Metaphor: ReFantazio vs Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
One is a 65-hour fantasy epic with deep class systems; the other a 15-hour remake for series loyalists.
Updated 3d ago
Surpasses most modern JRPGs — Metaphor takes Persona 5's social-sim-plus-turn-based formula into high fantasy with 46 archetypes and a tighter calendar.
For fans of Kiryu's saga — Kiwami 3 is the definitive Y3 remake, but newcomers should start with Y0 or Like a Dragon.
By the numbers
Prices checked Aug 15; they move faster than we refresh, so confirm on the store page.
Recent-review figures are Steam's own last-30-days window, read Aug 15.
| Measure | Metaphor: ReFantazio | Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties |
|---|---|---|
| Value Metaphor: ReFantazio wins on value | ||
| Price now | $25.17 −64% · GameBillet | $32.35 −46% · GameBillet |
| All-time low | $24.84 | $32.35 |
| Cost / hour | $0.39/hr $25.17 · 65 h main story | $2.23/hr $32.35 · 15 h main story |
| Off its low | +1% low was Aug 2026 | At its low low was Aug 2026 |
| Main story | 65 h | 15 h |
| Health Metaphor: ReFantazio wins on player health | ||
| Steam reviews | 90% 43k reviews | 62% 3k reviews |
| Recent reviews | 86% 419 votes · vs 90% lifetime | 77% 60 votes · vs 62% lifetime · improving |
| Peak players | 4,131 Jul 2026 · ↑ 24% MoM | 468 Jul 2026 · ↓ 20% MoM |
| Launch peak | 5% of Oct 2024 launch peak · as of Jul 2026 | 6% of Feb 2026 launch peak · as of Jul 2026 |
| All-time peak | 85,194 Oct 2024 | 8,263 Feb 2026 |
| Support | ||
| Last patch | 10 months ago | 5 months ago |
| Patch cadence | 0 in last 90 days | 0 in last 90 days |
| Steam Deck | Platinum | Platinum |
Shared scale — same months across the bottom, same player-count axis up the side, so the two lines are directly comparable. A shorter line means a younger game.
What players say
Patterns from long-haul reviewers, taken from each game's verdict. Not live sentiment — each side is dated below.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
The archetype system's flexible team-building and challenging turn-based combat are the loops 100-hour fans keep returning to.
Late-game grinding for types and abilities, alongside pacing that falls apart after a strong start, is the wall many long-time players hit.
from our May 2026 verdict
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
Combat updates feel incomplete and story changes frustrate long-time fans, while technical issues like poor performance and casting mar the experience.
from our May 2026 verdict
Key differences
Which one is for you?
Pick Metaphor: ReFantazio if
- You loved Persona 5 Royal and want a fantasy twist on the formula
- You're fine with a 60-80 hour JRPG with calendar deadlines
- You enjoy deep class customization and turn-based combat
Pick Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties if
- You've finished Yakuza 0, Kiwami, and Kiwami 2 and need the next chapter
- You want a shorter, self-contained story at about 15 hours
- You prefer action brawling over turn-based RPG battles
Bottom line
For a sprawling, class-heavy RPG, pick Metaphor; for a quick narrative fix in the Yakuza saga, choose Kiwami 3—though note its 62% review score versus Metaphor's 90% positive Steam reviews.
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