of the narrative. In the heat of battle, the music takes on a new meaning – it’s no longer just a sideshow, but an integral part of the characters’ lives. Every fight is a matter of life and death for the characters, and the music reflects the gravity of the moment.
Meguro’s creation has resonated deeply with fans, inspiring memes, animated shorts, and even earning a spot on the Game Awards.
"That brings me so much joy that fans are responding enthusiastically to the music of Metaphor," he effused. "It’s an honor to get that kind of reaction."
