FaintZephyr Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review

One of the most refreshing games I’ve played in years. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 pulled me in instantly. The world feels like a painting that came to life — surreal, atmospheric, and full of moments where I just stopped to take it all in. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to. It’s that beautiful. The combat really surprised me. Turn-based, but fast and hands-on — with timed dodges, blocks, and attacks that keep every fight feeling sharp. There’s actual rhythm and flow to it, and party builds feel meaningful without being overwhelming. What really makes this game special, though, is how cohesive and intentional everything feels. A lot of RPGs lose themselves in bloat, weird tonal shifts, or flat voice work. But this? It knows exactly what it is — and it nails it. The voice acting feels grounded and human. The soundtrack is genuinely one of the best I’ve heard — emotional, cinematic, and unforgettable. Some tracks made me stop just to listen. And the writing? It’s not overdone, it’s not trying too hard — it just lands. There’s one line that hit especially hard: “We fight not for ourselves, but for the ones who come tomorrow.” That moment stayed with me. It really captures what this story is about — legacy, sacrifice, purpose. Huge props to the team at Sandfall. You can feel the time, care, and attention they put into every corner of this game — from the design and pacing to the emotion and polish. This is the kind of RPG that doesn’t come around often. If you’re tired of cookie-cutter RPGs that feel soulless or stuck in the past, Expedition 33 is absolutely worth your time. “For those who come after.” ☑ 10/10 — A journey with real heart. And one I’ll remember.