ALBAWABA - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an upcoming turn-based RPG that seems to be going under the radar of many gamers despite looking like one of the most promising titles of Spring 2025. From its stunning graphics and UI elements to its interesting turn-based gameplay, so clean, that it could rival Atlus' Persona franchise.
The turn-based RPG genre has seen quite a rise in popularity thanks to Atlus' Persona franchise and their recent game, Metaphor: ReFantazio which shook the world of gaming for its beautifully crafted storyline, engaging gameplay elements and as always, its stunning art direction.
It's also rare to see a Western game studio developing a turn-based RPG since games of this genre are usually made by Japanese developers.
Today, we'll be pointing out why Sandfall Interactive's first-ever game should be on every turn-based RPG fan's wishlist and how it could also bring new audiences to the turn-based genre.
Why you need to know about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
1. An all-new "Reactive turn-based system"
(Sandfall Interactive)
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's combat is being referred to as a "Reactive turn-based system" where players can quickly time parry, dodge, and jump away from attacks coming from enemies adding more engagement to players who dislike the "hit, wait for the enemy to hit back and damage you" style of similar games in the genre.
There's also a twist when it comes to attacking enemies, players will be able to time their attacks similar to how rhythm games work to maximize their damage.
Players will be able to control 2-4 characters while in combat.
2. Stunning art direction and design
(Sandfall Interactive)
According to Sandfall Interactive's official website, the game is being developed by Epic's Unreal Engine 5 and will "immerse players in an original world mixing fantasy and European "Belle Époque" art influences".
It's become recently clear that it is easier now to make games look "nice" because of engines like UE5 but Sandfall Interactive is going the extra mile to make something look truly special here, through art direction including color palettes, character, and set designs.
From the trailers we've seen, every cut looks like a playable painting while also showcasing different environments that players will be able to explore in-game from underwater realms to luscious forests.
It's noteworthy to also mention Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's User Interface (UI) for its beautiful stylization.
3. Interesting storyline
(Sandfall Interactive)
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 follows the story of Paintress who wakes up every year and curses the people residing in her world by painting a number causing anybody from that specific age to disintegrate into particles.
It follows the story of several characters who embark on a journey in hopes of stopping this curse from reoccurring by destroying the paintress so that she never wakes up to "paint death" ever again.
The game will hit platforms such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and Microsoft Windows and is set to release in Spring 2025.
