A new RPG that does plenty right is a rare sight these days, but Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review will explore how Sandfall Interactive managed to do just that. Taking ideas from some of the greatest turn-based RPGs, the French developers made something new. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is heavily inspired by the greats that came before it but offers a refreshing take on the turn-based formula.
Turn-based RPG fans are having a good time, with hits like Baldur’s Gate 3, Persona remasters, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon keeping them busy. It’s been an excellent time for regular RPG fans, too; Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Avowed just came out. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review explains why any RPG fan, turn-based or otherwise, should give this new title a spin; the sooner, the better.
Table of Contents
Expedition 33 Review – Story Beats
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 immediately throws the players into its stunning world. There are no long texts or exposition dialogs at the start. While it can be hard to piece together in the beginning, the plot quickly picks up steam and engages the players. Any memorable RPG needs a compelling story to stand the test of time; Expedition 33 has that depth and nails the story beats.
A godlike figure called “The Paintress” displays a number on a far-away towering structure. The number counts down, and every one of that age stops existing. Each year, an expedition is led to the tower in hopes of defeating The Paintress and ending the cycle. As the name suggests, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is about the 33rd expedition, led by the player.
The story is well-written, well-paced, and keeps the player guessing about what’s coming next. Excellent voice acting by everyone involved further elevates the experience. Motion-captured cutscenes are also well-acted and deliver outstanding performances. Overall, the dark fantasy plot remains the biggest driving force in the game.
Expedition 33 review won’t be complete without discussing how tightly the plot is presented. The critical path is expected to take approximately 30 hours to complete. Side content is also scattered across the game, but it rarely diverges from the main quest. There’s a sense of urgency in the story that keeps the player focused. I had a wonderful time reaching the end of my playthrough. While I was eager to see how the game ends, I didn’t want it to end. There’s space for 100-hour RPGs, but it’s also refreshing to enjoy a briskly paced plot like it is in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Expedition 33 Review – It’s Your Turn
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 made turn-based combat reactive, engaging, and skill-based. Yes, that’s right, you need your hands on the controller during combat. It’s a surprising twist because turn-based games are usually about the “rock-papers-scissors” system, where players give orders and watch. The same “X attack is better for Y enemy” is still there, but the game introduces real-time elements that keep it super fresh. The stylish command menu is present; it evokes Persona flashbacks, which is a great touch. However, players are encouraged to keep their eyes on the screen and hands on the controls.
The usual RPG weapons are there, but the new Pictos system makes the game shine. Slot a Picto in one of the three slots on a character, and it’ll change the way specific actions behave. Some give extra action points, while others make specific attacks more powerful. It’s a unique character customization system that I highly recommend you take the time to explore.
Expedition 33 Review – React Fast
Expedition 33 review can’t be complete without giving props to the real-time elements. There are dedicated parry and dodge buttons, enabling you to counter or avoid enemy attacks. The system is very strict, especially since the parry window is tiny. However, if you perfectly time the parry, you take no damage, and instead, the enemy takes a hit. Dodging is less unforgiving, but it doesn’t allow you to counterattack. Then, some jumps enable you to avoid ground attacks as well.
Players have some freedom when upgrading the characters on their team. The skill tree is impactful, with no blatant “increase damage only” kills on it. Creating the perfect synergy among characters is rewarding and sometimes necessary for the more challenging enemies. The real-time elements make the combat a blast.
Players can only rely on visual and audio cues as there are no glowing “dodge now” UI elements here (remember Spider-Man and Arkham games?). It can be tough to master at first, especially when encountering new enemies, but it’s always rewarding to learn enemy attacks. If you’ve played any of the Souls games (also check Another Crab’s Treasure) or Monster Hunter, you’ll be right at home here.
Expedition 33 Review – Stunning World
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is not an open-world game. It’s a fairly linear experience that takes you through the story. There are some open areas, some twists, and a few branching paths. However, the scale is significantly smaller than other open-world games, even smaller than God of War, another somewhat linear story-based RPG.
The smaller map size doesn’t even need a mini-map to navigate. Thankfully, exploration elements are still there and are usually rewarded. The open areas are not as vast as those in Doom: The Dark Ages, but they still have plenty to see. The developers have created a stunning world; each new area is visually striking. Unique elements are scattered throughout the playable area; some feature vivid flora, while others have an underwater-like appearance. You won’t get bored seeing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s expertly designed world.
Conclusion
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 effectively handles its themes. The gloomy setting is always filled with uplifting and hopeful people, making it an enjoyable ride. The game doesn’t overstay its welcome either, choosing to tell a complete story in around 25 to 30 hours. While many others inspire the game, it can easily stand alongside the greats.
The sometimes melodramatic story is overall well told and worth experiencing. Apart from some minor performance issues on the PC, I didn’t face any major bugs. However, some PC players have reported lag, low frame rates, and stuttering problems. Sandfall Interactive’s first game has made me a fan, and I cannot wait to see what the studio does next.