Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a new RPG, was announced on June 9, 2024. This game, developed by Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive, is set to be released in 2025. It will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.
The story of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 revolves around a character called the Paintress. Each year, the Paintress awakens and paints a number on her monolith. This number curses everyone of that age, causing them to turn into smoke and disappear. The number decreases each year, and the next number is 33. The game follows the journey of Gustave and other Expeditioners who embark on a mission to stop the Paintress and break this cycle of death. The game’s setting is inspired by Belle Époque France, featuring a mix of fantasy and art in its world design.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is unique due to its reactive turn-based combat system. This system includes real-time elements, allowing players to dodge, parry, and counterattack in real time during battles. Players can also chain combos by mastering attack rhythms and targeting enemy weak points using a free-aim system. The game combines traditional turn-based RPG mechanics with these real-time actions to make the combat more engaging and immersive.
The game’s world is described as hauntingly beautiful, featuring surreal enemies and stunning landscapes. Players will explore various locations, from the Island of Visages to the Forgotten Battlefield, uncovering secrets and hidden quests along the way. The story is expected to be emotionally rich, with a mature narrative and an evocative art style that draws inspiration from French and Parisian art and architecture.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 also features a deep customization system. Players can craft unique builds for their characters through gear, stats, skills, and character synergies. Each character’s stat growth, skill tree, and gear can be customized, offering endless opportunities for players to fine-tune their strategies.
The game was revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase, where a trailer showcased its beautiful visuals and snippets of gameplay. The trailer was narrated by Ben Starr, known for his role as Clive Rosfield in Final Fantasy 16. The soundtrack of the game mixes haunting vocal performances with rock and orchestral elements, adding to the overall atmosphere of the game.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 promises a story-driven experience with a memorable cast of characters. The developers, Sandfall Interactive, have poured their hearts into creating a game that feels fresh and new. They aim to provide players with an unforgettable journey through a beautifully crafted world.
