With Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developer Sandfall Interactive marks a stunning debut under Kepler Interactive’s publishing banner. Released on current gen systems including the PlayStation 5, this RPG fuses turn-based mechanics with real-time action elements, delivering an emotional and mechanically fresh experience. Set against the backdrop of a decaying world where the Paintress annually erases people from existence by painting their age, the game’s narrative stakes feel immediate and poignant from the very first scene.
The story follows Gustave, Maelle, and the rest of Expedition 33 as they embark on what could be humanity’s final hope. What makes the narrative stand out isn’t just its tragic premise but the way it builds relationships between characters, exploring themes of grief, defiance, and hope. Emotional moments are carefully woven into the journey, often through subtle character interactions rather than heavy exposition. But while most of the main cast is thoroughly fleshed out, a few secondary figures are less memorable and leave room for slightly deeper development.
Gameplay-wise, Clair Obscur is both a love letter to classic RPGs and a step forward. At its core, it maintains the strategic depth of turn-based systems, but real-time mechanics like dodging, parrying, and free-aim targeting push the experience into new territory. Battles are more tactile and engaging than in traditional RPGs, rewarding timing and precision over brute-force grinding. However, these mechanics introduce a steep learning curve at first, particularly for players coming in expecting a slower-paced JRPG-like experience.
Character customization is another strong point. Players can shape their Expeditioners with a broad range of gear, skills, and stat upgrades, encouraging diverse playstyles. Building effective synergies between characters offers a lot of satisfaction, although some skill combinations feel slightly overpowered and could use more balancing. The learning curve here, while steep, feels fair, and the sense of progression across battles and exploration is consistently rewarding.
Control responsiveness is crucial for success when you implement real-time mechanics, and thankfully, Expedition 33 delivers on that front. Input accuracy matters for pulling off timely counters and perfectly aimed shots, and the DualSense controller’s subtle feedback enhances the experience without feeling intrusive. There are occasional minor camera issues during some of the more elaborate battle sequences, but they rarely derail the overall fluidity of the gameplay.
Visually, Clair Obscur is breathtaking. Built with Unreal Engine 5, it boasts painterly environments that blur the line between realism and fantasy. Each area feels meticulously crafted, with surreal designs that evoke a world simultaneously beautiful and crumbling. Character designs are equally impressive, blending stylized features with detailed animation work. Minor frame drops can occur during visually intense scenes, but they are more the exception than the rule.
The game’s haunting soundtrack complements its visual artistry beautifully. From melancholic piano pieces to soaring orchestral arrangements, the music heightens the emotional resonance of every major story beat. Combined with subtle ambient sound design, Expedition 33 maintains a consistently immersive atmosphere. Voice acting is solid across the board, adding extra personality to both major and minor characters without ever feeling overacted thanks to a stellar cast.
Ultimately, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out as one of the most daring RPGs in recent memory. Its fusion of genres, emotional narrative, and breathtaking world-building mark it as a major new entry in the genre. While its ambition introduces a few rough edges, such as an occasionally steep learning curve and minor technical issues, the overall experience is one that lingers long after the credits roll. For players looking for an RPG that dares to break tradition without losing heart, Expedition 33 is not to be missed and certain to be one of 2025’s best.
Score: 9.0/10
Press Play Media 