- Publisher: Kepler Interactive
- Release Date: Apr 24, 2025
- Also On: PC, Xbox Series X
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Jun 3, 2025Clair Obscur is an RPG on rocket skates. It takes big swings and lands all of them with a satisfying smack.
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May 28, 2025Clair Obsur: Expedition 33 is a marvel of a video game. A game-changing, genre-bending masterpiece. It serves as a testament to the passion of what can be accomplished by a talented team, rivaling the efforts of giant monolith publishers that have three times the budget and resources. It converted me into seeking out other turn-based experiences, but this excellent game may have spoiled me.
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May 26, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is what happens when someone with a deep love for JRPGs—and the talent to match—sets out to create something truly special. It captures the heart and soul of classic JRPGs with its rich storytelling, turn-based combat, and emotional depth, yet it confidently forges its own identity through bold artistic choices and modern design. Expedition 33 doesn’t just pay homage to the genre—it revitalizes it, delivering a familiar yet refreshingly unique experience that stands tall on its own.
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May 17, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterpiece that clearly draws inspiration from other RPG's, but does so with such elegance and skill that it stands firmly on its own in an overcrowded genre – thanks in part, of course, to its own unique tricks. In an age of cynicism and uncertainty, it's wonderful to get our hands on something this magical.
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Edge MagazineMay 15, 2025If an RPG is measured by the temptation to explore elsewhere before heading to the next objective, this is as great as any. We stall for hours finding and investigating one magical environment after another. It's bliss. [Issue#411, p.100]
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May 13, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the epitome of an instant classic. Its premise alone had something special to it, but no elevator pitch could have prepared me for how the thing blossoms and blossoms and blossoms. Exciting battles and beautiful writing unfold in a world that looks and sounds sublime, all of it pulled off with unbelievable style. I’m in genuine awe of the accomplishment.
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May 6, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a precious thing. It has the big blockbuster production values, but in sharp contrast to most other “narrative-driven” games in this space, it also respects the intelligence of its audience and is willing to engage with a rich tapestry of themes rather than leaving the onion unpeeled. My gut tells me that as respected and successful as this game has already been, it’s only really getting started and over time will sit alongside the likes of NieR, and Planescape: Torment as the most literary and intelligent games ever made. Goddard, Camus and Sartre would be proud (well, perhaps not, existentialists are not a particularly jovial bunch by reputation).
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May 5, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a beautiful experience that excels in almost every area – the combat and character skill customisation is some of the most intricate I've seen, the storyline is routinely surprising and emotional, characterisation and performances are immaculate, and it both looks and sounds absolutely stunning all the time. It's a stunning accomplishment for Sandfall Interactive's first game, and with a core team of around 30 (with outsourced help). It's sure to be in contention for Game of the Year awards, and anyone not playing it is seriously missing out.
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May 5, 2025It’s a stunning game that only gets more and more stunning the further you get. It’s an easy recommend to anyone, even people like me who have previously been allergic to turn-based combat. You may have to get used to it, but push past and learn the systems to experience once of the best games you may play in years.
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Apr 30, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 gets it right in all the areas that matter. Its storytelling carries emotional depth, and the characterization makes you care about everyone you meet on your journey through this beautifully imagined world. Throw in a combat system that puts mastery above grinding, and you’ve got a classic RPG that, like Baldur’s Gate 3 before it, should appeal beyond its target audience, so much so that a game of the year nomination feels inevitable.
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Apr 25, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterpiece, as if created on a canvas by the Paintress herself, and is an absolute must-play...Its inspirations from RPG series contemporaries like Persona and Final Fantasy are clear in its gameplay. However, Sandfall’s unique mix of turn-based & real-time combat, stunning world, impeccable soundtrack, and first-rate cinematic storytelling makes the debut title of this new studio stand out on its own. By not only honing the strengths of past RPGs and being bold enough to push them forward, this stands as one of the new greats within the genre. If this is what a brand-new dev team can create just for their first game, we should all be excited to see what they whip up for their second.
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Apr 24, 2025Clair Obscur was inspired by, and developed, in part, to try and capture the magic of gaming’s greatest turn-based RPGs: Final Fantasy, Persona, even EarthBound...Sandfall Interactive has pulled this off with aplomb, rightfully earning a place among these greats, and I expect that in years to come, studios will be attempting to recreate the magic of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in turn.
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Apr 23, 2025The sum of all the elements that make up the game create a captivating game in every sense. The title not only plays very well but also has a story to tell and memorable characters that we won't soon forget. Throughout the experience, there are fun moments, dramatic moments, mind-blowing combats, and, above all, a game full of heart. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 meets and exceeds every one of my expectations, making it one of my favorite games not only of the year, but in recent memory.
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Apr 23, 2025If Clair Obscur - Expedition 33 doesn't appear in all the best lists of the year despite its strange title at first glance, you still have a great year of new releases ahead of you, but I don't think that will happen. Because this game is almost perfect. A fantastic story in the truest sense of the word, great gameplay, constantly challenging battles, an incredibly intense atmosphere and visuals that you've almost certainly never seen before. The fact that Sandfall is reportedly already negotiating with a Hollywood studio for the film rights will come as no surprise to you by the end of the game. Thank you for this game!
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a game destined to mark an entire generation of players, as well as revolutionize turn-based combat as we know it. An RPG to remember.
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Apr 23, 2025They say art is all about eliciting an emotional reaction; if you can do that, all the effort expended in creating it was worth it. I think Clair Obscur does that with aplomb. If you have ever loved role-playing games, ever, you owe it to yourself to play this. It has the capacity to touch you.
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Apr 23, 2025One of the most debated topics in the gaming industry in the past few years is whether video games can be considered art. While I don’t have the academic background necessary to provide a definitive answer to such a question, Clair Obscur Expedition 33, with its story, art, and music, evoked feelings in me that only the most memorable works of art can: pain, joy, sadness, and grief. All of this, combined with one of the finest turn-based RPG experiences of the last decade, makes this game not only one of the best of 2025, but one of the greatest offerings of this generation.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a work of art. Its flawless hybrid combat system joins a cast of characters that tells a story rivaling the very best this medium has ever offered.
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Apr 23, 2025Very few games I’ve ever played have captured that feeling, and even fewer have done it as masterfully as Expedition 33 does. It’s the kind of story I will always carry with me; its messages of loss, grief, and acceptance are second to none. Add to that incredible combat that mixes careful strategy with skillful reactions and unique mechanics, all wrapped up in a world that is a treat for the eyes everywhere you look, and you have a game that I will never stop praising.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a sheer triumph in every department, evolving beyond its inspirations to present one of the most engrossing RPGs of the last decade.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the masterful execution of a majestic concept. It transported me back to being that 16-year-old discovering Final Fantasy X, filled with wonder and awe. Despite drawing from the finest elements of numerous RPGs, the game radiates a unique personality and earns its place among the pantheon of the genre.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a journey that blasts the senses from beginning to end. The melancholic and bleak moments are balanced by the characters’ perseverance, which makes their triumphs shine much brighter. There’s a profound sense of style and substance that only expands as more of the world is uncovered. What results is a true work of art that ties its brilliant components together into a complete package, which is awe inspiring to come from a freshman developer. The heart and soul injected here makes for a very bright future of a return of more turn-based epics that don’t need the power of a known franchise to propel their popularity. RPGamers will not want to miss out on this masterpiece.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a breathtaking debut that masterfully weaves a multi-layered narrative, striking visual style, exceptional soundtrack, and one of the most enjoyable combat systems in recent years. It dares to explore weighty themes without unnecessary handholding, and thanks to perfectly written characters and constantly evolving gameplay, it holds your attention from start to finish. A phenomenal piece that proves artistic ambition doesn't have to come at the cost of great gameplay.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may not be a ‘perfect’ game, but it was the ‘perfect’ game for me. It’s a game that left me awestruck with its unique setting and melodies, enthralled with its characters and world, hooked and held me with its gameplay, and has left me eagerly anticipating news of when I can return. This game is a celebration of the RPG genre made by a team whose heart and soul were poured into every aspect of the game. While some design decisions may not resonate with all players, Sandfall Interactive should be incredibly proud of their creation.
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Apr 23, 2025Simply put, Sandfall Interactive’s debut game is a masterclass in presentation, storytelling, and gameplay. It’s a game you need to play to experience.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sets new standards for the genre of turn based RPGs with regard to the story, but even more so the combat. A new, shining star, who hopefully points the way for many future games.
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Apr 23, 2025With its stunning visuals, it’s hard to believe Clair Obscur was made by such a relatively tiny team. But the game is more than just eye candy, offering an intriguing plot and some top-notch acting, as well as a solid and exciting combat system that rewards the effort it takes to learn.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 delivers everything it had been promising—and then some. The game has everything that makes an RPG great, along with a story that will completely grip you from beginning to end.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur is artistry for the senses. Visuals, soundtrack, acting, storyline and gameplay are all top tier, and I cannot urge you to play this game strongly enough.
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Apr 23, 2025In lieu of a traditional conclusion, I’ll just say this: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the single most impressive debut RPG I’ve ever played. If this were a Final Fantasy title, it would easily rank among my all-time favorites. I can’t recommend it enough.
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May 14, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has arrived to establish itself as one of the new classics of the genre, with a fresh gameplay proposal and a timeless story that will remain in the retinas of all fans for a long time to come.
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May 5, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is perhaps the most enjoyable game I've had the opportunity to play since Baldur's Gate 3's debut. What a couple of dozen Frenchmen have managed to do should be an example of what single-player productions are supposed to look like.
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Apr 30, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn't just one of the best RPGs I've played in ages. It's an easy contender for game of the year. It shines in every area, and any complaints I had were nagging at best. Whether it's the compelling story, exciting gameplay, or beautiful soundtrack, no area of the game felt lacking. If you're a fan of RPGs, you really owe it to yourself to give Clair Obscur a shot.
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Apr 25, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a fantastic game that everyone should play. The combat is a unique combination of turn-based and real-time, while the game completely captivates you with an immersive story and interesting characters. The focus on exploration is special, but occasionally ensures that you as a player can get lost. Still, this is only a small downside in an otherwise excellent game. For me, it is the best game I have played this year so far and there is a good chance that this will not change in the coming months.
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Apr 25, 2025Even apocalypse can be beautiful. In Expedition 33’s case it presents itself as a haunting chiaroscuro painting that warps colours, designs, music and even commonly with JRPG’s associated mechanics to create something, simply stunning. Whether it is the challenging innovative turn-based combat, impeccable performances, heart-wrenching music or unique story, this title very efficiently uses all of it’s unique selling points to just drawn you in deeper and deeper into a Belle Époque twisted dream...
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Apr 23, 2025This is a kind of story that hasn’t been seen in modern RPGs, with a level and distinctiveness in visual presentation that leaves many franchises right now in the dust. All this plus a star-studded voice cast makes Clair Obscur Expedition 33 an amazing first outing from the studio, and a powerful statement that the RPG genre is still growing and evolving to this day. JRPGs have had their time in the sun, sure – but I say, bring on the FRPGs!
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Apr 23, 2025With a gripping, haunting narrative that isn't afraid to tackle darker themes, one of the best turn-based battle systems in RPG history, a gorgeous world to lose yourself in, and some of the best music and performances in years, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 feels like a miracle game. How Sandfall Interactive managed something this amazing on their first go around is a genuine Herculean achievement. This game is a love letter to the rich history of RPGs while also being the blueprint for the next step forward. This is my current Game of the Year frontrunner for 2025 and I can almost guarantee that if you love RPGs - whether you prefer turn-based or action - this game will blow you away.
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Apr 23, 2025I do not say this spontaneously or hyperbolically: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a generational RPG. The quality of writing is pitch-perfect at every step, vividly depicting the somber world and its tragic circumstances with glorious technique. Combat always feels rewarding when successful, but it can feel like a slog if you don't get the hang of the parry and trait systems. The linear nature of the game helps to balance out the lack of mini-map, so try and not let those factors keep you away from at least trying this brilliant game.
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Apr 23, 2025Over the years, we’ve seen the creators of the most famous Japanese RPGs rack their brains in search of new paradigms, often distorting the series we once loved in an attempt to reach a broader audience and attract new players. In France, they’ve chosen the opposite path: they’ve embraced tradition, pouring years and years of passion for Japanese role-playing games into their creation. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an encyclopedia of JRPGs — a compendium of features drawn from the titles we once cherished, combined with surprising harmony into an adventure that is technically cutting-edge, artistically sublime, and unexpectedly deep in terms of storytelling. Aside from a few minor flaws, Sandfall Interactive’s title is a complete triumph that has already established these talented developers. Let’s keep an eye on them — we might be in for something truly special.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 took us by surprise. We expected a fun and interesting game. What we didn’t expect was one of the best JRPGs of this console generation. The story evokes a wide range of emotions, the characters are so well written it’s easy to grow attached to them, and the combat system is deep, offering plenty of options for party development. On top of that, the OST is nothing short of a masterpiece, elevating the entire experience. This is a game that proudly stands among the best in the genre.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an exemplary turn-based RPG that gets everything right: from the beautiful visual presentation to the world-building, from the dynamic and active battles to the deep customization systems. It’s a game that knows how to leverage classic JRPG structures and stands out by taking them further in a unique way.
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Apr 23, 2025It’s hard to put into words how impressive Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is. From the breathtaking world, to the emotional and sincere story, to the deep and sensational turn-based combat, to the award-worthy soundtrack, every aspect of Expedition 33 hits the perfect note. This grandiose adventure is a monumental debut for a new studio, a true masterpiece from Sandfall Interactive.
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Apr 24, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 feels like a real next step for modern RPG games. Sandfall has achieved something truly special.
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Apr 23, 2025Sandfall Interactive delivers an impressive first game with this turn-based RPG that channels JRPG’s like Persona and Final Fantasy. The game tells a fantastic story and offers stunning visuals to boot.
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Apr 23, 2025One of the most stunning, ambitious and inspiring debuts in the history of videogames. Sandfall Interactive has something special on their hands.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 surprises with its hybrid combat system that blends turn-based strategy and real-time action, impressive artistic visuals, and an original narrative with bold choices. The atmosphere is rich and melancholic, and the soundtrack enhances the most intense moments. It's a striking experience, full of personality.
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Apr 23, 2025Using the classics as a canvas, Sandfall Interactive has painted the modern turn-based RPG we've been dreaming of for years. And, like all great paintings, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will remain etched in our memory for a long, long time.
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Apr 25, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the best role-playing games of the past ten years and a strong contender for Game of the Year. Developer Sandfall Interactive has created a true masterpiece with its debut game. Clair Obscur is bursting with creativity and emotion, boasts tremendous gameplay depth, and its stories and their mysteries motivate players to keep playing.
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May 9, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is Sandfall Interactive's debut game, and what a debut! The engaging emotional story grabs you right away, the combat is delightful and the unique play styles for each character make it continuously interesting. Add to that a wonderful soundtrack and brilliant experience and it could hardly get any better. That there are some minor flaws we'll take for granted, because this game is definitely worth it.
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May 7, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an RPG that raises the bar in many ways with an engaging battle system and intriguing story that's set in a beautiful and unique world. It's definitely limited in a few ways, though, but not so much to take away from its must-play status.
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May 7, 2025The turn-based role-playing game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a stunning debut whose story moves from a grandiose save-the-world premise to a smaller drama about a grieving family, joins the small list of video games that have left me emotionally shaken.
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Apr 28, 2025Channeling true JRPG excellence while putting its own western twist on the genre and turn-based combat, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an absolutely belting game. It has exquisite writing and story craft, wonderfully stylish and multifaceted combat, and is a blisteringly beautiful assault on all the senses from top-notch voice acting and audio to some of the most beautiful environments I’ve seen in years. It has the scope and execution of a game built by hundreds of developers, not a few dozen, and is easily an early game of the year contender.
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Apr 27, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an astounding debut title from Sandfall Interactive. Its compelling and emotional narrative is backed up with one of the best turn-based combat systems around, even though it perhaps feels a bit too focused on you performing parries and dodges at times. Add in stunning visuals and a fantastic soundtrack, and you have a JRPG that's not to be missed.
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Apr 23, 2025With its touching narrative, creative battle system and striking art direction, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 shows that there is still room for innovation in turn-based RPGs, especially when you mix real-time action. Refining every element of the genre with care, Sandfall Studio's game delivers an engaging and mature experience that deserves attention.
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Apr 23, 2025An extraordinary debut release from a French indie studio that has managed to make the best JRPG of recent years, with some of the best combat the genre has ever seen.
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Apr 23, 2025A paradigm shift for turn-based RPGs, respectful of their heritage yet unafraid to dismantle and rebuild their foundations.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is more than just a tribute to retro games—while it certainly pays homage to those who came before (just like the Expedition 33 itself), it truly stands out with a unique blend of elements. The story, with its touch of melancholy, tragedy, and a one-of-a-kind world, delivers an experience that never feels bitter. Instead, it’s about finding hope while landing a good combo. And if you don’t make it, the next one will—that’s why we can’t wait to see what Sandfall Interactive does next.
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Apr 23, 2025Paying homage to those that came before yet bursting with its own creativity, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a must-play title for RPG fans.
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Apr 23, 2025Driven 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.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an outstanding visionary debut from Sandfall Interactive, which isn't merely a love letter to JRPGs but builds on its traditions with a distinctly French identity, making for one of the most exciting and rewarding action and turn-based hybrid battle systems ever devised, while putting you through the emotional wringer. This is an old-school feeling JRPG as dynamic as Persona but with parry-filled battles as hard-won as Sekiro.
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Apr 23, 2025What I may admire the most about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is how firmly it embraces a familiar, if currently rare genre (big budget, artistically expressive, turn-based RPGs), but does so without falling into any of its traps. The adventure isn’t overlong, and you don’t spend more time than necessary fighting. The world, art, and narrative are unique, but it makes me nostalgic for a game I remember from the past. It’s as though developer Sandfall Interactive managed to make a classic RPG with only the good parts. I’m sad in a way to have concluded the journey, but the adventure to pursue the Paintress will linger with me for some time.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the most refreshing and original RPGs in years, even if it’s not immediately obvious from the outside looking in. The intriguing setup expands to provide an engrossing, excellent narrative with lovable and charismatic characters. The exemplary combat goes above and beyond its turn-based traditions with flashy fights and new ways to damage. This is the kind of experience that proves there’s still so much potential and creativity in the bigger-budget video game space — Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is simply sublime.
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Apr 23, 2025Wearing its inspirations on its sleeve, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 paints itself into the pantheon of great RPGs with a brilliant combat system and a gripping, harrowing story.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 completely pulled us in with its unique style, rich world, and surprisingly deep gameplay. Despite some clunky menus and confusing characters, we've stayed hooked till the end. A rock-solid debut from Sandfall Interactive.
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Apr 23, 2025Masterful in artistic and narrative aspects and with an impeccable soundtrack, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the best surprises of the year and stands out positively in a market that has started to charge too much for experiences that don't deliver what they should.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur delights us with a touching story, exciting characters and a fantastic combat system.
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Apr 23, 2025With Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Sandfall Interactive delivers an impressive debut game. In this unique RPG, the French measure themselves against the Japanese, by combining an imaginative, fascinating and downright strange story with compelling combat and a memorable party. It results in a special and unlikely melting pot of Western and Japanese RPGs in one pleasant package.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a must-play for anyone who appreciates turn-based RPGs, and it’s an immediate entry to the upper echelons of the genre.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur Expedition 33 blends surreal art, tactical combat, and rich exploration into one of the most impressive debut RPGs in years. Even genre skeptics will be hooked by its reactive turn-based battles and beautifully crafted world.
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Apr 25, 2025It's hard not to be impressed by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, if only for the sheer ambition it displays. From its very first minutes, the game sets a strong, atypical aesthetic framework, almost disturbing in its tormented beauty. The universe, somewhere between surrealistic nightmare and waking dream, is unlike anything currently on the J-RPG scene. But Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is more than just a visual daring, for beneath its visual and symbolic layers lies a surprisingly dense, rich and, above all, dynamic combat system. Combining turn-based and real-time reflexes, the game redefines the genre's expectations by forcing it out of its comfort zone. But ambitious as it is, Expedition 33 is not without its faults. The game's overly linear structure hinders exploration. The environments, as beautiful as they are, sometimes suffer from a lack of interaction and a rather flat level design. The title isn't perfect, but it's terribly sincere, and above all it's a work that dares and often succeeds.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a thunderous debut from Sandfall Interactive. Its palette is brimming with cleverly engaging turn-based combat, impeccable art direction, and voice performances that rival feature films. The result is an incredible work of video game art. This game is worth more than the asking price, and I highly recommend it.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the best AA games of recent years. It's also a piece of really solidly written and unique story that is simply worth experiencing in person - especially if you have a taste for turn-based combat systems. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Sandfall Interactive will get the opportunity to create another, equally artistically daring game that will make up for the shortcomings of the debut project. The potential of this team is gigantic.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is one of the best surprises since at least five years or so. It's clearly a work of love and passion, made by talented people who love JRPG of old and has the vision to offer a modern interpretation of them, palatable for both old-time fans like them and newcomers alike. And if that soundtrack doesn't melt your hearts, we really don't know what could.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 deserves praise for its dynamic combat system, world map and solid atmosphere, even if it does get repetitive at times. It is weak in terms of side story, but its story that blends concepts such as life, death and fate has managed to keep the game alive. Obviously, if you don't like the turn-based system, this game is not for you. But if you grew up with Final Fantasy series, Chrono Cross, Trigger or Persona games like me, I can tell you that you are waiting for a modern JRPG-like game that will also give you a nice nostalgia.
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Oct 14, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has something common to all great games: the ability to make us forget the world around us, even if it's for just a few minutes, to fully absorb its ideas, and deliver a cathartic conclusion.
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May 7, 2025The enormous passion and talent of a small indie producer result in a beautiful tribute to the best classic JRPGs. Even though it lacks originality at its core, the combat system is exciting and the cinematic execution is brilliant.
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May 5, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a stunning, ambitious first outing for Sandfall Interactive.
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Apr 23, 2025I absolutely recommend Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and think it’s a gorgeous game. I loved the story it told and the characters I encountered. I just feel like some design choices keep it from being absolutely perfect. I’d have loved more incentives to really explore levels and maps that would make it easier to get around and find secrets. The game is absolutely worth your time, especially if you love detailed characters and a fun story.
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Apr 23, 2025Boasting a unique world, challenging combat and great writing, this RPG has a lot going for it, if only it didn’t revel in its own mysteriousness so much.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is undoubtedly a French slap in the face, dripping with love for video games and art as a whole. Extremely generous in everything it undertakes, the only criticism it can ultimately have is that it sometimes goes a little too far, at the risk of exploding. It feels breathless, on edge. There isn't an aspect that doesn't follow through and firmly adhere to its creators' vision, even if it means being disconcerting, even disturbing. In this sense, the game exudes untouchable creativity and intelligence. The developers give us everything they have, everything they want, and we welcome it. Ultimately, all it would have lacked was a nice balance and a little more polish to make it a truly essential game. It nonetheless remains a serious contender for the most prestigious awards of the year.
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Apr 23, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is, thankfully, more wonderful than it is disappointing. It whisks the player away into a truly impactful world, with a powerful and emotional story bubbling away, enhanced by some stellar acting. There were moments I was brought to spilling a couple of tears, alongside some that had me laughing riotously. The battles, which can so often feel stagnant in a bustling genre, are refreshing, tactical, and delightful. This is a wonderfully imaginative game, bursting with identity, and it has a lot to say about important topics. Yes, the path is a bit muddy and cumbersome, but the destination is worth it, and the journey is magical.
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Apr 23, 2025Outstanding artwork and glorious combat bring Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's bold, painterly world to life.
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Apr 23, 2025After a swift 30 hours with the game, I will happily tell you how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 exceeded my expectations and left me curious for more.
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May 16, 2025Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 mixes JRPG-like turn-based battles with real-time action. While I was hooked to this combat system, the story’s sudden plot twist felt forced. Although this was hard to ignore, it is undeniable that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an appealing game that delivers a strong message.
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| This publication has not posted a final review score yet. | |
| These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation. | |
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Apr 28, 2025Sandfall Interactive is made up of a lot of veteran talent, but as a unit, it’s still finding its footing, so it makes sense that despite all Clair Obscur’s polish and vision that there would be a few oversights that frustrate. But if the team’s debut project is this impressive, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
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Apr 23, 2025As the debut game from Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is far from a fleeting experience. It’s a robust reminder of what happens when a creative group of people take what was once a solo passion project and transform it into something more — a game in which innovative combat meets a unique, original story that dares to challenge and inspire, even when all hope seems lost.
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