Clair Obscur: A Review of Expedition 33

As the first few months of 2025 unfold, a surprise flurry of high-profile RPGs has graced us. Yet, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, from the talented French team at Sandfall Interactive, stands poised to leave a lasting impact with its unique artistic vision and fresh gameplay mechanics. While the RPG world often sees bold innovations that sometimes overreach, Clair Obscur manages to strike a balance, pushing beyond old constraints to carve out new paths for the genre.

Imagine a world where art becomes a lethal weapon. That’s the setting of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, where players are drawn into a Belle Époque fantasy where a figure known as the “Paintress” wields deadly power with a mere brushstroke. The game takes players on an emotional and gripping adventure that could even rival the storytelling prowess of iconic games such as Final Fantasy X, Persona, and Zelda. Clair Obscur acknowledges its inspirations without compromising its originality, offering an engrossing narrative featuring a rich cast of characters who underscore the emotional core of the story.

The game’s storyline is complemented by turn-based and real-time combat mechanics that demand both strategic planning and precision, making players feel deeply invested in each encounter. This is not a game that overwhelms with convoluted lore—instead, it invites players to immerse themselves in an accessible and compelling world. Here, an enigmatic ritual led by the Paintress causes individuals who surpass a certain age to vanish like smoke. As the age number drops to 33, a brave group called “Expedition 33” is determined to stop the Paintress’s deadly art forever.

Each character in Clair Obscur faces the reality of their mortality, a shared struggle that deeply shapes their interactions. This game doesn’t center on a single hero; rather, it invites players to explore each character’s personal journey, seamlessly switching between members of the party and immersing themselves in everyone’s story. Stellar voice performances by talents such as Ben Starr, Charlie Cox, and Jennifer English add layers of emotion, driving home the urgency of their situation. Yet, amidst the drama, moments of levity and humor remind us why these characters are memorable long after the credits roll.

Visually, Clair Obscur dazzles with its stunning environments made possible through Unreal Engine 5. Whether traversing linear paths or vast open worlds, players will appreciate the effort that went into crafting every detail, making exploration not just a part of the experience but a breathtaking journey in itself. While the map starts fairly linear, it gradually expands, offering the freedom akin to classic games and allowing for deeper exploration and discovery.

Moreover, the game doesn’t just rely on its visual beauty. With a diverse and emotionally resonant soundtrack, the music shifts to enhance each environment dynamically, keeping the experience fresh without losing its thematic coherence.

Players will find the combat system to be a robust mixture of strategy and reaction-based elements. Gathering and spending Action Points forms the core tactical layer, with players encouraged to ponder their moves rather than blindly attacking. The hybrid combat system, akin to that of recent RPGs, keeps players engaged by demanding precise parries and dodges during enemy turns, enhancing the depth of each battle encounter.

Clair Obscur invites players to test their strategic mettle across varying difficulties. Even adversaries off the main path present formidable challenges akin to a turn-based “Soulslike,” demanding skill rather than just level grinding to overcome.

Progression in Clair Obscur is both expansive and flexible, reminiscent of a Soulslike, where players assign points to shape their characters’ development. As they unlock skills unique to each character, players deepen their involvement with personal play styles, mirroring the game’s emphasis on choice and customization.

The Pictos and Lumina system further enriches this personalization, providing players the tools to tailor characters’ strengths through strategically equipping Pictos which yield impactful Lumina effects.

Beyond mechanics, Clair Obscur delights in exploration. As players venture through its detailed world, discovering rewards such as powerful gear and new abilities becomes a joyful pursuit. Special characters like Esquie enrich traversal with new abilities, effectively layering the scope for players to uncover the game’s riches.

In relationships, too, players can engage with characters, building bonds that impact the story and gameplay. Cosmetic options allow players to customize their team’s appearance, adding a playful element to the journey. Meaningful choices shape narratives, leading to different endings and enriching the RPG with genuine player agency.

In short, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 doesn’t just push boundaries; it redefines them. With its powerful story, strategic depth, and the freedom it gives players, this game might very well set a new benchmark for future RPGs. Sandfall Interactive, with this remarkable creation, signals a bright future for fans of the genre.