Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Reviews
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a stunning, ambitious first outing for Sandfall Interactive.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the epitome of an instant classic. Its premise alone had something special to it, but no elevator pitch could have prepared me for how the thing blossoms and blossoms and blossoms. Exciting battles and beautiful writing unfold in a world that looks and sounds sublime, all of it pulled off with unbelievable style. I’m in genuine awe of the accomplishment.
Sandfall Interactive's debut RPG perfectly fuses the deep strategy of turn-based combat with the satisfying challenge and mastery of real-time action games, resulting in a wholly unique experience that sets itself apart. Together with the game's stellar storytelling, jaw-dropping presentation, and good overall performance, that makes it one of 2025's must-play titles — and a huge release for Xbox Game Pass.
To sum it up, I can once again briefly talk about the numerous pros and some cons, and also recommend Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to absolutely all fans of the RPG genre, and mention that it is definitely one of the contenders for game of the year.
Review in Russian |
Clair Obscur is a journey I'll never forget.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 gets it right in all the areas that matter. Its storytelling carries emotional depth, and the characterization makes you care about everyone you meet on your journey through this beautifully imagined world. Throw in a combat system that puts mastery above grinding, and you’ve got a classic RPG that, like Baldur’s Gate 3 before it, should appeal beyond its target audience, so much so that a game of the year nomination feels inevitable.
This is a story of heartbreak and loss, yes, but also the importance of persevering. That’s not a hard thing to want to do when a game looks and plays as wonderfully as this.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a strong debut title for Sandfall Interactive, with compelling characters and an original, unsettling story that’s part allegory, part surreal fantasy. Its turn-based/real-time hybrid combat is well thought out and grows more interesting as the game progresses. Some narrative pacing issues and repetitive enemy encounters pull Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from the brink of greatness. Still, it remains a unique and engaging take on both fantasy storytelling and JRPGs.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a title of rare beauty. An unexpected masterpiece that will appeal to all fans of turn-based RPGs.
Review in Italian | Read full review
I do not say this spontaneously or hyperbolically: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a generational RPG. The quality of writing is pitch-perfect at every step, vividly depicting the somber world and its tragic circumstances with glorious technique. Combat always feels rewarding when successful, but it can feel like a slog if you don't get the hang of the parry and trait systems. The linear nature of the game helps to balance out the lack of mini-map, so try and not let those factors keep you away from at least trying this brilliant game.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the most refreshing and original RPGs in years, even if it's not immediately obvious from the outside looking in. The intriguing setup expands to provide an engrossing, excellent narrative with lovable and charismatic characters. The exemplary combat goes above and beyond its turn-based traditions with flashy fights and new ways to damage. This is the kind of experience that proves there's still so much potential and creativity in the bigger-budget video game space - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is simply sublime.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a thunderous debut from Sandfall Interactive. Its palette is brimming with cleverly engaging turn-based combat, impeccable art direction, and voice performances that rival feature films. The result is an incredible work of video game art. This game is worth more than the asking price, and I highly recommend it.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 surpasses even the high expectations set in the preview with a captivating original story, well-balanced turn-based & real-time combat, jaw-dropping presentation, and a soundtrack that is fit to stand among the greats — raising the bar for new IP in single-player games.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 feels like a real next step for modern RPG games. Sandfall has achieved something truly special.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The developers give us everything they have, everything they want, and we receive it with pleasure and emotion. Ultimately, all it would have lacked was a nice balance and a little more polish to make it a true masterpiece. It remains nonetheless an excellent game and, above all, a serious contender for the most prestigious awards of the year.
Review in French | Read full review
Perhaps talking about GOTY may be a bit hasty, but it's almost certain that it's a title that will be among the candidates.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is a monumental work, perfectly balanced in length and pace of play, with an engaging combat system and a progression system among the best in its category. Equipped with an exciting story, full of twists and a profound final message, it will bewitch anyone who decides to embark on Expedition 33. We wholeheartedly recommend it to any fan of "Japanese-style" RPGs.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Despite its occasionally confounding UI and weak level design, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an essential turn-based RPG that is both a love letter to its inspirations and a potential vision of the genre's future.
Even in the Dadaist dreamscape that they find themselves in, this crew of survivors still create new bonds, indulge their curiosities, and give voice to their pains. This is what it means for them to continue—that life, and this game by proxy, will continue to present the unexpected, and that it very much is worth enduring to experience it.
Clair Obscure is a very pretty game, but the title on consoles doesn't reach the graphical opulence of the trailers and especially in the world the game seems a bit dated here and there, which is particularly noticeable in some areas.
Review in German | Read full review