Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – an RPG that comes to break with Japanese supremacy

Turn-based RPGs are no longer an exclusive domain of Japanese studios, and titles like Edge of Eternity or Sea of Stars have shown that the West can also offer high-quality experiences. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by a French studio, joins this trend with a unique visual and narrative identity, combining elements of European art with a post-apocalyptic setting.

The Expedition 33, a group of explorers from Lumiere, the last great city of a world in ruins. Paris is the epicenter of civilization, and the game makes its French identity clear with dialogues, cultural references, and even insults in the original language.

Dynamic combat inspired by the greats of the genre

One of the most notable aspects of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is its turn-based combat, which introduces active blocking and dodging mechanics to enhance counterattacks. It's a system reminiscent of Shin Megami Tensei V and Metaphor: ReFantazio, allowing players to exploit enemy weaknesses and use action points strategically.

Each character has unique abilities, from magical attacks to charge techniques, and leveling up unlocks new combat and equipment options. The progression is flexible, allowing adjustments in stats and skills without penalty.

A stunning artistic direction and top-notch sound design

From a visual standpoint, the game stands out with an artistic direction that fuses European and apocalyptic elements. The designs of environments, enemies, and weapons have a unique and well-executed aesthetic, while the cinematics present an unexpected quality for a title without the backing of a major AAA producer.

The comparison with The Order: 1886 is inevitable, not only for its setting but also for the quality of the script and motion capture, which elevate the narrative experience.

Regarding the sound design, the soundtrack mixes Japanese influences with an epic orchestration that highlights the atmosphere of the game. The immersion is total, thanks to a composition that perfectly accompanies the moments of action and exploration.

Linear exploration with small incentives off the main path

One of the aspects that raises doubts is the exploration, which initially feels quite linear. However, as the demo progresses, a structure similar to God of War (2018) is introduced, with small rewards for those who stray from the main path.

Even so, the linearity remains present in much of the experience, something that could be a downside depending on the player's preference. However, the variety of enemies, cinematics, and puzzles helps to compensate for this limitation.

A turn-based RPG with its own identity and great potential

For those looking for a turn-based battle RPG in 2025, but prefer a story and aesthetic far from anime, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emerges as a different and promising option.

With a strategic combat system, an intriguing narrative, and solid artistic design, this title has all the potential to become one of the year's big surprises. We'll have to wait for its final version to see if it delivers on its promises, but what has been seen so far leaves a very positive impression.