Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - A Masterpiece of Imagination and Artistry

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn't just a game-it's a visionary triumph that redefines what narrative-driven RPGs can achieve. From the very first moment, it grips you with its hauntingly beautiful world, inspired by French surrealism and Impressionist art, crafting a universe that feels both dreamlike and deeply human. The setting is a visual marvel-think Dark Souls meets Monet, with brushstrokes of melancholy and wonder in every scene.

But it's not just style over substance. The combat system is a revelation-turn-based, yet infused with timing mechanics and strategic depth that keep every battle exhilarating. The fusion of fast reflexes and tactical decision-making makes you feel constantly engaged and rewarded. Each encounter is like a mini masterpiece in itself.

The story? Daring, emotional, and refreshingly original. The mystery surrounding the "Paintress" and the countdown to Expedition 33 unravels with poetic tension. Characters are richly developed, voice acting is top-tier, and the themes-fate, memory, resistance-resonate on a deeply personal level.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a rare gem-elegantly written, breathtakingly rendered, and fiercely innovative. It's one of the boldest RPGs of the decade, and an instant classic for anyone who believes games can be high art.

It's a strange thing, I've been a "gamer" my whole life, at over 40 years old, I've played some of the best games in each gaming generation. However, over the last 10 years I felt like my passion for games had dissipated into just a normal hobby. I've played some great games that came out recently and that I loved like Cyberpunk, Hollow Knight, RDR 2, among many others. Unfortunately, while I enjoyed those significantly, I never felt the joy I had in the past. The magic feeling I had playing A Link to the Past, Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy 7 & 8 or Resident Evil 2 (to name a few) seemed to be gone forever...

Enter Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 and somehow that feeling is back. I'm stuck to my seat like before and when I'm not I'm thinking about it.

I'm having such a blast with this game and it came as a complete surprise.

The story is amazing, the characters are perfectly flawed and the performances are award worthy. This paired with an amazing and fun turn based combat system and an hauntingly beautiful soundtrack make experiencing this game a true pleasure.

Now that does not mean the game is perfect, there is some jank in the controls when outside of combat ( i got stuck in the environment a few times) and some stuttering in the visuals here and there (for example in the few climbing moments, for some reason). These small nitpicks however do nothing to bring this game down significantly as the good so far outweighs the bad that the bad is almost invisible.

In the end, I could ot recommend this game enough... and all of this from a core team of around 30 people.... truly impressive.

Thank you for bringing back my passion for games!!!

I just finished it and let me start with i don't even like turn based games and rpgs. This game is so special and well done that it made me love every inch about it. As a whole, simply it's ABSOLUTE CINEMA.

The story is complex yet clarity is on point so you never lost yourself in bombs of twists. The dialogs are very natural especially PARRIED with PERFECT voice acts. When it starts you are full with engagements, it ends with full satisfaction.

The visual designs of characters and stages are absolute masterpiece. It felt like Bioshock Infinite. The Victorian French essence feels very good. Mocap looks very professional. Animations are usually cute but can be noticed it's not AAA. Vfx in both cutscenes and in gameplay are pretty damn good. The graphics tho has obvious technical difficulties and i blame Unreal Engine for it. Some hair renders are terrible, anti-alisigns are even worse. There are some noticeable visual bugs but all acceptable.

The score, music, va, sfx are all beyond good and need award for that. Nothing else can be said.

Gameplay is amazing, as i mentioned, i don't even like turn based games and i couldn't stop play and enjoyed every second of it.

This game, this way or another NEEDS to get Game Of The Year award. Because the suit-people need to see what gamers actually like: Original, brave games done with heart and done by TALENTED employees.

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.