Clair Obscur Expedition 33 review: A masterpiece by Sandfall Interactive
(Courtesy : Sandfall Interactive)
GOTY frontrunner already
The new turn-based RPG is a game, Clair Obscur Expedition 33, is ready to take the gaming world by storm on April 24, 2025.
This masterpiece was developed by Sandfall Interactive, a 30-person French studio. This is their first game that blends old-school RPG charm with modern flair.
It has opened with a Metacritic 93 rating, with most of the reputable gaming sites giving a 10/10 rating. Let’s check out our take on this brilliant game in this article.
Streamlined yet deep RPG experience
I have always been a sucker for turn based RPG game since I have fallen in love with Persona series. Metaphor: ReFantazio and Baldur’s Gate 3 were the recent ones.
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 has defied my expectations. I never thought this game would be so good. This is a masterpiece and the best game I have played in 2025.
I am not counting Oblivion Remastered because it’s a remaster version of a 2006 RPG, we all know it’s Goated for a reason.
Sandfall Interactive has really delivered a masterpiece of a turn-based RPG experience with their debut game. I still can’t believe this is their first game.
The best part is that it only costs around $50, yet it has around 30 hours of gameplay with more hours to spend on side content.
Set in a Belle Époque-inspired fantasy universe, you lead Expedition 33 (Gustave (Charlie Cox), Maelle (Jennifer English), Lune (Kirsty Rider), and Sciel (Shala Nyx) to battle the Paintress, a deity who erases everyone of a certain age (this year, 33).
Even the soundtrack is a masterpiece. The intro menu song is really amazing and the last time that gave me this feeling was with God of War Ragnarok.
Combat: A perfect blend of tradition and innovation
One of the best parts of Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is the turn-based combat. You can say that this is pretty similar to Final Fantasy, Persona, and Sekiro, all mixed in one.
You use Action Points (AP) to unleash powerful abilities earned through perfect evading and parrying, pretty similar to Soulslike difficulty.
The boss battles and designs are incredible and very challenging, even on the easy level.
Weapon upgrades, talent trees, and Pictos/Luminas provide bonuses such as additional damage or revives, making customization stand out.
Overall, I can say that even a beginner who is new to turn-based combat can adapt pretty easily after spending a few hours in Clair Obscur Expedition 33.
Visual masterpiece
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is visually a work of art. It’s like the world’s best artists have all come together in order to deliver a masterpiece.
Every frame is beautiful, from steep cliffs to coral reefs that resemble those found underwater. Details such as perspiration and filth on characters after battle help to increase immersion.
The score by Lorien Testard is fantastic, merging orchestral and modern pieces to match the mood—calm for exploration, furious for combat.
Even when it comes to the story, it’s really well written and emotional. Yes, you will get emotional a lot while playing this game. The lore in this game is like straight out of some fantasy novel.
Final Conclusion
Overall, Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is a masterpiece and a Game of the Year contender for 2025.
A very polished, emotional game with a great turn-based combat system that will give you a proper immersive RPG experience at a budget price.
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is also available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. Don’t miss out on this gem, as this is one of the best releases of this year so far.
Rating: 10/10
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Mahaksh Chauhan is a passionate gaming journalist who loves for old-school RPGs and turn-based games. With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of game mechanics, Mahaksh brings an unique perspective to the world of gaming. Inspired by classics like Persona, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Skyrim, Mahaksh is dedicated in sharing the magic of games with readers. When not writing or gaming, Mahaksh can be found cheering on WWE superstars or watching his favourite Anime.