The French-made RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, released on Thursday, April 24, 2025, has garnered significant attention in the gaming community following its launch on PC via Steam. Within just a day of its release, the game has received over 2,800 user reviews, with an impressive 94% rating, earning it a 'Very Positive' status on the platform.
Players have taken to the reviews to express their enthusiasm, with comments such as "God game," "More JRPG than I expected," and "Incredibly fun!" highlighting the game's high production quality. The game's narrative and mechanics have resonated well with audiences, showcasing its depth and engagement.
Set in the enchanting world of Lumiere, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 combines action elements with a turn-based RPG system. Players take on the role of the leader of the 33rd Expedition, tasked with confronting the Paintress, a mysterious figure who perpetuates death by painting a 'number of death' each year. This number corresponds to the age of individuals who will vanish in smoke, with this year's number being '33,' meaning all 33-year-olds will meet their demise.
The game features a unique battle system influenced by traditional JRPGs, incorporating real-time elements into its turn-based combat. Players can utilize dodges, parries, and counters to execute combos and strategize their attacks effectively. The customization aspect allows players to mix and match equipment, stats, skills, and characters to create their own unique expedition team.
Guillaume Broch, CEO and Creative Director of Sandfall Interactive, which developed the game, has a notable background, having previously worked at Ubisoft and being a fan of the Final Fantasy series. His experience and passion for the genre are evident in the game's design and execution.
In addition to its positive reception, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has achieved a remarkable score of 92 on the review aggregation site Metacritic, further solidifying its status as a critically acclaimed title across various platforms.
On the day of the game's release, Bethesda Game Studios, which had just launched a remastered version of Oblivion on April 23, 2025, expressed their excitement for Expedition 33 through a humorous social media post featuring illustrations of enthusiastic fans, stating, "We can't wait to play!" This camaraderie among developers highlights the supportive nature of the gaming community.
As part of the marketing efforts surrounding the launch, SEGA, which partnered with UK publisher Kepler Interactive and French developer Sandfall Interactive for the Japanese market, announced a commemorative campaign where one winner will receive a PlayStation 5. This campaign runs from April 25, 2025, to May 6, 2025, giving fans an opportunity to engage further with the game.
The PlayStation 5 package version of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is priced at 6,727 yen (7,400 yen including tax) and is classified as CERO Z, meaning it is intended for players aged 18 and over. The game is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Players can immerse themselves in the captivating world filled with mysterious enemies, exploring locations from the Visages Islands to forgotten battlefields. The game encourages players to uncover secrets and hidden quests while working together with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations, united by the desire to stop the Paintress.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out as a testament to the creativity and innovation present in the industry. With its rich storytelling, engaging combat mechanics, and the promise of exploration, it is clear why this title has quickly captured the attention of gamers worldwide.
Overall, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is not just another RPG; it is a compelling narrative experience that draws players into its world, challenging them to confront the very nature of life and death through its unique gameplay and storytelling.
