Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an amazing game. It combines ideas from classic RPGs and French Baroque art to create a deep and meaningful experience. The game has complex gameplay a rich story and asks tough questions that linger after you finish. It is the best game I have played this year and one I won’t forget anytime soon.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Redefines the Standard for Turn-Based RPGs
Since its reveal Expedition 33 has often been compared to games like Persona and Final Fantasy. It has a turn-based battle system and mechanics that feel like a PS2 JRPG. Throughout the game you bond with a small group of characters each with their own unique personalities even though they face tough situations. You can meet them at camp get motivation from conversations on the field map and discover reasons to keep going even on a dangerous mission against the Paintress.
I truly think this could set a new standard for classic turn-based RPGs similar to how Baldur’s Gate 3 did for its genre. It offers a journey that’s not filled with anime drama or complex world-building. but instead a grounded and beautiful experience that is not afraid to explore both dark and light moments.
Having played many games in this genre it felt odd to feel so comfortable with Expedition 33 while also being amazed by all the new things it offered. There are moments characters and story elements that will stick with us for years and each of them is well-deserved.
Expedition 33 is not a game where you can romance companions or create your own character but that does not make it any less important. Every line of dialogue is carefully chosen and the story shows light and darkness as two sides of the same coin.
Even when facing tough challenges. it's comforting to have people who care about you. I wouldn't be surprised if Expedition 33 creates a fanbase that cares about Verso and Maelle just like Baldur's Gate 3 fans care about Karlach and Shadowheart.
Camp Becomes the Heart of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Similar to Larian’s game Expedition 33 lets you return to a camp whenever you need while exploring the world. This camp becomes a key spot for important story moments. However it is always covered in darkness with characters like Verso Schiel or Maelle and Esquie gathered around a fading campfire sharing their worries with anyone who will listen. As Gustave or Verso your role is to spend time with them learn about their fears and discover the small things they enjoy in life just months or days before the Paintress takes them.
Even during a tough mission these people are still human. They need to laugh cry relax and be with those they care about to keep going. Just like in Baldur's Gate 3 there are beautiful moments in small interactions.
Moments that will live beyond the game as players take their favorite characters and expand on the limited story they are given creating something more. Expedition 33 deserves its popularity and with Sandfall Interactive doing a great job bringing its vision to life. I think it has a lot of potential. It may not last as long as Baldur’s Gate 3. but as a straightforward adventure with a clear start middle and end it was never meant to.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has the potential to lead a genre that has mostly been for niche audiences and a few franchises. With a dedicated team behind it it can turn the experience into something new exciting and emotional. It could be the next Baldur's Gate 3 capable of changing not just its genre but the whole gaming industry if given the chance.
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