Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Unique Perspective on Turn-Based RPGs [Exclusive Hands-On Preview]

Just moments into my initial hands-on experience with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, I felt an overwhelming urge to set down the controller—not due to a lack of enjoyment, but rather because the game is so distinctive and exhilarating that I yearned to savor the complete journey rather than rush through a preview. Nevertheless, driven by curiosity about what developer Sandfall Interactive has in store with their debut title, I persevered. As I continued playing, the excitement only heightened.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG that brilliantly incorporates lessons from its predecessors. Drawing from a rich tapestry of inspirations, it combines a captivating narrative premise with engaging, timing-based combat mechanics. Players are compelled to immerse themselves in its various systems, and thoughtful engagement is generously rewarded. With stunning graphics enhancing the experience, this game is poised to become one of the standout releases of 2025.

An Intriguing Narrative in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

While I’ll avoid delving too deeply into the plot to prevent spoilers, trailers reveal that the game follows the titular expedition aimed at stopping the nefarious Paintress. Prior expeditions have attempted to thwart her, as she condemns individuals of specific ages to death through her monolith, with the currently ominous number set at 33. Thus, anyone aged 33 is at risk, and the mission of Expedition 33 is to halt this countdown.

The preview included a gripping opening cutscene that illuminated prior events and delivered a remarkable revelation before launching us straight into Act 1. Although the main game features a prologue, this build was tailored for rapid immersion into the action.

Engaging Combat Mechanics in Clair Obscur

Combat in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 bears some resemblance to the mechanics found in Super Mario RPG. Each turn-based encounter hinges on precise timing for optimal effectiveness, introducing strategic elements in how players tackle their enemies. Combat primarily revolves around the decision to execute a direct attack, a ranged strike, or utilize special abilities against adversaries. Each attack type features interactive elements—direct attacks and abilities utilize quick-time events to enhance damage, while ranged attacks target weak points. Players also have the option to use items and defend when needed. A timeline on the left side of the screen indicates turn order, assisting players in organizing their strategies.

Choosing the appropriate attack depends on the enemy and the available Action Points (AP) of party members. Ranged attacks consume one AP but allow for targeting weak points before moving in for a melee strike, which does not consume AP. Each ability demands more AP but can exploit vulnerabilities, heal teammates, and provide other advantages. Players can choose varied approaches for each character, but a common strategy involves initiating with a ranged attack, then striking from close range to build AP, followed by unleashing a powerful ability on the next turn. Flexibility in tactics is encouraged, allowing players to adapt their strategies as they see fit.

In contrast to many RPGs where players merely wait for their enemies to act, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 allows for active damage negation through timely actions. The game features a dodge mechanic enabling characters or the whole party to evade attacks, as well as a parry that can result in counterstrikes. The preview also introduced a jump ability for dodging while simultaneously launching a counterattack. Different enemies possess unique attack patterns, each with distinct wind-up animations that signal when to act, enhancing the game’s dynamic and engaging design.

Diverse Party Members Offering Unique Playstyles

Initially, the preview allowed me to control Gustave (voiced by Charlie Cox), whose primary mechanic involves generating Overcharge energy through attack completions. Maximal Overcharge unleashes devastating strikes, and players have the freedom to decide how to deploy it effectively. As the adventure unfolds, new characters such as Lune the Mage and Maelle the duelist join the party, each offering distinct gameplay mechanics.

Lune’s abilities focus on creating elemental stains; for example, casting a fire-based spell generates a fire stain that fuels future elemental attacks. Her playstyle, like Gustave’s, revolves around building up resources to unleash powerful abilities.

In contrast, Maelle operates with a blend of offense and defense, utilizing stances that either enhance attack power or improve durability. By shifting between offensive, neutral, and defensive stances, players can strategically navigate combat, although staying in an offensive stance may expose her to greater risk by the turn’s end.

The engagement level of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is heightened through its reaction-based parry and dodge system, providing players with a sense of control and tactical depth. By generating AP during combat, players can focus on exploiting elemental weaknesses without the constant concern of depleting mana pools, culminating in a fun, engaging combat experience that is often lacking in turn-based RPGs.

Discovering the Hauntingly Beautiful World of Clair Obscur

Aside from combat, journeying through the world of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an enchanting adventure. The game’s environment beautifully intertwines the familiar and the fantastical, exemplified by areas where the party traverses as though submerged underwater. Its striking architecture, enchanting landmarks, and vibrant color palettes create an immersive atmosphere that is both captivating and foreboding.

While the distinct locales primarily consist of linear paths, the overworld features an innovative tilt-shift perspective that encourages exploration. Players can engage in battles, strengthen party bonds at makeshift camps, and upgrade gear in this unique rendition of an open-world map. Though I didn’t experience a vast amount of it, the overworld was visually impressive and engaging.

Despite its fresh aesthetic, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 adheres to several classic RPG elements, such as loot acquisition, equipping gear for augmenting passive abilities, and utilizing rest points to save progress and reset enemy spawns. These rest points also refresh healing items, reminiscent of Soulslike mechanics, giving players opportunities to grind for experience and emerge stronger. While the game embraces its unique identity, it remains rooted in established RPG conventions; the exciting execution is what promises to draw players in.

Preview Insights on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

The most captivating previews often evoke conflicting emotions. They present a tantalizing glimpse of a game’s mechanics, narrative, and immersive world while reminding players that the complete experience is still forthcoming. A mere few moments of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was sufficient to convey its potential, leaving me yearning for more.

With its dynamic combat and an enchanting world filled with mysteries, the game’s complexity and depth encourage exploration of its evolving elements.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is shaping up to be a contender for Game of the Year, marked by its striking visuals, intriguing story, and sheer enjoyment in gameplay.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on April 24, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Game Rant received a PC preview code for this assessment.

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