Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has all the essential elements that define a modern turn-based classic. After immersing myself in a few hours of Sandfall Interactive’s dark fantasy RPG, I can confidently say that Expedition 33 captures the melodrama reminiscent of contemporary Final Fantasy games, seamlessly blending it with the tactical turn-based combat that fans of the genre have longed for. Furthermore, the game introduces a unique Paper Mario-like timing mechanic, transforming combat into an experience that goes beyond merely selecting attacks and items during each turn.
Sandfall Interactive is utilizing impressive ingredients in its development process, and the brief experience I’ve had has left me eager for the complete offering. Even if I hadn’t already been drawn in by the outstanding voice cast—featuring talents like Charlie Cox from Daredevil, Jennifer English from Baldur’s Gate 3, and Ben Starr, the voice behind Clive Rosfield—the tragic premise of Expedition 33 would be enough to captivate me. In this haunting world, a malevolent sorceress creates a painting each year that results in the disappearance of everyone of that age, akin to a Thanos snap.
The titular expedition consists of brave individuals on a quest to confront this sorceress, yet even in the early hours of gameplay, a sense of hopelessness pervades. The expedition seems more focused on paving the way for future generations rather than achieving immediate success. In a world where cherished memories can vanish with a mere stroke of a paintbrush, the notion of growing old becomes increasingly improbable, making the rare encounter with a senior citizen feel like discovering an endangered species.
The atmosphere in Expedition 33 is so deeply desolate that the characters striving to save it appear to be embarking on a seemingly futile mission. This emotional landscape is wonderfully reminiscent of listening to the most heart-wrenching emo song on repeat, reveling in melancholy just to feel something. Throughout my limited playtime, the game presented a wealth of lore and terminology that I anticipate will become clearer in the context of the full game. Yet, even without fully grasping all the proper nouns, I am already fascinated by how the game immerses players in a broken world that feels irreparably damaged. Nevertheless, the party continues to press forward, adding an element of tantalizing intrigue.
Fortunately, the turn-based combat in Expedition 33 is equally compelling. The game incorporates conventional elements of a turn-based battle system, such as elemental weaknesses and party members with specialized roles. However, it also introduces a refreshing array of active combat mechanics that make battles feel more engaging and less repetitive. Each character possesses unique mechanics; for example, the swordsman Gustave accumulates a reserve of power through standard attacks, which can be unleashed once charged sufficiently. Meanwhile, the mage Lune utilizes “stains” inflicted upon foes to enhance the potency of certain spell combinations.
In addition to these strategic options, players can engage in quick time events to amplify their attacks, aim ranged attacks manually to target enemy weak points, and utilize a dodge and parry system to counter enemy moves. While I appreciate the concept of these defensive options, the execution has left me with mixed feelings thus far. Some enemy attacks have a rhythmic quality that facilitates dodging and parrying, while others feel clunky and challenging to react to effectively. While I anticipate that my game sense will improve with additional playtime, these challenges were frustrating during some of the more demanding boss encounters.
Despite this minor wrinkle, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 radiates drama, tactical depth, and style. I am eagerly looking forward to diving deeper into this haunting RPG when it launches on April 25.
