Upon completing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, I was left with the impression that this role-playing game (RPG) draws inspiration from celebrated titles such as Elden Ring, Final Fantasy, and notably, Nier Replicant. However, it manages to carve out its own unique identity in a saturated genre. With an all-star voice cast, dynamic turn-based combat, a haunting score, and a distinctive art style, it embodies many hallmarks of a pantheon-worthy RPG. As someone who deeply appreciates thematic motifs, I found myself enchanted by its mythic grandeur, layered world-building, and visceral themes. Games that resonate with me become unforgettable when they weave narratives that linger in the recesses of my mind, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 certainly achieved that.
Developed by the independent French studio Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 presents a chilling dystopia where humanity's fate is dictated by a ritual steeped in inevitability. Each year, a deity called the Paintress approaches a towering monolith, inscribing a descending number that has now reached 33. This number signifies the age of individuals on the secluded island of Lumière, leading to a phenomenon known as “Gommage.” This poetic erasure results in individuals dissolving into smoke and flower petals, marking their end. As survivors grapple with this bleak reality, Gommage transforms from a cruel inevitability into a bittersweet tradition, with phrases like “We’re already dead, just catching up” becoming commonplace.
The narrative follows the 33rd expedition, a team whose average age does little to inspire optimism among the townsfolk of Lumière. Resigned to their fate, the people place their hopes not in victory but in the expedition itself, hoping to leave behind insights for future generations. However, the members of Expedition 33 remain determined to end humanity’s Sisyphean struggle once and for all, embarking on treacherous missions to confront the Paintress. Yet, history has shown that none of these expeditions have succeeded in defeating her, leading to an atmosphere heavy with despair.
Few games have captivated my artistic sensibilities quite like Clair Obscur. It boasts a stunning mix of Belle Époque character designs, art deco and high fantasy environmental aesthetics, and avant-garde creature designs. The game employs a bold, innovative third-person overworld traversal system that makes the characters resemble Warhammer miniatures navigating through a living diorama. As players journey to confront the Paintress, they encounter Nevrons—hostile eldritch creatures responsible for the demise of past expeditions. The game encourages exploration, rewarding players who venture off the beaten path with trinkets that enhance combat stats and journals from previous expeditions containing valuable advice.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 features a robust combat system that combines real-time action with traditional turn-based strategy. Players can dodge and parry incoming attacks while launching powerful quick-time events (QTEs) to amplify their damage. The variety of abilities earned by defeating challenging optional bosses allows players to devise unique strategies, making each combat encounter feel like a tactical chess match. The game encourages experimentation, with players able to mix and match character abilities to create powerful synergies that enhance their chances of success.
While Clair Obscur excels in combat and visual design, its storytelling shines as well. The characters, voiced by talents like Charlie Cox, Jennifer English, and Ben Starr, feel genuine and relatable, adding emotional weight to the narrative. Players can bond with their party members during downtime, sparking conversations that infuse warmth into the otherwise bleak world. These interactions make players invested in ensuring each character completes their story with a fulfilling resolution.
As Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 approaches its climactic conclusion, it does encounter some narrative missteps. The final act feels somewhat fragmented, as if an ambitious twist was awkwardly stitched onto an otherwise cohesive story. However, the emotional performances of the voice actors help to smooth over these inconsistencies and keep players engaged until the very end. Ultimately, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 serves as a testament to the power of creativity in game design, combining innovative mechanics with a unique and thought-provoking narrative. Set to be released on April 24 for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, this debut title from Sandfall Interactive promises to be a lasting experience.
Whether you are a fan of RPGs or simply in search of a game that challenges and inspires, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is undoubtedly worth the journey.
