The French RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, from the indie studio Sandfall Interactive, is a surprise hit. Blending a magical world, brutal battles, and intriguing mystery, it’s earning rave reviews and captivating players. This review dives into why Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.
A World on the Brink
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 presents a captivating premise. Humanity, decimated by a catastrophe, clings to survival in the city of Lumière. Across the sea, a monolithic structure looms, before which sleeps a cloaked figure known as the Painter. Annually, the Painter awakens, inscribing a number on the monolith. Shortly after, everyone who has reached that age perishes.
When the number changes from 34 to 33, protagonist Gustave witnesses the death of his love, Sophie, a victim of the Painter’s curse. Driven by grief and a desperate hope, Gustave joins Expedition 33, a yearly venture to the old continent aiming to unravel the Painter’s mystery and halt the countdown to humanity’s extinction.
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Accompanying Gustave are his determined younger sister Maelle, the inquisitive Lune, the optimistic Sciel, and a cast of other weary adventurers. They face perilous creatures like the Nevrons, ranging from stone golems to spectral beings, some hostile and some surprisingly benevolent. An even greater threat is a mysterious old man, seemingly immune to the Painter’s curse, capable of obliterating the entire expedition.
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Compelling Characters and Deep Trauma
Beyond the compelling mystery, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 shines through its well-developed characters. Each member of the expedition feels nuanced and layered, their emotions authentically portrayed. Gustave, initially confident, grapples with despair, guilt, and fear, ultimately driven to protect his sister. Maelle, seemingly reserved, harbors a big heart and is profoundly affected by the expedition’s losses. Lune, enigmatic and inquisitive, struggles with the unpreparedness for the unknown dangers.
Clair Obscure 6Clair Obscur is engaging and realistic, drawing players into the characters’ world.
The expertly written dialogue fosters connection with the characters, revealing their motivations and making their survival a desperate hope for the player.
A Dynamic Battle System
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 blends classic RPG elements like exploration, cutscenes, character development, and item collection with a dynamic turn-based battle system. Encounters transition to a separate screen where players strategically combine attacks, abilities, and items to overcome diverse monsters. Exploiting enemy weaknesses is key to survival.
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Quick-time events add another layer to combat, requiring players to dodge, parry, or enhance attacks. Perfect dodges can lead to damage-free victories, while perfect parries trigger powerful party-wide counterattacks. Each character possesses unique strengths. Gustave builds Overcharge for powerful attacks and marks enemies for increased damage. Lune wields elemental magic. Maelle adopts combat stances that enhance defense, offense, or unleash devastating attacks.
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Character progression involves leveling abilities, collecting and upgrading weapons, and enhancing attributes. Pictos grant passive bonuses, further enriching the combat experience. While initially complex, the combat system becomes rewarding and engaging, with enemy variety adding to the challenge.
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A Beautiful, if Slightly Convoluted, World
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33‘s world is visually stunning, showcasing the power of Unreal Engine 5. From luminous forests to underwater realms and rugged mountain ranges, each area is meticulously crafted. The world is divided into interconnected regions accessible through an overworld map, allowing for camping, resting, weapon upgrades, and character interactions.
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While the level design can be convoluted at times, it doesn’t detract significantly from the exploration experience. The game consistently offers compelling reasons to push forward, uncovering new secrets and facing challenging encounters.
Technical Prowess with Minor Compromises
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 boasts impressive visuals and a fantastic soundtrack. The voice acting, featuring talents like Jennifer English, Andy Serkis, Charlie Cox, and Ben Starr, is excellent. While lip-syncing occasionally falters, it’s a minor blemish on an otherwise polished presentation. Occasional character glitches are a reminder of the game’s indie origins, but are easily forgiven given the overall quality and vision.
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A Memorable RPG Experience
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a remarkable achievement, delivering a captivating experience that resonates long after the credits roll. It creates a unique blend of genres, offering a creative and unusual experience in a gaming landscape often lacking in originality. With a reasonable price point and availability on Game Pass, it’s a must-play for RPG fans seeking something truly special.
