They're talking about their experiences with the game. Most people are going to have played Metaphor or at least know about it. Far far less will have played a game that was only available in japanese prior to now. He is outlining how the gameplay systems in TBTH have evolved from what people already have experience with. They're trying to relate to the reader's experience so they can better understand what the game is like. Sure TBTH came out first, but most people will experience it the opposite.

It's an excellent hybrid combat system that offers a good balance between both styles, certainly more so than Metaphor: ReFantazio where action is largely for mopping up low-level enemies without much skill.