Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Reviews
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.
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 is clearly inspired by many sources - the character modifications of Final Fantasy VIII’s Junction system, Persona's combat user interface and camera work, and the Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice parry and dodge mechanics - but the way Sandfall Interactive uses these inspirations together with the story, the characters, and the music is unique. No microtransactions, no subscription pass, no major features trapped behind future patches; Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a single-player complete experience, with a New Game Plus to keep players coming back. Meanwhile, its exceptional music, writing, voice acting and visuals make it as aesthetically pleasing as it is mechanically satisfying and interesting. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a Game of the Year frontrunner.
Clair Obsur: Expedition 33 is a marvel of a video game. A game-changing, genre-bending masterpiece. It serves as a testament to the passion of what can be accomplished by a talented team, rivaling the efforts of giant monolith publishers that have three times the budget and resources. It converted me into seeking out other turn-based experiences, but this excellent game may have spoiled me.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a must-play RPG with brilliant combat, strong characters, and a world that's hard to forget.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an astounding debut title from Sandfall Interactive. Its compelling and emotional narrative is backed up with one of the best turn-based combat systems around, even though it perhaps feels a bit too focused on you performing parries and dodges at times. Add in stunning visuals and a fantastic soundtrack, and you have a JRPG that's not to be missed.
Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 is not necessarily an innovative game. However, it is a great value proposition because its excellence lies in the perfect execution of its ideas and their implementation.We don't feel that any of its components or mechanics are unnecessary; everything comes together excellently and in equal parts, a rounded and cohesive experience. Undoubtedly, a game to remember.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 brings a sumptuously stylish world, intricately woven narrative and top-notch combat to the table, and it's a winner on every level.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterpiece from start to finish, a beautiful and deeply moving journey.
My gut tells me that as respected and successful as this game has already been, it’s only really getting started and over time will sit alongside the likes of NieR, and Planescape: Torment as the most literary and intelligent games ever made. Goddard, Camus and Sartre would be proud (well, perhaps not, existentialists are not a particularly jovial bunch by reputation).
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 came out of nowhere with barely any hype and super low expectations, but it completely caught the gaming world off guard. It dives deep into philosophy and storytelling in a way most games don't even try. On top of that, the gameplay is surprisingly deep and complex, and the visuals are absolutely gorgeous, it makes you wonder how a small team on a tight budget pulled off one of the best turn-based RPGs we've seen in years.
Review in Persian | Read full review
A brilliant debut from the Sandfall Interactive, which leaves unforgettable impression and sets a new standard for jRPGs - even though the game itself wasn't made in Japan.
Review in Russian | Read full review
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