Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Game Review

Welcome to the world of Clair Obscur Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive studio. With only a small team of 30, they have created a masterpiece worthy of a triple A title, and I do not mean that lightly. This is a different style turn based game and not for those who think they can take it easy. Here I will give you my take and tell you why this is definitely a game you should pick up and try it for yourself.

Plot

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 unfolds in a hauntingly beautiful world inspired by the elegance and melancholy of Belle Époque-era France. Set on an isolated enigmatic island of ‘Lumière’, life here is governed by a single, towering monolith - its surface marked by a shifting number that determines the fate of all.

Each year, without fail, a mysterious entity known only as ‘the Paintress’ awakens from her distant slumber. With a wave of her hand, she alters the monolith, lowering the number by one. As it changes, those whose ages matches the new number quietly, inexplicably vanish. The phenomenon is called the ‘Gommage’ - a silent erasure, as though lives are being brushed away like pigments from a canvas.

In a desperate attempt to break the cycle, the island’s bravest - or perhaps most desperate volunteers embark on a perilous journey to the mainland, hoping to confront and stop the Paintress before the next number is painter. Many before had tried, none have ever returned.

Now, as the monolith falls on the thirty-third mark, Expedition 33 is assembled and prepare on their final expedition to not just reach the mainland, but to unearth the truths buried beneath centuries of mystery, and hopefully to end the Gommage once and for all.

May Contain Spoilers.

Story

The game weaves a rich and evocative tapestry of mystery, inviting you to uncover its dark secrets at your own pace. Clair Obscur doesn’t hand you the answer, it compels you to explore and seek them. Each character you encounter carries a personal story shaped by the haunting Gommage. You will travel with them, listen to their stories, reasons and motivation on this expedition. The emotional depth of your companions and even those you meet briefly along the way, will leave you questioning not just what happened, but why.

As you explore the world, you’ll find fragments of the past echoes of the expeditions that came before yours. Some buried deep, while others deliberately obscured, challenging you to connect the dots. The narrative doesn’t reveal anything outright instead, it rewards the explorer with curiosity to unravel is mystery.

This is a world where mystery breathes, and the line between clarity and shadow is exquisitely blurred.

Gameplay

If you’ve played Persona 5, Final Fantasy, or Lies of P, prepare yourself because Clair Obscur Expedition 33 will test your reflexes, patience, and tactical instincts in equal measure. This is not your typical turn-based RPG. While it follows a structured, turn-base format, combat is anything but passive. You won’t just sit idly and wait for your enemy to strike you’ll have to react, and react fast.

Every encounter demands good timing, precision, and a sharp ear. Dodging and parrying are integral to survival, borrowing from games like Lies of P or Sekiro. Yes, there may be moments where input feels tight or even delayed, but listen carefully. Audio cues, not just visual ones, are the key to mastering the rhythm of battle.

Your toolkit is as deep as it is dangerous. You can shoot enemies, activate items, chain character specific skills, and manipulate the flow of battle through countless combinations of ‘Pictos’. Each party member brings a distinct play-style and unique skills to the table, making every composition feel fresh and strategic.

This is a game where victory feels sweet, where perfect parries can turn the tide, and one misstep might mean scraping through by the skin of your teeth. It’s brutal, rewarding, and endlessly engaging. Whether you’re mastering the art of timing or crafting the ultimate Picto synergy, Clair Obscur ensure you one thing: you won’t be bored.

Music Score

The soundtrack of Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is nothing short of mesmerizing and captivating. A masterful blend of melancholic melodies and pulse-pounding anthems that elevate every moment of the journey. From tender, haunting piano pieces that underscore the quiet tragedies of its characters, to adrenaline-fuel tracks that ignite during boss battle, the music seamlessly guides your emotions through the highs and lows of the story.

Each track is composed with the intention of drawing you deeper into the world Lumière. As you progress, you’ll have the chance to collect musical scores scattered throughout the world. At campfires, you can revisit these track, and listening to it as much as you like. Many players will find themselves leaving the soundtrack running long after they’ve set the controller down.

It’s not just a soundtrack, it’s a soul that binds the world together.

Art & Design

From its stunning world design to its intricate character models and dazzling skill effects, the game is a visual triumph. The team at Sandfall Studio has clearly poured their passion into every frame, crafting a game that is not only stylistically bold but emotionally resonant. The environments are breathtaking, often resembling living paintings, and each scene is delivered with a cinematic flair that elevates the experience.

While the artistry is undeniable, the presentation isn’t without its minor blemishes. During some cutscenes, small visual issues, such as hair clipping through character models, can momentarily disrupt the immersion. These are brief and infrequent, and though noticeable to keen eyes, they never compromise the overall quality of enjoyment of the game.

In the grand scheme, these minor imperfection are easily overshadowed by the sheer beauty and creativity of the game.

Verdict

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 delivers a riveting, high-energy experience that shatters expectations and redefines what a turn-based RPG can be. If you’re a fan of tactical depth mixed with real-time reflex-driven action, this game is an absolute must-play. But be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart. This world demands your focus, punishes hesitation, and rewards mastery.

You’ll either rise to the challenge and grow stronger with every hard-fought battle, or find yourself overwhelmed by the beautiful, yet merciless journey ahead. One thing is certain: you will not be disappointed. As those who fall we continue.

Score: 9.5/10

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Pros:

• Real time action, that keeps players engage in combat
• Epic storyline, music, and visual that leaves you in awe
• Unique style of skills and pictos, craft different style of combos for your characters.
• Large open world to explore and many secrets to discover
• Three difficulty options for beginner, those who love a good challenge, or in-between.

Cons:

• Plot may leave players confuse if they choose to skip a lot of dialogue from various sources.
• Require some players to get use to dodging, parrying, jumping, and/or combination of all three.
• Minor character model texture flaws.