JRPG Masters Cross Paths: Hashino Praises Expedition 33 as Both Games Go on Steam Sale

In a heartwarming moment of industry recognition, acclaimed JRPG auteur Katsura Hashino (Metaphor: ReFantazio) has publicly praised Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, calling it “a work that conveys a deep understanding of and sincere dedication to the JRPG genre.” This mutual admiration society extends to Sandfall Interactive’s Guillaume Broche, who returned the compliment for Hashino’s upcoming magnum opus. The result? Both games are now available together at a sweet discount on Steam, giving fans a perfect opportunity to experience what these creative minds find so inspiring in each other’s work.

For those unfamiliar with these titles, Expedition 33 has been earning rave reviews for its “beautiful story in a completely new world that is masterfully crafted,” featuring “one of the most charismatic villains I’ve ever seen in an RPG,” according to Polygon’s review. The title reimagines traditional job systems through its Archetypes, offering diverse playstyles. Meanwhile, Hashino’s Metaphor: ReFantazio represents his first major project since Persona 5, promising the same level of depth and polish fans have come to expect from the legendary director.

What makes this story particularly special is Hashino’s expressed delight in seeing Japanese-style RPGs flourishing globally. “I am genuinely delighted to see Japanese-style RPGs being born and embraced, not only from Japanese-based studios like ours, but other places around the world through diverse creative approaches,” he shared. This cross-pollination of ideas and mutual respect between developers across borders represents the best of what gaming can be - a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. With both games now discounted, there’s never been a better time to join this celebration of RPG craftsmanship.