Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Reviews
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's gorgeously realized world is let down by its emphasis on combat, marred by a few fatal stumbles.
Wearing its inspirations on its sleeve, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 paints itself into the pantheon of great RPGs with a brilliant combat system and a gripping, harrowing story.
Outstanding artwork and glorious combat bring Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's bold, painterly world to life.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a rare RPG that feels mechanically bold, emotionally grounded, and unforgettable long after the credits roll.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may very well win game of the year and may do so with the staff of under 50 people, proving that passion, dedication, talent and a clear vision are far more important than a large marketing budget, scores and scores of writers and tech personnel, and a big brand to rely on. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Sandfall Interactive and hope it looks a lot like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Sandfall Interactive’s debut is a triumph. Everything about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is either a fresh reboot to soothe the traditionalist’s soul or an exciting, bold leap into new territory, and the result is a piece of art that pulled me in and refused to let go.
"Lengthy battles are rewarding, never descending into a mindless grindfest"
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a phenomenal RPG, telling a heartbreaking tale while incorporating thrilling action into its tactical turn-based combat
They say art is all about eliciting an emotional reaction; if you can do that, all the effort expended in creating it was worth it. I think Clair Obscur does that with aplomb. If you have ever loved role-playing games, ever, you owe it to yourself to play this. It has the capacity to touch you.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a cinematic RPG experience that showcases both visual and audio prowess.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a addition to the turn-based RPG genre, one that boasts challenging, engaging combat mechanics and plays out in a distinct and utterly beautiful fantasy world. From start to finish, I was fascinated by the sights,sounds and tasks that lay ahead. If you love RPGs, it should be at the top of your list; I really can't recommend it enough.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has exceeded every one of my expectations. Sandfall Interactive's debut title is one of the greatest accomplishments in gaming, delivering a well-paced, polished, and unforgettable experience.
Expedition 33 is one of those experiences that redefine your concept of what an RPG can be. What Sandfall Interactive has achieved in their debut is simply astonishing: a narrative that captivates you from the first second with adult characters facing complex moral dilemmas; a revolutionary turn-based combat system that transforms each encounter into a strategic dance full of tension; and a visually stunning world that masterfully blends Belle Époque with dark fantasy. The conversations at the campfires have made me laugh, cry, and reflect on life itself. Its bosses have challenged me like few games manage to do. And its soundtrack continues to resonate in my head weeks after finishing the adventure. More than a game, it's an interactive work of art that will remain in my memory for years. Without exaggeration, one of the best debuts from a studio that I've seen in decades as both a player and critic.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Using the classics as a canvas, Sandfall Interactive has painted the modern turn-based RPG we've been dreaming of for years. And, like all great paintings, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will remain etched in our memory for a long, long time.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a story I needed in a world that feels like it’s falling apart. Things are not always what they seem, and there's always hope, no matter the odds. A better world is possible; you just need people willing to fight for it. When one falls, we continue.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a stunning, ambitious first outing for Sandfall Interactive.
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.
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