As we approach The Game Awards, Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out with nominations in categories like Best RPG, Narrative, Score, Art Direction, Game Direction, and Game of the Year. This captivating fantasy RPG, directed by Katsura Hashino and brought to life with a team of Atlus veterans, weaves an intricate story set in the United Kingdom of Euchronia. It offers a rich tapestry of political intrigue and emotional depth, drawing players in with impeccable turn-based combat reminiscent of modern Persona and SMT games. The carefully crafted world and its characters shatter traditional RPG norms, cementing the game as both clever and thought-provoking. With an impressive roster of English voice actors, the game has generated quite a buzz, especially since it didn’t land a nomination for Best Performance, much to the discontent of fans.
The year 2024 has given us some truly exceptional video game performances. From Briana White’s heartfelt portrayal of Aerith in FF7 Rebirth to Luke Roberts’ nuanced take on James Sunderland in Silent Hill 2, voice actors have given life and emotional depth to the characters we love. Hannah Telle, Humberly Gonzalez, and Melina Juergens, among others, have also delivered performances that resonate deeply, tackling the complex themes present in their respective games. Despite the need to narrow down choices for the Game Awards, Metaphor’s talented English voice cast, comprised of many newcomers to the industry, was notably absent from the nominations, leaving fans a bit disappointed.
### A Diverse Ensemble, Full of Dialect and Industry Experience
Metaphor’s English voice cast is as diverse as its storyline, featuring an array of accents such as Scottish, Welsh, and Irish. These varied dialects not only enhance the game’s medieval setting but also reflect the diversity of Euchronia’s regions and inhabitants. The choice to cast fresh voices has paid off splendidly, bringing an authentic vigor to the world and even to minor characters like Fabienne, voiced by Penelope Rawlins, and Edeni, played by George Weightman. These performances add layers and authenticity to the game, showcasing its meticulous attention to detail. Among the leading roles, several actors stand out, making the snub in award categories feel even more pronounced.
### Spotlight on Stewart Clarke as Leon Strohl
Stewart Clarke’s portrayal of Leon Strohl, a standout character in Metaphor: ReFantazio, is both heartfelt and humorous. As a nobleman with a strong moral compass, Clarke’s voice work captures the essence of the character—from challenging corruption to engaging in lighthearted banter about food. Strohl’s role as a warrior prince’s ally and friend brings depth to the narrative. Clarke’s previous roles in FF16 as Dion and in Valkyrie Elysium as Eygon set the stage, but it’s his contribution to Metaphor that truly amplifies his reach and talent.
### A Collective of Performances Enriching Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Realm
The brilliance in Clarke’s performance is mirrored by the rest of the main cast in Metaphor. Philippe Spall brings a poignant portrayal of Heismay, balancing grief and a newfound resolve, especially evident in key narrative moments. Similarly, Emma Ballantine shines as Junah, delivering a spirited performance filled with emotional highs and everyday camaraderie. With such a wealth of talent, it’s challenging to single out a single performance—the brilliance lies in the collective.
Beyond the primary ensemble, Greg Chun adds depth as More, the sagacious narrator on the protagonists’ journey, while Joseph Tweedale creates a powerfully intellectual villain in Louis. Each actor enriches the narrative, making characters—and by extension, the world of Metaphor—vivid and compelling. Although these performances were overlooked in terms of Game Awards recognition, the fan community’s appreciation underscores the actors’ extraordinary contributions to the gaming experience.
