Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Reviews
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an amazing experience and game, especially when you consider its development. Expedition 33 provides a narrative that gives you just enough to want to experience more, and combat gameplay that forces you to engage with its systems if you want to overcome everything that gets thrown at you.
The climax comes in a little hot, but even here, the game feels true to itself: it may literally be about following in the footsteps of those who came before, but Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 ultimately charts its own path.
This is a kind of story that hasn’t been seen in modern RPGs, with a level and distinctiveness in visual presentation that leaves many franchises right now in the dust. All this plus a star-studded voice cast makes Clair Obscur Expedition 33 an amazing first outing from the studio, and a powerful statement that the RPG genre is still growing and evolving to this day. JRPGs have had their time in the sun, sure – but I say, bring on the FRPGs!
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a master-crafted RPG, blending several trends into a hybrid system that's as unrelenting as its heart-wrenching plot.
Blasting the door down and becoming an instant masterpiece classic, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 defies all expectations and ambitions and then some. Looking at decades of genre refinement and somehow still managing to innovate, creating immensely tactical, thought-provoking and rich combat is nothing short of a miracle achieved at the hands of Sandfall Interactive. Accompanying it is an entirely fresh and magnificent world full of wonders and beauty, even despite its intricate and often harrowing narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and so many RPGs that have come before it, the little expedition that could will be plastered across history with the greats. Bravo.
If I were a teenager still, this game would ingrain itself into my brain the same way Final Fantasy VII did in 1997. Right now, when there are numerous predictions about the death of single player games, when creativity is shackled by the sales department, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a true gem worth every praise.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Paying homage to those that came before yet bursting with its own creativity, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a must-play title for RPG fans.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling, rich in atmosphere in which history and magic intertwine. The game is not afraid to ask hard questions and point out harsh truths, all the while featuring a gripping narrative, believable characters, and an impressive turn-based combat with some novel mechanics,
With a gripping, haunting narrative that isn't afraid to tackle darker themes, one of the best turn-based battle systems in RPG history, a gorgeous world to lose yourself in, and some of the best music and performances in years, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 feels like a miracle game. How Sandfall Interactive managed something this amazing on their first go around is a genuine Herculean achievement. This game is a love letter to the rich history of RPGs while also being the blueprint for the next step forward. This is my current Game of the Year frontrunner for 2025 and I can almost guarantee that if you love RPGs - whether you prefer turn-based or action - this game will blow you away.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a modern creation deeply infused with the soul of classic JRPGs, carving out a bold new possibility for the genre's future. Its QTE-infused combat system brings a rare sense of impact and fluidity to turn-based battles, while boss encounters inspired by Souls-like design offer room for skill-based progression.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a confident new IP, bold in its execution and not afraid to mix old and new ideas. It's a stunning achievement, born from passion and raised within technical excellence equal to the best in the business. Go in unspoiled and be ready for a truly rewarding experience.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 could really be the JRPG that 90s nostalgics wanted so much to have in its most evolved and not excessively contaminated form. All the elements seem to be in the right place, and although it is not one of the most expensive productions (which is a good thing), the potential to do things in a big way is quite evident.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Sometimes a humble score review and number just isn’t enough to illustrate how pivotal and important this game may be. All these features are packed into a smaller-than-usual price of 50$ versus the ongoing increase in video game prices as well. This painting is a masterpiece.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn't just one of the best RPGs I've played in ages. It's an easy contender for game of the year. It shines in every area, and any complaints I had were nagging at best. Whether it's the compelling story, exciting gameplay, or beautiful soundtrack, no area of the game felt lacking. If you're a fan of RPGs, you really owe it to yourself to give Clair Obscur a shot.
Even apocalypse can be beautiful. In Expedition 33's case it presents itself as a haunting chiaroscuro painting that warps colours, designs, music and even commonly with JRPG's associated mechanics to create something, simply stunning. Whether it is the challenging innovative turn-based combat, impeccable performances, heart-wrenching music or unique story, this title very efficiently uses all of it's unique selling points to just drawn you in deeper and deeper into a Belle 'poque twisted dream'
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is not only one of the best games of 2025, but perhaps one of the best games of the last few years. It captivates you with its clever presentation of its story and world, and thanks to its wonderful music, excellent direction, and professional voice acting,you will be fully immersed in the world of the game.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Maybe Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a bit of an odd title for a game. However, the production itself surprises positively and is worth recommending even to old jRPG expeirants.
Review in Polish | Read full review
This game represents a long-awaited turning point for RPGs. An amazing, small French team has proven that game making is an art and a vision, delivering a game that defies convention. It's a comprehensive, stunning, and charming RPG that will offer a fresh and exciting experience for many fans of the genre.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a work of art. Its flawless hybrid combat system joins a cast of characters that tells a story rivaling the very best this medium has ever offered.