Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Reviews
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.
When someone who is passionate about JRPGs and has the skills to make one, a masterpiece like Expedition 33 is born. It is a game that gave me the classic JRPG experience while paving it's way as it's own thing
Review in Arabic | Read full review
All in all, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out as one of the biggest surprises of 2025 so far — a title that boasts a deep, unpredictable story, meticulously crafted gameplay and combat systems, and top-tier visual and audio presentation. This game isn’t just for fans of turn-based RPGs; it has the potential to impress anyone who appreciates high-quality experiences. Even if you’re not typically drawn to turn-based games, I highly recommend giving this polished gem a try — it’s well worth investing at least 30 hours of your playtime.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Masterful in artistic and narrative aspects and with an impeccable soundtrack, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the best surprises of the year and stands out positively in a market that has started to charge too much for experiences that don't deliver what they should.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Expedition 33 is magnificent in every possible way. I was in love with it whole time and while playing I’ve became so engaged with characters and the story surround them I forgot the flow of time entirely. This is clearly the future for JRPG’s and it’s sense of scale is outstanding. Definitely a classic for years to come.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a rare triumph for such a small studio. The devs at Sandfall Interactive aimed for the stars, and they delivered a game that JRPG fans have always wanted from a Western studio. I can't recommend this game enough.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a game destined to mark an entire generation of players, as well as revolutionize turn-based combat as we know it. An RPG to remember.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
A paradigm shift for turn-based RPGs, respectful of their heritage yet unafraid to dismantle and rebuild their foundations.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an RPG that raises the bar in many ways with an engaging battle system and intriguing story that's set in a beautiful and unique world. It's definitely limited in a few ways, though, but not so much to take away from its must-play status. ⚜️
Let's cut to the chase: Clair Obscur is, without question, the best game of the year so far. In fact, one could even argue that it's one of the best games of recent years. Of course, it all depends on individual tastes and sensibilities, but as far as I'm concerned, it's been a long time since I've been so captivated by a game. Even Metaphor: ReFantazio, though an exceptional title, failed to fascinate me in the same way.
Review in French | Read full review
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has absolutely blown me away in every possible way. The game positions itself masterfully, exploring grief through the eyes of its characters as they hope for the future in spite of the journey ahead. Exploring Lumiere and the continent is a thrill, with enemies aplenty and battles that feel equally challenging and satisfying. It’s a stunning RPG that pulls at your emotions with its clever portrayal of hope. If you’re avoiding this one because of the turn-based gameplay, then I suggest you pipe down and let this game become your new obsession because it’s unforgettable. Do it for those who come after!
An impressive achievement that revitalizes the long-stagnant JRPG genre by skillfully unfolding a sweeping tale of life and death, art and theology. On this new stage, it proves that the genre isn’t obsolete—it's a timeless classic.
Review in Korean | Read full review
Believe the hype. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is as good as you've heard. It's as close to perfect as gaming gets.
Clair Obscur is a dream come true. A team of just a few people managed to deliver what many AAA studios can't: a game that borders on perfection in everything it sets out to be; a JRPG with an engaging and well-written story, one of the best turn-based combat systems ever created, jaw-dropping visuals, and all of this to the sound of an incredible soundtrack. This game shouldn't exist. But thank goodness it does.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterpiece that continues to grow from strength to strength as its incredible story progresses, making it an unmissable title for 2025 and beyond. It is a work of art that must be experienced at least once. Its story, cast, gameplay, and music blend together to create an experience that raises the bar for video games across genres, while its combat and levels are a dream come true for RPG fans.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the fresh breath of originality and creativity that the video game industry needs. The title excels particularly in its narrative, which takes the stage for a new and complex world set in motion by a stunning audiovisual aspect. The combat system, which, due to the necessity of dodging and covering enemy wounds, will definitely annoy the player more than once, but will entertain him even more. While it's evident that this is an indie title, what one small studio can do is almost admirable. Despite all the criticisms, this was one of the best and most original games I've played.
Review in Czech | Read full review
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a rare kind of RPG—one that’s as interested in the quiet, human moments as it is in epic battles. It asks you to pay attention, to care, and to grow alongside its cast. When the journey was over, I found myself thinking less about the enemies I’d defeated and more about the conversations I’d had, the choices I’d made, and the lasting impression of a world where every shadow has a story.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of those rare surprises that will stay with us for a very, very long time. It’s ambitious, distinctive, and confident in what it does, unafraid to be strange, poetic, and even unsettling. The artistic direction shines; the combat is fun and addictive; and the story grips us, hurts us, but also lifts us in a whirlwind of emotion. It may be short (around 30 hours of gameplay), but it never feels like anything is missing. And there’s always something to discover, try out, or simply enjoy – whether it’s an optional boss that forces us to rethink our playstyle or a game of volleyball with the Gestral. Everything in it feels crafted with care and passion. And for that, I’m simply grateful.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a likely frontrunner for Game of the Year. For a studio comprised of newcomers, Sandfall Interactive has crafted a love letter to JRPGs and rekindled the discussion of whether or not turn-based games have faded into obscurity.
For a debut title, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” exceeded my expectations in terms of story, worldbuilding and characters. Although combat might get tiresome and repetitive, it’s more than worth playing for any RPG fan. Sandfall Interactive is passionate and has plenty of talent for a new studio. I am eager to find out what the team’s next step will be.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review