(Image courtesy of SteamDB. “‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’ is an incredible GOTY-worthy experience.”)
Rick Dalton
Connector Contributor
“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” launched on April 24, 2025, and was instantly lauded as a Game of the Year contender. The game is the debut effort from French developers Sandfall Interactive. While drawing inspiration from JRPG franchises such as “Final Fantasy” and “Persona,” Sandfall puts their own spin on the genre. The result is a harrowing story about mortality, grief and family set in a post-apocalyptic world. Other highlights of the game include a beautiful world to explore, intense turn-based combat and a magnificent original score.
This tale starts in the middle of things and immediately establishes a dark tone. 67 years ago, a cataclysmic event known as the Fracture launched the city of Lumière from the Continent into the ocean. After the Fracture, a towering monolith bearing number 100 appeared. Once a year since, a mysterious entity known as the Paintress arrives and lowers the number by one. This causes the Gommage, an event that vaporizes anyone older than the painted number. The people of Lumière must decide if they will Gommage or instead spend their last year of life on a suicide mission and attempt to defeat the Paintress. This year, the number is 33. Gustave, an expeditioner, says goodbye to his loved ones on the day of the Gommage and the eve of “Expedition 33’s” departure for the Continent. “Expedition 33” follows the trail of prior expeditions and must leave their own trail for those who come after.
Any game benefits from quality writing and voice acting. “Expedition 33” certainly provides both. After its bleak opening, the story takes many unexpected turns. The expeditioners are interesting characters with their own backstories. They share their stories through cutscenes as the story unfolds and in one-on-one conversations during quiet moments on the road. The voice actors are passionate and add great emotional depth to their characters. This helps the game achieve a cinematic feel. Lore is provided from journals scattered throughout the world. These journals are narrated by past expeditioners, highlighting their successes, failures and misadventures from their journeys. These details really help the world come alive.
“Expedition 33” provides many breathtaking landscapes to explore. Most of the game is centered around discovering named locations, linked by an expansive overworld map. These locations include lush meadows, seaside cliffs, deserted battlefields and an underwater coral forest. Each location features fantastical flora and fauna, along with a wide color palette that makes each place feel distinct. Paths throughout the locations are mostly linear, although there are often branching paths and hidden areas to uncover. It is not necessary to visit every area or to seek every path to progress, but thorough explorers are rewarded with collectibles that give the world flavor and by finding items that will aid in battle.
When it is time to fight, “Expedition 33” offers a fresh take on turn-based combat. On offense, party members choose from melee, ranged, and magic attacks. Each party member has a unique fighting mechanic, so each one plays differently. Many attacks come with timed button presses that boost attack power, so staying engaged while fighting is critical. On defense, the party must successfully dodge or parry attacks in real time. Dodging offers a more generous window for success, but parrying all enemy attacks results in a strong counterattack. Enemies have a wide range of attack patterns. Simpler beasts may use a couple moves that hit once or twice, but fearsome bosses use several moves that hit several times. Many attacks will down a party member in one or two hits, so it is advisable to practice parrying to quickly dispatch foes. Combat requires practice but is very satisfying once it clicks. The default difficulty provides a reasonable challenge, but there is also a story mode for those less interested in combat and an expert mode for the hardcore.
Another notable aspect of “Expedition 33” is the musical score. In classic JRPG fashion, the game features sweeping orchestral music that befits a fantasy setting. However, the score is not afraid to mix it up with a variety of musical instruments and styles. Between grand symphonic pieces are soulful piano ballads, jazzy saxophone tunes, frantic violin concertos, and a drum-heavy rock opera. Whether fighting or exploring, the music always suits the atmosphere. Many tracks include haunting vocals in a mix of French, English and fictional language. Records are collectible items, and they can be played while the party is camping. This allows for relaxing moments in between the action and story beats.
All the pieces of “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” come together magnificently. With its thought-provoking story, memorable cast, beautiful world, thrilling combat and impressive score,
“Expedition 33” is a very worthy contender for Game of the Year. It is a true must play for fans of RPGs and narrative-driven adventures.
Grade: A+
