Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

As an avid and long-time player of the RPG genre, with over thirty years of experience dating back to the Final Fantasy series on the Super Nintendo, I feel qualified to offer a comprehensive perspective.

Without reservation, I can state that Expedition 33 represents the pinnacle of my role-playing game experiences. The developers have achieved a remarkable synthesis, effectively blending elements reminiscent of the Final Fantasy series with the challenging engagement found in titles like Dark Souls. Notably, the turn-based combat system is exceptionally well-executed, providing a level of excitement and immersion typically associated with action-oriented gameplay.

Beyond the mechanics, the narrative is compelling from the outset, possessing a depth that would stand alone as a compelling story in other mediums such as film or literature.

Furthermore, the artistic design and musical composition are objectively outstanding and significantly contribute to the overall immersive quality of the game. Expedition 33 demonstrates a mastery of its craft across multiple disciplines, setting a high bar for future entries in the genre.

A small team that set out to make a great game, for gamers. The story is well-crafted with interesting characters, motives, and dialogue, the leveling and build system is enjoyable and thought-out, the combat is addicting (and cinematic), and the performances are top-notch (the voice cast is nothing short of S-tier). Beautiful graphics and atmosphere throughout make the journey stunning from beginning to end. It's a game you'll want to finish, before it is spoiled for you. Take in every moment, it's worth your time.

In a world of rushed and stale games, money-hungry companies with no imagination and agenda-filled motives, this game is the direction things need to move in.

10/10 GotY Material.

I'm speechless. I've rarely seen a project that exuded so much love, passion, and heart and soul. It's simply incredible what this team of just 30 (!) people has conjured up.

I could go into every aspect of the game, but rarely has anything been so close to perfection, so that's unnecessary.

If I had to highlight one thing, though, it would be the music. Wow. I've rarely heard such a powerful, emotional, and high-quality soundtrack. A special thanks to Lorien Testard, who created one of the best OSTs of all time.

This game is an absolute work of art in every respect and an absolute must-have for every non-gamer, gamer, and especially JRPG fan.

This game has blown me away Awesome graphics!

Beautiful soundtrack!

Immersive Voice acting and characters!

Incredible Gameplay!

For those who are avoiding it simply because its tagged as turn based are seriously missing out some real fun and this is coming from someone who has no interest in turn based combat I literally couldn't get far into Baldurs Gate 3 but this game has had me hooked so far. The only cons i can think of are simply a few minor bugs but lets be honest you get those in almost every new release these days. Best of all it costs less than most tripple A titles without any micro transactions.

After playing JRPGs for years and years such as persona and such, I didn't have big expectations, and with the Oblivion remake that came out this week I was not expecting much. But OMG this game absolutely blew my expectations out of the water with how original and fresh the gameplay, battles, and story are (not finished the game yet). Honestly speaking this is probably the best game I've played in years now. The mix of JRPG/Persona gameplay mixed with the surreal French art style and aesthetic just works like a charm. This is definitely a GOTY contender and should get all the positives ratings it deserves!

*Just finished the game.. wow you couldn't make a more perfect game if you tried. I didn't see where this game was going since the beginning and it did not let up! Best RPG I think I've ever played, I won't spoil it but if you think you know what's happening, no you don't 😆.