Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Reviews
Sandfall Interactive – take a bow. In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 you have created a masterpiece that will leave a lasting impact. Not just on the gamers who experience it, but on the entire video game industry as a whole. Every single element of this game is amazing. The beautiful visuals. The stunning story. The best videogame soundtrack I have heard in years. What may be the best voice acting we have ever experienced in a game. And of course – the combat. Turn based RPGs are back. And I for one hope they are here to stay.
A deeply impactful narrative, with characters you'll care about, and a world like nothing else, are the highlights of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
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"
The adventure isn’t overlong, and you don’t spend more time than necessary fighting. The world, art, and narrative are unique, but it makes me nostalgic for a game I remember from the past. It’s as though developer Sandfall Interactive managed to make a classic RPG with only the good parts.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a phenomenal RPG, telling a heartbreaking tale while incorporating thrilling action into its tactical turn-based combat
Sandfall Interactive's debut RPG signals a hopefully bright future for the studio
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.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a beautiful experience that excels in almost every area – the combat and character skill customisation is some of the most intricate I've seen, the storyline is routinely surprising and emotional, characterisation and performances are immaculate, and it both looks and sounds absolutely stunning all the time. It's a stunning accomplishment for Sandfall Interactive's first game, and with a core team of around 30 (with outsourced help). It's sure to be in contention for Game of the Year awards, and anyone not playing it is seriously missing out.
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.