Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Character Poll Shows Surprising Regional Divide in Fan Favorites
Japanese and international fans reveal contrasting preferences for their favorite characters in the hit RPG.
The acclaimed RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio has sparked an interesting discussion about character preferences across different regions, with Japanese and international audiences showing distinctly different favorites among the game’s cast. Recent polling data from Atlus reveals that Strohl has captured the hearts of Japanese players, securing the top spot with 4,637 votes.
The character popularity contest in Japan shows Louis claiming second place, followed by the game’s protagonist in third. Basilio and Eupha complete the top five most beloved characters among Japanese fans. However, the results paint a different picture in other regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, where Hulkenberg emerges as the fan favorite, despite ranking eighth in Japan.
Released in October 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio has already established itself as a standout title in the gaming industry. The game’s success was further cemented at The Game Awards, where it claimed victories in three categories: Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, and Role-Playing Game of the Year.
The full top 10 ranking for Japanese players is as follows:
- Strohl
- Louis
- Protagonist
- Basilio
- Eupha
- Gallica
- Heismay
- Hulkenberg
- Fidelio
- Brigitta
The Southeast Asian poll reveals notably different preferences, with Heismay securing second place and Strohl maintaining popularity in third position. These regional differences highlight the diverse appeal of the game’s characters, each resonating differently with various audiences around the world.
Building on its critical success, Metaphor: ReFantazio achieved an impressive milestone by surpassing one million sales within its first 24 hours of release. Recent industry rumors suggest that the game might be heading to the Switch 2, with Nintendo‘s next-generation console expected to launch between June and November 2025.