@enzoghery's review of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
★★★★★
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the most impressive RPG debuts of recent years. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, it combines turn-based combat, exploration, and a deeply emotional story within a visually stunning world inspired by French art and Belle Époque aesthetics. A compelling story The game takes place in Lumière, the last surviving city after a catastrophic event known as the Fracture. Every year, the Paintress paints a number on the Monolith, and everyone of that age disappears, turning into flower petals. This event is known as the “Gommage.” When the number reaches 33, Expedition 33 sets out to defeat the Paintress once and for all. Although the premise may initially seem straightforward, the story develops through intriguing mysteries, memorable characters, and mature themes such as grief, memory, sacrifice, and the search for meaning. The narrative is one of the game’s greatest strengths. It is not simply a journey against an apparently unbeatable enemy; it constantly challenges the player to question the motivations of the characters and the true nature of the world around them. Innovative turn-based combat The combat system is the most distinctive feature of Expedition 33. It uses the foundations of a traditional turn-based RPG, including abilities, action points, equipment, and elemental weaknesses, while adding an active layer of interaction. During attacks, players can manually aim at enemy weak points. Well-timed parries, dodges, and jumps can reduce or completely avoid damage while also creating opportunities for counterattacks. These mechanics make battles much more dynamic than those found in many traditional turn-based RPGs. The system rewards observation and practice. Learning enemy attack patterns becomes just as important as selecting the right ability. However, some players may find the combat challenging at first, especially during faster encounters or against enemies with difficult-to-read attacks. Characters and progression The members of Expedition 33 are memorable and well-developed. Characters such as Gustave, Maelle, Lune, and Sciel each have distinct abilities, personalities, and personal stories. They are not merely party members to switch between during combat; their individual struggles are closely connected to the game’s themes and atmosphere. Character progression revolves around weapons, Pictos, and Lumina. Pictos provide bonuses and passive abilities, while Lumina allow these effects to become permanent abilities for the characters. This system encourages experimentation and supports a variety of different builds. The game is not excessively long. The main campaign takes approximately 20–30 hours to complete, which is shorter than many modern RPGs but helps keep the experience focused and free of unnecessary filler.[1] A breathtaking world The game’s setting is one of its greatest achievements. The world of *Expedition 33* feels like a living painting, filled with surreal landscapes, impossible ruins, disturbing creatures, and carefully chosen colors that communicate both emotion and narrative meaning. Its visual style combines French Belle Époque influences with fantasy and dreamlike elements. The soundtrack is equally important, effectively enhancing the most dramatic moments and giving each area its own identity. Exploration is not always as polished as the rest of the experience. Some areas can be confusing to navigate, and moving through the world is occasionally less intuitive than the art direction would suggest. These issues are relatively minor, but they can sometimes interrupt the game’s pacing. Verdict Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an ambitious, original, and remarkably mature RPG. Its action-oriented turn-based combat works exceptionally well, its story is emotionally engaging, and its world has a rare visual identity. The game is not perfect. Exploration can occasionally be frustrating, some mechanics take time to fully understand, and its relatively compact length may disappoint players looking for a 100-hour adventure. Nevertheless, it makes excellent use of nearly every moment of its campaign. Score: 9/10 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is highly recommended for fans of Japanese-style RPGs, turn-based combat, and emotional storytelling. It proves that a new studio can create an experience capable of leaving a lasting mark on the genre.
Open this review on Memorycard
Download Memorycard on the App Store Get Memorycard on Google Play