Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is a game that checks all the boxes for me in a game of its style and is currently my game of the year, it has an engaging battle system that I enjoy, its world setting is interesting, the cast of characters and the story are interesting, and I don't wish for it to even end.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterpiece from start to finish, a beautiful and deeply moving journey.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is nothing short of a masterpiece. Words can’t fully capture just how remarkable this game truly is. Play it ASAP and let the experience speak for itself.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterpiece of the turn-based RPG genre, clear indicator of the knowledge and capacity of modern French game-dev scene, and a title that will surely be placed among the best games of 2025. Play it as soon as possible.

The best JRPG in years - despite coming from France. Hard-hitting, well thought-out and utterly rewarding, Clair Obscur is a beautiful reminder of what truly matters.

Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 is not necessarily an innovative game. However, it is a great value proposition because its excellence lies in the flawless execution of its ideas and their implementation.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t just a great RPG, it’s a generational one — and picture proof of the power of how a team’s clear passion, when used just right, can be used to create something transcendent.

Clair Obscur : Expedition 33 is a wonderful game, an absolute gem. Its universe of rare elegance and its deep gameplay are not its only qualities because it also offers a fantastic emotional experience that will make you laugh as much as cry, with characters so well written and so "real" that you would think you knew them, absolutely sublime music and a masterful, Dantesque staging. A lesson in video games!

Expedition 33 is magnificent in every possible way. I was in love with it whole time and while playing I’ve became so engaged with characters and the story surround them I forgot the flow of time entirely. This is clearly the future for JRPG’s and it’s sense of scale is outstanding. Definitely a classic for years to come.

Blasting the door down and becoming an instant masterpiece classic, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 defies all expectations and ambitions and then some. Looking at decades of genre refinement and somehow still managing to innovate, creating immensely tactical, thought-provoking and rich combat is nothing short of a miracle achieved at the hands of Sandfall Interactive. Accompanying it is an entirely fresh and magnificent world full of wonders and beauty, even despite its intricate and often harrowing narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and so many RPGs that have come before it, the little expedition that could will be plastered across history with the greats. Bravo.

What makes Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 worthy of recognition isn't just how well everything works, but the fact that it all sticks with you. The characters, the music, the world design, the emotional throughline that runs underneath all the strategy and spectacle — none of it ever fades into the background. Clair Obscur is the kind of game that lingers after the credits roll, not because of how much it offers, but because of how much it gets right. It’s rare to see a game so mechanically confident and emotionally grounded, but that's exactly what Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has exceeded every one of my expectations. Sandfall Interactive's debut title is one of the greatest accomplishments in gaming, delivering a well-paced, polished, and unforgettable experience. From the incredibly impactful and deeply emotional narrative to the enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding combat, Expedition 33 delivers on all fronts. I wanted an old-school RPG that sticks true to its roots while taking advantage of modern game design. I got that and so much more. Four months into the year, this is the clubhouse leader for Game of the Year, and honestly, it's not even close. Do not miss out.

Sandfall Interactive’s debut is a triumph. Everything about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is either a fresh reboot to soothe the traditionalist’s soul or an exciting, bold leap into new territory, and the result is a piece of art that pulled me in and refused to let go.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of those experiences that redefine your concept of what an RPG can be. What Sandfall Interactive has achieved in their debut is simply astonishing: a narrative that captivates you from the first second with adult characters facing complex moral dilemmas; a revolutionary turn-based combat system that transforms each encounter into a strategic dance full of tension; and a visually stunning world that masterfully blends Belle Époque with dark fantasy. The conversations at the campfires have made me laugh, cry, and reflect on life itself. Its bosses have challenged me like few games manage to do. And its soundtrack continues to resonate in my head weeks after finishing the adventure. More than a game, it's an interactive work of art that will remain in my memory for years. Without exaggeration, one of the best debuts from a studio that I've seen in decades as both a player and critic.

From thrilling turn-based combat to incredible artistic direction and a truly engrossing story, this is a hard game not to recommend to players of all preferences, and it has easily cemented itself as a contender for my game of the year.

With a gripping story, a beautifully written cast of characters, and engaging gameplay that breathes new life into familiar mechanics, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a journey that leaves a lasting mark on both the mind and the heart.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling, rich in atmosphere in which history and magic intertwine. The game is not afraid to ask hard questions and point out harsh truths, all the while featuring a gripping narrative, believable characters, and an impressive turn-based combat with some novel mechanics.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a mesmerizing RPG masterpiece, combining stunning art, innovative combat, and heart-wrenching storytelling into an unforgettable adventure.

If I were a teenager still, this game would ingrain itself into my brain the same way Final Fantasy VII did in 1997. Right now, when there are numerous predictions about the death of single player games, when creativity is shackled by the sales department, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a true gem worth every praise.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a modern RPG masterpiece. Despite coming from a new studio, it combines strong storytelling, captivating ambiance, engaging combat, and a creative progression system. Sandfall Studio surprises by delivering such an ambitious, deep, and artistically consistent project. With a spectacular soundtrack, memorable performances, charming visuals, and refined mechanics, the game easily makes it onto the list of the best of the year. If you enjoy RPGs and are open to experiences that challenge the traditional, Clair Obscur is a must-play.

The turn-based RPG and debut title from French studio Sandfall Interactive delivers on all of its promises in refreshing the decades-old genre, taking inspiration from games of the past and the Belle Époque era of French history to craft a beautiful, tragic, and memorable experience that should be considered one of the best games of 2025 and a tremendous first entry for a very talented studio.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 feels truly unique and artistic, and reminds us how moving, exhilarating, and provocative big-budget adventure games can be.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the best surprises of recent years. An XXL production from a small, passionate team, immersive, polished, addictive gameplay and told to perfection. A real lesson and a new benchmark for all JRPG enthusiasts, it should satisfy all fans of the genre, and particularly the generation that grew up with FF7, 8, 9 and 10, and that has less and less faith in Square Enix to make a really good new JRPG. A slap in the face we won't soon forget, and what's more, it's French - not bad, eh?

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a confident new IP, bold in its execution and not afraid to mix old and new ideas. It’s a stunning achievement, born from passion and raised within technical excellence equal to the best in the business. Go in unspoiled and be ready for a truly rewarding experience.

I know I'm going out on a limb, but Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may not be a masterpiece for everyone, but it comes close without fear. A superfine narrative, a galvanized and well-optimized combat system, a dedicated soundtrack that hits all the most tense moments. I entered the sacrificial tunnel of Expedition 33 and came out with tears of joy for how much I savored throughout the adventure. About thirty hours of gameplay that have been a continuous joy and I am fully aware that I will play just as many to finish all the things left pending.

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is a monumental work, perfectly balanced in length and pace of play, with an engaging combat system and a progression system among the best in its category. Equipped with an exciting story, full of twists and a profound final message, it will bewitch anyone who decides to embark on Expedition 33. We wholeheartedly recommend it to any fan of "Japanese-style" RPGs.

This is a game we can confidently recommend to all RPG fans — and without a doubt, it's one of the strongest contenders for Game of the Year. But beyond that, it's important to recognize the significance of this project and what its success means for the modern gaming industry as a whole. This is the kind of healthy, grounded approach to game development that we desperately need right now. It’s not just about mechanics or genre — it’s about the philosophy behind the work: a small team of former big-studio developers delivering a high-quality modern title with beautiful visuals, thoughtful direction, and, just as importantly, a reasonable budget. Guillaume Broche and his team are not the first to take this path, but we need more projects like this — and if that happens, it’s a win for everyone.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a magical, gripping, and technically impressive RPG that delivers a rich story, clever gameplay, and enchanting atmosphere—despite a few rough edges from its small-studio origins. Fans of complex fantasy and mystery-laden role-playing games will find much to love.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a phenomenal game in almost every aspect. It is engaging, exciting, dramatic, emotional, thought-provoking, and incredibly memorable.

While it’s not quite perfect, this is a really stunning showing from developer Sandfall Interactive. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 had me feeling my own mortality (as someone in their early 30s, perhaps it hit a little close to home) and man, I love when a game has the narrative gumption to do that.

Just a while ago, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 could have been called a dark horse — a hidden gem with untapped potential. But not anymore. With its official release, it’s proven itself worthy of being a Game of the Year contender.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a cinematic RPG experience that showcases both visual and audio prowess. The tone is depressing, but is countered by the beauty of this world and the hope from its characters to succeed on their mission. The combat is engaging enough as it relies on Quicktime Events and a parry system to keep players engaged. This is a solid leap in this turn-based RPG genre that normally would get stale due to the repetition of combat. The overall experience is a slow burn, but comes alive once reaching the halfway point. The main narrative comes in at thirty hours and there's some other content that can clock in at sixty, but a lot of this feels like dead air time because the world is rather empty and there are times where you're walking for the sake of walking. If you're a fan of turn-based RPGs or this type of lore, it would be hard to pass this up for a playthrough.

An audiovisual delight and a surprisingly deep role-playing game: With its story, style, and excellent combat system, Clair Obscur breathes a breath of fresh, croissant-scented air into the JRPG genre.

The way Clair Obscur’s various mechanical ideas fit together is exhilarating, to the point where you’ll find yourself running around looking for fights not very long into the game.

The magic of Expedition 33 is that it never gets old. You’re always discovering something, meeting new characters, learning skills, finding secret areas, battling hidden bosses, or discovering remarkable places. Through it all, Expedition 33 tells an incredible story of defiance in the face of impossible odds, discovery, loss, love, death, and belief. It’s the kind of game that reminds you what games can be, the kind with characters you’ll remember long after the credits roll. Sometimes art comes into your life when you need it. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a story I needed in a world that feels like it’s falling apart. Things are not always what they seem, and there's always hope, no matter the odds. A better world is possible; you just need people willing to fight for it. When one falls, we continue.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 took me by surprise and I'm glad it did. Sandfall Interactive has managed to create a delightful RPG that combines modern influences with an irresistible old school sensibility. The story is another of its great assets, enhanced by an excellent cast who, with a fantastic performance, help paint this canvas that I won't soon forget.

Driven by their passion for role-playing games, the young team at Sandfall Interactive has transformed this first attempt into a stroke of genius. With the tip of their brush, dipped in paint materialized thanks to the talent of their teams, the Montpellier studio has proven that a video game with a modest budget can overshadow the greatest RPGs. I had high expectations for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and the adventure has met all my expectations, managing to constantly amaze me thanks to its universe and its gameplay and continually surprising me through its storyline. Few video games have moved me so much. There is a before and after Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and some of its scenes will never leave me. No, Sandfall Interactive's title is not a daub, it is a fresco as sublime as a Renoir painting.

There are words we don't dare use too often: due to their overused nature, the very essence of their meaning seems to have lost its substance over the years. "Masterpiece" is one of them. And yet, we feel like breaking the rule for Clair Obscur: Expeditions 33. We have here a lesson in scriptwriting mastery, artistic vision, and gameplay complexity rarely achieved in a game of this genre. The few small technical flaws (potentially corrected with a day one patch) cannot overcome the excellence and elegance depicted here with transpiring passion. The picture fills up, little by little, and the watercolor reveals a unique depth over the course of the adventure, which will be remembered for years to come. As for the fact that this is the first game from a French studio with overflowing ambitions, that's just the icing on the cake.

When you factor in the voice talent involved, the visual splendor on offer, and the sheer scale of the whole game, it really feels like Clair Obscur is punching above its weight, considering the comparatively small size of the team at Sandfall. This is a supremely confident game that reinterprets familiar mechanics with an imaginative eye. Its combat is a consistent delight, delivering thrills with thoughtful strategy and reactive action in equal measure, complementing a heartfelt story of shared grief and camaraderie. There are minor pitfalls in relation to its narrow exploration and some quality-of-life issues, but these missteps aren't enough to significantly detract from a game with all the makings of an RPG classic.

Sandfall Interactive's debut RPG perfectly fuses the deep strategy of turn-based combat with the satisfying challenge and mastery of real-time action games, resulting in a wholly unique experience that sets itself apart. Together with the game's stellar storytelling, jaw-dropping presentation, and good overall performance, that makes it one of 2025's must-play titles — and a huge release for Xbox Game Pass.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a tremendous game that has set a new standard for RPGs, the ambitions of smaller teams, and AAA experiences in general. It's an easy game of the year candidate if I've ever seen one. A masterful story born from an exceptional concept.

Clair Obscur is a genuine standout RPG, driven by courage, sacrifice, and the powerful bonds formed in the midst of tragedy. It pushes you to confront loss and hope in equal measure, resonating long after the credits roll. This is a beautifully tragic expedition that demands your emotional investment, repaying it with a story and characters that will reward the time it takes to develop the skills of not taking any damage in combat. This may be a divisive game within the community due to its skill-based combat system and a few questionable choices with the direction of the story, but all I can tell you is that this is one tragedy you're going to want to see through.

Clair Obscur is an all-you-can-eat buffet for RPG lovers.

An exciting turn-based RPG that offers a fresh take on the genre from a small French development team with a big heart and a courage to change that we welcome. This is a stunning adventure that you don't want to miss.

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is a game in which every element—strategic depth, the joy of progression, emotional intensity, and audiovisual artistry—is not only solid but also organically interconnected. While it's not perfect, it stands out as a truly exceptional experience.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a modern creation deeply infused with the soul of classic JRPGs, carving out a bold new possibility for the genre's future. Its QTE-infused combat system brings a rare sense of impact and fluidity to turn-based battles, while boss encounters inspired by Souls-like design offer room for skill-based progression.

Clair Obscur is emotional, challenging and intense - a role-playing game that stands out in terms of atmosphere and story.

What a surprise Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was! Expectations around Sandfall Interactive's RPG were high, but the end result exceeded all expectations. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33! a solid game, which on the technical side is no match for much richer productions. Gustave's adventure amazes through a mature and adult use of storytelling and thanks to a combat system that mixes turns and real time, then opening up a huge range of strategic possibilities with the introduction of Pictos. From the music to the voice acting, each element plays its own part in the construction of a tragic and fascinating story.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Souls-inspired, turn-based combat system can ruin your mood. If you can handle it, you'll discover a rich, surreal world with an interesting story full of emotion.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a strong debut title for Sandfall Interactive, with compelling characters and an original, unsettling story that’s part allegory, part surreal fantasy. Its turn-based/real-time hybrid combat is well thought out and grows more interesting as the game progresses. Some narrative pacing issues and repetitive enemy encounters pull Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from the brink of greatness. Still, it remains a unique and engaging take on both fantasy storytelling and JRPGs.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of those double A titles that blurs the lines between it and the industry's biggest hitters. It isn't without issues, but as a debut title for Sandfall Interactive, it's an incredibly impressive showing that's well worth checking out.

Despite its occasionally confounding UI and weak level design, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an essential turn-based RPG that is both a love letter to its inspirations and a potential vision of the genre's future.

The game delivers an intense, innovative turn-based combat experience with a rich atmosphere and gorgeous visuals, although the repetitive level design and a story that loses focus halfway through diminish its overall impact.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a graphically beautiful game, but despite its glowing reputation, it does little to innovate within the RPG genre. The lack of navigation tools makes exploring its world incredibly frustrating, and the story only starts to get interesting near the very end.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's gorgeously realized world is let down by its emphasis on combat, marred by a few fatal stumbles.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a beautiful RPG with exciting combat, excellent voice work, and a fantastic score, but design constraints may turn off genre fans seeking a grand adventure.