Contents
If you’re searching for a truly unique RPG experience in 2025, look no further than our Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Review. “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is the debut title from Sandfall Interactive, and it’s already making waves in the world of role-playing games. Set in a hauntingly beautiful Belle Époque-inspired dystopia, the game weaves together a mesmerizing dark fantasy narrative, innovative turn-based combat with real-time elements, and a host of RPG mechanics that will keep fans of the genre hooked for hours. With its evocative setting, layered character customization, and a story that explores mortality and fate, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” stands out as one of the most memorable RPGs of the year. Whether you’re drawn by its artistic visuals, challenging battles, or the existential dread of the Gommage ritual, this review will guide you through everything that makes this game a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.
Story and Setting: A Belle Époque Nightmare
“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” transports players to Lumière, an isolated island city reminiscent of a warped, fantastical Paris. For 67 years, humanity has been haunted by the Gommage-a yearly event where the mysterious Paintress paints a number, and everyone above that age vanishes in a swirl of smoke and flower petals. Now, with the number at 33, the stakes have never been higher. The narrative follows Gustave, Maelle, Lune, and Sciel-members of Expedition 33-as they set out on a desperate quest to slay the Paintress and break the cycle of death. The world-building is intricate, with journals and environmental storytelling adding depth to the mythic scale of the setting.
What makes the story especially compelling is its exploration of mortality, grief, and hope in the face of inevitable loss. The writing is poignant, the voice acting stellar, and the world itself is filled with both melancholy and wonder, reminiscent of the best in the genre.
Gameplay: Turn-Based Tactics Meets Real-Time Action
At its core, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is a turn-based RPG, but it innovates by blending in real-time elements. Players control a party of unique Expeditioners, each with their own skill trees, weapons, and mechanics. During combat, you’ll choose between melee attacks to build Ability Points (AP), unleash ranged attacks, or trigger powerful Skills-often enhanced by quick time events for extra impact.
What sets the combat apart is its demand for precision and timing. During enemy turns, players must dodge, parry, or jump over attacks in real time, turning each encounter into a hybrid of tactical planning and action game reflexes. Parrying is riskier but rewards you with AP and counterattack opportunities, while dodging is safer but less rewarding. The system further evolves with “Gradient Attacks” and “Gradient Counters,” keeping battles fresh and challenging.
Customization runs deep, with “Pictos” and “Luminas” offering a wealth of perks and stat boosts, allowing for creative party builds. The menu navigation can be overwhelming at first, but mastering it is key to overcoming the game’s toughest challenges.
Visuals and Audio: A Surreal Masterpiece
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” stuns with high-fidelity assets and realistic lighting, creating an atmosphere that’s both dreamlike and unsettling. The creature designs evoke the sensation of wandering through an enchanted Louvre, and the soundtrack underscores the game’s emotional highs and lows with haunting melodies.
The visual flourishes in combat-explosive particle effects, stylish counters, and dramatic animations-make every battle a spectacle. The game’s artistic style is wholly original, setting it apart from its inspirations while paying homage to classics like Final Fantasy and Nier Replicant.
Difficulty and Replayability
While the early game may feel forgiving, the difficulty ramps up as you progress, introducing creative enemy patterns and demanding new strategies. Optional bosses provide significant challenges, rewarding players with unique skills and encouraging experimentation. Multiple difficulty settings and a New Game Plus mode ensure that both newcomers and veterans will find a satisfying level of challenge.
Final Verdict
“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is a triumph of storytelling, design, and innovation. It’s a game that doesn’t just ask you to fight monsters, but to confront the very nature of mortality and hope. With its blend of tactical depth, real-time action, and evocative world-building, it’s a must-play for anyone who loves RPGs that push the boundaries of the genre.
Whether you’re here for the heartbreaking tale, the strategic combat, or the mesmerizing visuals, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” delivers an unforgettable adventure that lingers long after the credits roll.
