Thoughts about Clair Obscur:Expedition 33?

[Strategist's icon Strategist Strategist]

I'm cautiously optimistic about this one. First time French developers are making a high budget Squaresoft style RPG. I hope that if it is good, it sells well. We need more games like this with artistic ambitions, not more microtransaction garbage.

 

[Glimbo]

Looks cool. I don't think I've seen a Western developed and styled game in a JRPG format before. The Mario RPG defend and dodge system they're using is something I also like. Makes turn-based games more interactive.

 

[sandogma sandogma]

I regret watching the release date trailer as I feel it was kinda spoilery. I'm not watching anything else at this point going forward until it comes out, but I've been looking forward to this game since the initial reveal trailer.

 

[tigg]

hoping for it to be a huge game, reminds me of Shadow Hearts in a way with the battle system, of course I am just biased being SH is my favorite game series

 

[Logi]

i'm excited for it, will probably play when it comes out

 

[DunkeyKong]

One of the first time I've seen a french developers, not sure if I'll play but great job to them

 

[Strategist's icon Strategist Strategist]

I found a developer interview online. A lot of interesting tidbits.

Inspired by RPG Classics, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 May Become One Itself - Xbox Wire

news.xbox.com

“Since the day I started working on this project in Unreal engine, I wanted a world map,” he said. “I feel like it’s such a cool thing that has almost completely disappeared from the face of the gaming industry. Like, nobody does that anymore, and for me it was such a crucial and important part of what made the old-school JRPGs unique. It’s this sense of travelling and [indicating that] we are an expedition… and we wanted the player to feel like they’re going on a grand journey.”

They are speaking to my heart here.

 

[Strategist's icon Strategist Strategist]

New videos coming out about clair obscur. Looks good.

 

[Strategist's icon Strategist Strategist]

Preview for Clair Obscur. The hype train has departed. ?

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Preview - This may just be the standout RPG of 2025 | RPG Site

After two hours with the demo of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the debut title from developer Sandfall Interactive, has the potential to be the standout RPG of 2025.

www.rpgsite.net

 

[ATenderLad]

I'm definitely excited, though I'm confused why they had to keep "Expedition 33" on the title. Clair Obscur already sounds cool!

 

[Strategist's icon Strategist Strategist]

 

[ATenderLad]

The combat really does look like the evolution of Mario RPG that never happened, I kinda want this one already.

 

[Yousef]

I’d really need to see more gameplay.

 

[Nidstang]

It looks cool. I like that it's turn based. I'll probably pick it up eventually, but not at launch

 

[Strategist's icon Strategist Strategist]

I really, really hope this game ends up being good. Would love to see a JRPG renaissance.

 

[CG4R12I4N]

More Action Command 3-D RPG is good, last time we got that was over a decade ago with Shadow Hearts and Lost Odyssey. Also the former Sony CEO and The Legend of Dragoon Director Yoshida Shuuhei vouched for this so I'll believe in them to make a fun RPG that will be accessible to most.

 

[Strategist's icon Strategist Strategist]

Reviews are coming in, sounds promising so far.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Reviews

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is rated 'Mighty' after being reviewed by 58 critics, with an overall average score of 92. It's ranked in the top 0% of games and recommended by 96% of critics.

opencritic.com

 

[CG4R12I4N]

Holy...
Even the most ardent anti-turnbase critics still give it 8 out of 10 with only complaint being rather linear exploration.
No wonder Andy Serkis vouched for it so much.

 

[Strategist's icon Strategist Strategist]

I had a good feeling about this one, glad to hear I'm vindicated. Hope people support it, because we need more games like this.

Even Final Fantasy youtube channels are talking about it:

 

[Yousef]

I’m getting this game tomorrow. Looks fun.

 

[Strategist's icon Strategist Strategist]

I’m getting this game tomorrow. Looks fun.

Awesome! Let us know all about it.

 

[CG4R12I4N]

T... This is beyond words, that's for sure.
The last time I felt so much invested in videogame linking phase tracks were from Blue Reflection's Sayonara and Atelier Shallie's Stella.

 

[MegaHiro91]

Game releases tomorrow! Looks super interesting! Anyone else picking it up day one??

 

[bjork]

Heard good things about this on a podcast a couple weeks back, it definitely sounds interesting. I'm not a day one person so I'll have to live through hearing about it from others, but I hope they have a good time.

 

[LostKing]

I pre-ordered it today after the reviews came out. Had a good feeling for this ever since it got announced but art, style and voice acting alone wouldn't have been enough. Glad it came together from such a small team on their first project being released at a good price point.