Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 finally launches! This game, developed by the French studio Sandfall Interactive and published by Bandai Namco, is now available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series as of April 24, 2025. Unveiled at the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2024, this turn-based RPG immerses players in a universe that blends the fantastical with the elegant aesthetics of the Belle Époque.
The game's storyline centers around a mysterious entity known as The Painter, which every year inscribes a mark on a monolith, causing the disappearance of those who bear that age. The narrative follows Gustave, an engineer determined to break this sinister cycle, along with his expedition team. Turn-based battles, enhanced with interactive elements to keep the fight engaging, evoke familiar mechanics reminiscent of Sea of Stars. On the exploration front, players traverse diverse environments and utilize tools such as a grappling hook to progress through the story.
The voice cast features a number of well-known personalities: Charlie Cox(Spider-Man: No Way Home, Daredevil: Born Again...) plays Gustave, Ben Starr (Final Fantasy XVI) as Verso, Jennifer English lends her voice to Maelle, and Andy Serkis(Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Black Panther...) plays Renoir. As Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, the project's lead writer, explains: " We've lived with these characters for the past few years. So it's a pleasure to see them come to life thanks to our incredible dubbers ".
Our Impressions (no spoilers)
The game is a true masterpiece, built around a compelling story that raises more questions than it answers, keeping the mystery alive until the crucial moment. It’s often reminiscent of a French-inspired take on classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy, with plenty of nods to French culture.
Battles are turn-based, featuring numerous Quick-Time Events. While some fights can feel repetitive (so it’s wise to switch up your team regularly), certain enemy types break the rhythm with unique traits that add surprise and increase the challenge. The game also rewards exploration, which plays a significant role in storytelling; there are some puzzles, although they’re fewer and farther between, along with some quirky mini-games that add a fun twist.
The experience swings between emotionally charged sequences and moments of lighthearted humor, set against a richly poetic and artistic universe. The soundtrack is equally varied—powerful, touching, and energizing. The narrative resonates with themes of human emotion and life’s hurdles, prompting players to reflect on characters’ dilemmas... One thing’s for sure: the expedition 33 leaves a lasting impression!
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Official Trailer:
At your controls!
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