Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review I wish it wasn’t over!

Expedition 33,” or Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as it’s truly known, is an absolute masterclass in storytelling and pure, unadulterated fun, an experience that has swept critics and players alike into its vibrant, melancholic world. It’s a game that doesn’t just meet expectations; it soars beyond them, delivering a narrative and gameplay loop that is simply superb!

From the moment you step into the shoes of Gustave and the rest of Expedition 33, you’re immediately captivated. The genius of the story lies in its refreshing lack of hand-holding – you’re thrust into a world dictated by the mysterious Paintress and the looming threat of the Gommage, and the stakes are palpable from the very first breath. The way the game masterfully unfurls its compelling mystery is a testament to its brilliant writing. Every character, from the resourceful Gustave to the brilliant Lune and the earnest Maelle, feels deeply real and their motivations for embarking on this perilous journey are genuinely heartfelt. The intimate, focused cast allows for truly meaningful character development, building a bond with the player that makes every triumph and every heartbreak resonate profoundly.

And let’s talk about the fun! Oh, the combat in “Expedition 33” is a revelation! It takes the beloved turn-based RPG formula and injects it with an electrifying jolt of real-time action that keeps you utterly engaged. Dodging, parrying, and perfectly timing your attacks isn’t just a gimmick; it’s an essential, exhilarating dance that turns every encounter into a thrilling strategic ballet. When you land that perfect parry and unleash a devastating counterattack, the explosive animations and booming sound design make you feel like an unstoppable force. It’s pure exhilaration that sets a new standard for turn-based battles, making every fight a joy and every victory incredibly satisfying.

The narrative pacing is another stroke of genius. “Expedition 33” respects your time, moving the story forward with purpose and avoiding any unnecessary filler. This means the combat system never outstays its welcome, always feeling fresh and exciting. Even the side content is integrated beautifully, often expanding on the rich lore and offering poignant character moments that make the world feel even more alive and impactful.

And the artistry! The Belle Époque-inspired world, painted with surreal and evocative visuals, is a feast for the eyes. From sun-dappled forests to abstract ship graveyards, every environment is stunningly rendered and teeming with unique creatures. Complementing this visual splendor is a truly haunting and unforgettable soundtrack that elevates every scene, every battle, and every moment of exploration. The music alone is a masterpiece, perfectly capturing the game’s unique blend of melancholy and hope.

“Expedition 33” is more than just a game; it’s an immersive journey into a truly unique world, filled with maturely written characters, a deeply emotional story, and combat that is simply a blast. It’s a game that will stay with you long after the credits roll, a testament to its brilliant design and unforgettable charm. If you love an RPG with a superb story and incredibly engaging gameplay, “Expedition 33” is an absolute must-play that delivers endless fun!

Without spoilers, the game is truly a masterpiece. The twist at the end of Act 1 is brilliant and had me shocked. I took a few hours off from the game at first as it struck me hard. I’m a father, and I can tell you the sadness was indeed there. So much about this game will captivate you and make you want to play more.

Here is all the information about the game.

“Expedition 33,” officially titled Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is a critically acclaimed turn-based RPG developed by Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive.¹ It launched on April 24, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S (including Day One with Xbox Game Pass), quickly selling over 3.3 million units within its first 33 days of release.²

The Premise: A Race Against Time and Erasure

The game is set in the peculiar world of Lumière, where a colossal, mysterious entity known as the Paintress awakens once a year to inscribe a cursed number on a towering monolith.³ This number dictates the age at which all people in Lumière will perish in a phenomenon called the Gommage, literally “erasure.” For generations, expeditions have been sent from Lumière to the mainland, where the Paintress resides, with the grim mission of confronting and stopping her. The game follows Expedition 33, sent to challenge the Paintress as she prepares to paint “33,” signaling the doom of everyone aged 33. This high-stakes premise immediately establishes a powerful sense of urgency and emotional weight.⁴

A Masterclass in Reactive Turn-Based Combat

One of the most lauded aspects of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is its innovative combat system. While rooted in traditional turn-based RPG mechanics, it introduces real-time action elements that demand player engagement beyond simply selecting commands.⁵ Players must actively dodge, parry, and time their attacks with precision to maximize damage, mitigate incoming harm, and execute powerful counter-attacks.⁶ This “reactive turn-based combat” has drawn comparisons to the active elements in games like the Mario RPGs or Like A Dragon series, but pushed to a new level of intensity, creating a thrilling and dynamic battle experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats.⁷ The game features diverse character kits, each with unique abilities and stances, encouraging deep strategic planning and party customization.⁸

A Visually Stunning and Emotionally Rich World

The game’s art style is heavily inspired by the Belle Époque, blending this historical aesthetic with surreal and fantastical elements.⁹ The result is a visually breathtaking world filled with unique creatures, dreamlike landscapes, and a distinctive melancholy atmosphere. From ancient sanctuaries to abstract ship graveyards, every environment is meticulously crafted, making exploration a constant delight. The visual design is complemented by an outstanding soundtrack that perfectly captures the game’s unique tone, enhancing the emotional impact of its narrative and the excitement of its battles.¹⁰

Compelling Characters and Mature Storytelling

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 focuses on a small, tightly-knit cast of characters within Expedition 33, allowing for rich character development and emotional depth.¹¹ Players join Gustave, the lead engineer; Lune, the chief researcher; Maelle, a shy loner; and others, each with their own personal reasons for embarking on what is widely considered a suicide mission.¹² The narrative is praised for its mature themes of death, grief, and trauma, balanced with moments of genuine warmth, humor, and the unwavering bond between the expedition members.¹³ The writing is lauded for being poignant and relatable, creating characters that resonate deeply with players.

Critical Acclaim and Impact

Since its release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has received universal acclaim from critics, often being cited as one of the best RPGs in years and a potential Game of the Year contender.¹⁴ Reviewers have highlighted its bold artistic direction, innovative combat, concise yet impactful storytelling, and strong voice acting (featuring talents like Charlie Cox, Jennifer English, and Andy Serkis in the English version).¹⁵ The game’s success has demonstrated that there’s still immense creative potential in the turn-based RPG genre when approached with fresh ideas and a commitment to quality. It’s lauded for setting new standards in narrative and combat for the genre.