Can I play Metaphor: ReFantazio on ASUS ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and other gaming handhelds?

Can I play Metaphor: ReFantazio on ASUS ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and other gaming handhelds?

Can I play Metaphor: ReFantazio on gaming handhelds?

As a researcher with years of gaming experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Metaphor: ReFantazio is a game that caters to both high-end and lower-end hardware, making it an excellent choice for gaming handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck.


Metaphor: ReFantazio can be played on portable gaming devices such as the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck, but keep in mind that the user experience might vary. This game offers controller support and an adjustable interface for PC, and it’s officially marked as “Playable” on the Steam Deck. However, performance will be influenced by your settings, since Metaphor: ReFantazio isn’t a light or compact game.

Best settings to play Metaphor: ReFantazio on gaming handhelds

Can I play Metaphor: ReFantazio on ASUS ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and other gaming handhelds?

ReFantazio work effectively even on less powerful hardware, making it look good on devices like the ASUS ROG Ally. Although it may not be as impressive in the images shown here, when in motion and on a 7-inch screen, Metaphor: ReFantazio appears excellent. Additionally, after adjusting the settings, gameplay is smooth.

Typically, Metaphor: ReFantazio is set to run at Medium settings. However, I advise against this. I ran the game on my ASUS ROG Ally X in 17W Performance Mode while unplugged, and achieved an average of approximately 35-37 frames per second (FPS) in open 3D areas, as well as 65-67 FPS during turn-based combat, dialogue, and menus.

Initially, I tested the ROG Ally without AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) activated. Enabling this feature can substantially boost performance when optimized. In contrast, HYPR-RX was activated on my ASUS ROG Ally, a blend of several AMD technologies that enhance game visual quality and performance through techniques like resolution upscaling. Additionally, I allocated 8GB of RAM to the GPU; if you own a standard ROG Ally, you might want to assign 6GB instead for optimal performance.

Can I play Metaphor: ReFantazio on ASUS ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and other gaming handhelds?
Can I play Metaphor: ReFantazio on ASUS ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and other gaming handhelds?

Instead of Metaphor: ReFantazio, you’re offered a somewhat limited performance and graphic options, but I managed to make it work. I adjusted the game to run at Low graphics setting in Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, without ambient occlusion and with texture quality set to “Normal.” Additionally, I reduced the rendering scale to 75% and utilized the ASUS ROG Ally and its AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution technology to boost the resolution.

In motion, the game on the ROG Ally’s screen appeared quite good. If you prefer a clearer image, consider adjusting the rendering scale to 100%. Additionally, I activated v-sync to ensure that ReFantazio, the game Metaphor, synced smoothly with the ROG Ally’s 120Hz display, providing a more fluid experience, especially when the framerate may not be stable.

Playing Metaphor: ReFantazio on the ASUS ROG Ally for extended periods, I encountered no difficulties. This applies to combat in overworlds, exploration of vast cities, and battling groups of formidable foes during turn-based combat. The game may not be visually striking, but my frame rates remained fairly consistent, never dipping significantly below 30 FPS. During my review period, Metaphor: ReFantazio received pre-release patches that enhanced the PC and handheld performance in later stages of the game and within dungeons.

With the device connected, the ASUS ROG Ally in its 30W mode is expected to deliver a more seamless performance. As previously stated, you might be able to extract additional performance using AFMF, which could potentially enhance the graphical quality as well.

Can I play Metaphor: ReFantazio on ASUS ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and other gaming handhelds?

As an analyst, I don’t have a Steam Deck at hand for direct testing, but I can share that Metaphor: ReFantazio is marked as “Playable” on its Steam store page. This game seamlessly switches between keyboard/mouse and controller inputs, and it fully accommodates the standard “Xbox” controller setup, which includes the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and similar handheld devices. Contrary to my initial concerns about control remapping not being a feature, I encountered no such issues during my gameplay experience.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t pertain to the Steam edition, but if you find yourself switching between a high-end gaming PC and the Steam Deck, then it could still apply.

One of my favorite ways to play this awesome game

Can I play Metaphor: ReFantazio on ASUS ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and other gaming handhelds?

In my take on the ReFantazio review, I laud the game for its engaging storyline and character development, impressive visual design, unique musical score, and fascinating blend of real-time battle mechanics, tactical turn-based combats, and social interaction aspects.

On the Xbox Series X, I predominantly enjoyed the majority of Metaphor: ReFantazio, which visibly and smoothly outperforms its presentation on the ASUS ROG Ally or other portable gaming devices. However, if given the chance, I wouldn’t have objected to finishing the entire game on the ROG Ally. Despite being a handheld, it managed to deliver a satisfying gaming experience in the United Kingdom of Euchronia that didn’t detract from my adventure. It was particularly convenient to carry this extensive RPG with me during my work trip to San Francisco.

I had a blast playing the game on the plane to and from California and also while lying in bed. It probably helps that the ASUS ROG Ally X has an excellent display and speakers and is more comfortable than its predecessor, which was already one of the best gaming handhelds. Whichever gaming handheld is your mobile PC of choice, though, Metaphor: ReFantazio should offer you a solid experience. I know it’s one of my favorite ways to play games, and Metaphor: ReFantazio is certainly one of my top games of the year so far.

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2024-10-08 20:09