Since its announcement and reveal at the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2024, Clair Obscur Expedition 33 has garnered acclaim among J-RPG enthusiasts and French media. This is well-deserved recognition for Sandfall Interactive, a studio of thirty employees, predominantly former Ubisoft developers who chose to pursue their own project. Their objective is to revitalize the reputation of traditional Japanese RPGs with a turn-based combat system that has seen a decline in recent years compared to real-time battles. Lost Odyssey frequently comes up when the development team discusses Clair Obscur Expedition 33, but they also draw inspiration from Final Fantasy and Persona. As the game approaches its release in the coming months, we had the chance to play it through a demo ranging from three to five hours based on skill level and playstyle, and it is now time to share our initial impressions. Many have hailed it as a masterpiece, while others have expressed disappointment, even describing their experience with phrases like “a cold shower.” It’s now our turn to provide our hands-on feedback.
META FORT
First observed is the vibrant dynamism in combat sequences, despite their turn-based nature. Everything is meticulously crafted to never alienate casual players while attempting to captivate them with its stylish interface and strategically angled views. Some might draw parallels to Metaphor ReFantazio’s interface, and they wouldn’t be entirely off the mark; Clair Obscur Expedition 33 strongly resembles Atlus’ game in many visual and contextual aspects. However, there is genuine thought put into the presentation of crucial information for initiating attacks, with each menu and sub-menus allowing players to switch camera angles. It is never rigidly fixed; it is intelligently designed and remarkably dynamic in execution. There is a real artistry in its stagecraft that is pleasing to behold, bringing about significant changes.
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 aims to革新的不仅限于界面，还包括游戏玩法以及在这一回合制系统中需要采取的实际行动。从这些图片可以看出，在敌人攻击时，玩家必须迅速反应以保持站立状态。我们的角色可以躲避、格挡和跳跃来防御，每种动作都需要精确的时间掌握。这种时机把握取决于每次攻击，并且根据敌人的不同而变化，因此要求玩家始终保持警惕。同样地，选择不同的防守方式会导致模式和时间点的差异，从而增加了策略深度。例如，完美的格挡允许立刻进行反击，鉴于其造成的巨大伤害，成为了一个备受青睐的防御机制。然而，时机管理不仅在防御中至关重要，在攻击时也是如此，因为一些攻击动作需要成功完成快速反应事件（QTE）才能造成大量伤害。如果这些QTE操作不当，特别是在对手部署了盾牌的情况下，会导致错过重要机会。所有这一切为传统的回合制系统增添了动态性，并带来了亟需的革新。—请注意：以上文本只是针对指定段落进行重写，不包含上下文信息中的任何补充内容。
BAGUETTE CROISSANT
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 revisits more traditional elements by incorporating an action point system that can be expanded through attacks and bonuses such as Pictos and Luminas found within environments. Each character can equip three Pictos to enhance their statistics, increasing their chances against formidable enemies that are often numerous and unpredictably encountered, which can quickly overwhelm players. The game also includes subtleties for gaining an advantage, such as earning an extra action point with a perfect dodge.
In five hours of gameplay, the combat system in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 stands out as a significant strength, aiming to innovate within the genre. While the game draws inspiration from existing J-RPGs, Sandfall Interactive has succeeded in integrating these elements into a cohesive and well-crafted whole. However, I found the overall structure of the game less impressive. The progression is quite linear, with some open areas that seem designed to suggest exploration but are actually limited in scope. Additionally, there is little interaction with the environment; actions such as climbing over decorative elements are sometimes possible while other times they are not, likely due to developer oversight. This makes it clear that these features serve primarily as transitions between zones within a highly structured sequence. At certain points, Clair Obscur Expedition 33 reminded me of some of the less compelling aspects of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s open world…
**THE BEAUTIFUL ERA: CLAIR OBSCUR EXPEDITION 33**
Regarding the visual and graphical aspects, Clair Obscur Expeditions 33 is already regarded as one of the most visually stunning games of this generation. While emotional enthusiasm and national pride can influence perceptions, it is fair to say that while the artistic direction is commendable and well-executed, there are some technical shortcomings. For example, during movement in open zones, there is a noticeable inconsistency in character animation quality. Gustave, who is played by Robert Pattinson with curly hair and a handsome mustache, exhibits notably poor walking animations. His running animations fare better, but his climbing animations lack polish. In contrast, Luna and Maelle have received more refined animation treatments, which is appreciated. Clair Obscur Expeditions 33 truly excels in its narrative, particularly with its original concept featuring the mysterious entity known as the Painter, who can erase an entire generation with a single brushstroke based on a defined age limit. The theme of the number 33, clearly referencing the age of Christ at his crucifixion, is particularly intriguing and captures immediate interest.
The artistic direction of the game and the decision to focus on a historical period that is less explored, such as the Belle Époque and the Art Deco movement, which the studio has combined with fantasy and surrealist elements, demonstrate significant effort. The universe created is richly detailed, featuring diverse environments and clothing styles that complement each other well. This visual richness suggests that Clair Obscur Expeditions 33 resembles a AAA title despite not being one, possibly indicating the pressure involved. Sandfall Interactive’s game has caught my attention, even though I am not a fan of turn-based systems; I appreciate how it simplifies and modernizes this niche system. Now, I look forward to seeing how the game structures its narrative and environments, hoping for more engaging exploration than what was presented in previous experiences. Despite being an AA title in 2025…
