LogFAQs > #984816634

https://opencritic.com/game/18026/clair-obscur-expedition-33
https://www.metacritic.com/game/clair-obscur-expedition-33/

The French RPG of the Year is here! Hopefully you're not 33 years old or YOU'RE GONNA DIE! Influenced by the likes of Final Fantasy X, developer Sandfall Interactive's debut game is here to deliver a brand new turn based RPG that I'm sure a specific subset of Final Fantasy fans have been craving for decades. Currently averaging a 92% through 62 reviews it's falling just short of last year's Metaphor ReFantazio, but still pretty much right up there and now the new highest rated game of 2025.

RPG Site - 10/10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may not be a perfect game, but it was the perfect game for me. Its a game that left me awestruck with its unique setting and melodies, enthralled with its characters and world, hooked and held me with its gameplay, and has left me eagerly anticipating news of when I can return. This game is a celebration of the RPG genre made by a team whose heart and soul were poured into every aspect of the game. While some design decisions may not resonate with all players, Sandfall Interactive should be incredibly proud of their creation.

RPGamer - 5/5
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a journey that blasts the senses from beginning to end. The melancholic and bleak moments are balanced by the characters' perseverance, which makes their triumphs shine much brighter. There's a profound sense of style and substance that only expands as more of the world is uncovered. What results is a true work of art that ties its brilliant components together into a complete package, which is awe inspiring to come from a freshman developer.

Fextralfie - 9.5/10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a journey that blasts the senses from beginning to end. The melancholic and bleak moments are balanced by the characters' perseverance, which makes their triumphs shine much brighter. There's a profound sense of style and substance that only expands as more of the world is uncovered. What results is a true work of art that ties its brilliant components together into a complete package, which is awe inspiring to come from a freshman developer.

Playstation Universe - 9.5/10
I do not say this spontaneously or hyperbolically: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a generational RPG. The quality of writing is pitch-perfect at every step, vividly depicting the somber world and its tragic circumstances with glorious technique. Combat always feels rewarding when successful, but it can feel like a slog if you don't get the hang of the parry and trait systems. The linear nature of the game helps to balance out the lack of mini-map, so try and not let those factors keep you away from at least trying this brilliant game.

VDGMS - 9.5/10
Final Fantasy, Persona, Chrono Trigger are just some of the inherent influences, but it was the inspiration from Sekiro and the French heritage of Sandfall Interactive that made Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 feel like the dawn of a new era of turn-based RPGs, as it equally pays tribute to those who came before, as much as it innovates for those who will come after. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a breath of fresh air because it prioritizes a compelling vision over following trends. It doesnt resort to witty sarcasm in its dialogue or try to capitalize on current popular settings for the story, and there isnt an attempt to infuse the latest real-time gameplay gimmicks. Sandfall have made a bold decision, especially considering its their debut title, to deviate from modern RPG conventions. Trends dont age well, but artistic vision does and Expedition 33 has all the markings of becoming a timeless classic.

IGN - 9/10
In so many ways, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 reminded me of numerous classic and contemporary RPGs I love, but developer Sandfall truly understood why those games are special and made the pieces it borrowed its own. The creative turn-based combat system is brilliant, keeping me engaged while impressive visual flourishes bring it all together. The story can be a touch messy or melodramatic at times, but theres an earnestness to how it frames mortality, grief, and the small moments of joy we find. It doesnt shy away from the different, destructive ways we may handle loss, either all of which is delivered through fantastic performances from an A-list cast that give its story the heart it needs to really hit. The contrast between its artistic sensibilities and old-school RPG design philosophy shows a clarity of vision, as if it was scoped just right to focus on the things that matter most, making it a true modern throwback. And so, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands strong alongside its inspirations, and I hope that it too can be an inspiration for those who come after.

Gamespot - 9/10
When you factor in the voice talent involved, the visual splendor on offer, and the sheer scale of the whole game, it really feels like Clair Obscur is punching above its weight, considering the comparatively small size of the team at Sandfall. This is a supremely confident game that reinterprets familiar mechanics with an imaginative eye. Its combat is a consistent delight, delivering thrills with thoughtful strategy and reactive action in equal measure, complementing a heartfelt story of shared grief and camaraderie. There are minor pitfalls in relation to its narrow exploration and some quality-of-life issues, but these missteps aren't enough to significantly detract from a game with all the makings of an RPG classic.

Eurogamer - 8/10
Pacing is the main issue, then. It's as if the writers are so concerned with subtle storytelling ahead of its exciting plot twists, they're scared to give anything away. Dialogue, as a result, feels too fragmented and lacks conversational flow, as if the characters know details yet to be explained. For much of the story I felt like an outsider, as frustrated as I was mesmerised. I did eventually warm to the characters through sincere performances from the likes of Ben Starr and Jennifer English, but characterisation is in broad brush strokes and, beyond combat styles, the party isn't as iconic as those from the Final Fantasy games Clair Obscur aims to ape.
But then you're back in battle, not against a frightening creature but a French mime after dressing the characters up in a stripy costume called Baguette. Outside the core plot, there's a wonderful silliness - and self-deprecation - to Clair Obscur that, together with its outstanding art direction and unique battle mechanics, ensure the game is distinct. It's an ambitious yet impressive debut from the studio that, despite a somewhat fanciful narrative, is a pensive examination of grief and the power of art. And while the development team has chosen to focus on certain areas to the detriment of others, where it succeeds it really excels. Clair Obscur may be a painting with a limited colour palette, but the result is a bold and striking vision.