Sega and Atlus are having its Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year sale on Steam (as well as other platforms) but this is one particular sale worth highlighting. You can get both Metaphor: ReFantazio and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a 2-game bundle, currently on discount as part of the sale.
This is a new collaboration bundle between Atlus and Kepler Interactive. Usually you’d only see indie publishers and developers doing collaboration bundles like this on Steam, so seeing Sega/Atlus shaking hands with fellow game devs and publishers for this is cool to see.
The collab bundle couldn’t be more perfect. Both are excellent RPGs if you ask us. Both are worthy to the title Game Of The Year (though only one of them took Gamer Matters’ GOTY dub, guess which). Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 developers Sandfall Interactive have publicly cited Persona 5 as a big inspo, while a number of key figures behind Persona 5 are involved in creating Metaphor: ReFantazio.
More importantly, both games are two sides of the same coin when it comes to its story theme. We mentioned in our review of Expedition 33 how the game and Metaphor are different yet complementary perspectives on the power of fantasy: fantasy can change the world, and fantasy can change one’s world. Both powerful messages.
Speaking of messages, here’s a message from Metaphor: ReFantazio Creative Director Katsura Hashino and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Director Guillaume Broche celebrating the bundle:
“I am very pleased to hear that a Steam bundle will be released with
Metaphor: ReFantazio Creative Director
‘Expedition 33,’ a title that has received high praise around the world.
“‘Expedition 33’ is a work that conveys a deep understanding of and
sincere dedication to the JRPG genre, crafted with great care down to the finest details. As someone who also creates RPGs, I found it to be truly inspiring.
“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.
While the two titles differ in their worlds and overall direction, players may find a shared spirit in how we each approach and express the RPG genre. I hope that this bundle encourages players to experience breadth of what RPGs can offer.”
Katsura Hashino
“Metaphor: ReFantazio is a game that is really inspiring for us. It tells a beautiful story in a completely new world that is masterfully crafted. It deals with heavy themes but one that resonates strongly with me is the importance of imagination in all aspects of our lives. The cast is lovable and the turn-based battle system is one of the best I have played. “
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Director Guillaume Broche
Isn’t it nice to see game recognises game.
If you’re game, the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Metaphor: ReFantazio bundle on Steam is currently 36% off. Sega and Atlus also offer a bunch of other games on sale at the moment.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is available on PS4, PS5, PC (Steam) and Xbox Series X|S. A demo is available. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is out now on PS5, PC (Steam, Epic Games Store) and Xbox Series X|S.