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SHINE_GET_64 04/23/25 7:27:48 AM #1: |
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. --- https://imgtc.com/i/iJnhdkc.gif https://imgtc.com/i/j45EVGx.png ... Copied to Clipboard!
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SHINE_GET_64 04/23/25 7:28:34 AM #2: |
(also the game is only $50 brand new) --- https://imgtc.com/i/iJnhdkc.gif https://imgtc.com/i/j45EVGx.png ... Copied to Clipboard!
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LightningStrikes 04/23/25 7:29:37 AM #3: |
Sounds like it might be one of the best FRPGs ever made! Seriously though two possible GOTY contenders in two weeks, whew. --- I just decided to change this sig. Blaaaaaaargh azuarc ... Copied to Clipboard!
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andylt 04/23/25 7:38:22 AM #4: |
Woo I've been hyped for this since its reveal but was always a little cautious as it's a brand new studio. I'm glad it apparently lives up to its potential. LightningStrikes posted... Sounds like it might be one of the best FRPGs ever made! Seriously though two possible GOTY contenders in two weeks, whew.Both available on Game Pass! --- Slowly becoming a Mega Man aficionado. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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wallmasterz 04/23/25 7:58:22 AM #5: |
My 33rd birthday is one week from today I know what must be done --- I need to update my signature. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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SaveEstelle 04/23/25 8:05:36 AM #6: |
It rules. --- Quinton Bylines: TheGamer, RPG Site, Nova Crystallis, RPGFan ... Copied to Clipboard!
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FFDragon 04/23/25 8:16:19 AM #7: |
Hype is real --- If you wake up at a different time, in a different place, could you wake up as a different person? #theresafreakingghostafterus ... Copied to Clipboard!
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SHINE_GET_64 04/23/25 8:51:35 AM #8: |
Still trying to finish up blue prince post game stuff but I went ahead and ordered this now --- https://imgtc.com/i/iJnhdkc.gif https://imgtc.com/i/j45EVGx.png ... Copied to Clipboard!
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UshiromiyaEva 04/23/25 9:53:30 AM #9: |
I was getting worried with how late the reviews were hitting. Sitting at a 92 makes it the best reviewed game of the year! Still gotta tackle THL first because I've got that Brand Loyalty, but I'm super excited to get to this. --- https://youtu.be/d2qp2scgc_4?si=7k54z8xFv75JQ9ya https://youtu.be/qj9p6IFSlnk?si=cZ5L4OPM0TjVjwCD ... Copied to Clipboard!
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MikeTavish 04/23/25 9:59:31 AM #10: |
Fextralfie giving a 9.5/10 when RPGamer gave a 5/5 for the EXACT SAME REVIEW (according to the blurbs) is crazy work tbh. --- Formerly ff6man. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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SHINE_GET_64 04/23/25 10:15:08 AM #11: |
Oh lol I copied something wrong --- https://imgtc.com/i/iJnhdkc.gif https://imgtc.com/i/j45EVGx.png ... Copied to Clipboard!
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SHINE_GET_64 04/23/25 10:20:48 AM #12: |
They're the Fextralife blurb Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is a once in a generation title that transcends gaming, and approaches a work of art. From its unique and compelling story, its cast of characters that are some of the best in the industry, a world design that feels more like a painting rather than a video game, and the other the top combat animations that are larger than life, Expedition 33 has it all! My personal favorite game this year, and now one of my all time favorite games as well. Dont miss out one of the most memorable experiences you can have in entertainment, and get this Day 1! --- https://imgtc.com/i/iJnhdkc.gif https://imgtc.com/i/j45EVGx.png ... Copied to Clipboard!
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MacArrowny 04/23/25 10:25:15 AM #13: |
UshiromiyaEva posted... I was getting worried with how late the reviews were hitting.1 day before launch is industry standard, I believe. --- All the stars in the sky are waiting for you. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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paperwarior 04/23/25 10:43:43 AM #14: |
Fextralife rated it higher than Khazan! --- "God Hand is the ultimate expression of the joy of humanity, specifically the punching part of the joy of humanity."-Shigeru Miyamoto ... Copied to Clipboard!
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ZaziGuado 04/23/25 11:47:19 AM #15: |
Going to take a sick day tomorrow. Very excited. --- snowpork azuarc is OP. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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UshiromiyaEva 04/23/25 12:04:55 PM #16: |
WesternReviewers.jpg https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/2/2f5f3899.jpg https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/8/88476fe8.jpg --- https://youtu.be/d2qp2scgc_4?si=7k54z8xFv75JQ9ya https://youtu.be/qj9p6IFSlnk?si=cZ5L4OPM0TjVjwCD ... Copied to Clipboard!
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MZero 04/23/25 12:06:08 PM #17: |
SHINE_GET_64 posted... Hopefully you're not 33 years old or YOU'RE GONNA DIE! uh oh ... Copied to Clipboard!
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Bane_Of_Despair 04/23/25 12:06:56 PM #18: |
What if I'm turning 33 after the release date of the game --- You were the cancer, that's all you'll ever be I really messed up this contest, but azuarc gave it a Breath of fresh air ... Copied to Clipboard!
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wallmasterz 04/23/25 12:07:32 PM #19: |
Just beat it before your birthday and youll probably be fine --- I need to update my signature. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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MZero 04/23/25 12:10:37 PM #20: |
A lot of 92 babies in this topic apparently unfortunately my birthday is in March so I'm screwed pre-installing anyway though ... Copied to Clipboard!
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LightningStrikes 04/23/25 12:13:25 PM #21: |
UshiromiyaEva posted... WesternReviewers.jpg I dont really see whats wrong with that. Persona is the biggest turn-based RPG and JRPG series worldwide. Sekiro is probably the biggest single-player game with significant parrying. Sensible points of comparison. Whats the deal? --- I just decided to change this sig. Blaaaaaaargh azuarc ... Copied to Clipboard!
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SaveEstelle 04/23/25 12:16:18 PM #22: |
Eh, I tend not to make such comparisons in my reviews, but I dont think its a huge deal when people do --- Quinton Bylines: TheGamer, RPG Site, Nova Crystallis, RPGFan ... Copied to Clipboard!
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junk_funk 04/23/25 12:27:47 PM #23: |
I just saw this game yesterday when I was looking up some stuff on Oblivion (which I've never played). Now I don't know which game to buy. This game looks pretty epic though. --- Give 'em hell Ukraine. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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SaveEstelle 04/23/25 12:29:35 PM #24: |
junk_funk posted... I just saw this game yesterday when I was looking up some stuff on Oblivion (which I've never played). Now I don't know which game to buy. If it means anything, I bet its this game that could use more sales than its slated to get. lol --- Quinton Bylines: TheGamer, RPG Site, Nova Crystallis, RPGFan ... Copied to Clipboard!
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HeroDelTiempo17 04/23/25 12:42:13 PM #25: |
LightningStrikes posted... I dont really see whats wrong with that. Persona is the biggest turn-based RPG and JRPG series worldwide. Sekiro is probably the biggest single-player game with significant parrying. Sensible points of comparison. Whats the deal? The developers have openly admitted they took a lot of inspiration from Persona and Final Fantasy specifically! Edit: And after like three minutes of googling I found the article where the director also admits the connection to Sekiro/FromSoft. It's almost like culture doesn't exist in a vacuum. --- I definitely did not forget to put the 2020 GOTD Guru winner, azuarc in my sig! https://www.backloggd.com/u/aitchdeetee/ ... Copied to Clipboard!
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MacArrowny 04/23/25 1:21:16 PM #26: |
junk_funk posted... I just saw this game yesterday when I was looking up some stuff on Oblivion (which I've never played). Now I don't know which game to buy.Oblivion's going to get a lot of good mods in the coming months. Waiting to play that is probably a good call. It's probably going to get bugs patched out too. --- All the stars in the sky are waiting for you. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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SaveEstelle 04/23/25 1:21:53 PM #27: |
MacArrowny posted... Oblivion's going to get a lot of good mods in the coming months. Waiting to play that is probably a good call. It's probably going to get bugs patched out too. This, too! --- Quinton Bylines: TheGamer, RPG Site, Nova Crystallis, RPGFan ... Copied to Clipboard!
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Kotetsu534 04/23/25 1:28:04 PM #28: |
Vive la France. I thought this would hit mid-80s but it's done a fair bit better than that. --- We are living our lives Abound with so much information ... Copied to Clipboard!
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mnk 04/23/25 2:26:26 PM #29: |
Damn and I already thought I was being optimistic by expecting about an 88. --- Change is weird. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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SHINE_GET_64 04/23/25 2:46:20 PM #30: |
We are down to a 91% now with 90+ reviews --- https://imgtc.com/i/iJnhdkc.gif https://imgtc.com/i/j45EVGx.png ... Copied to Clipboard!
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wallmasterz 04/23/25 2:48:43 PM #31: |
Good to know Armond Whites review has posted --- I need to update my signature. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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KamikazePotato 04/23/25 4:33:00 PM #32: |
Pre-bought it. Can't play it yet, but I will later and they deserve some support after Oblivion fucked them. --- It's Reyn Time. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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SaveEstelle 04/23/25 4:33:35 PM #33: |
KamikazePotato posted... Pre-bought it. Can't play it yet, but I will later and they deserve some support after Oblivion fucked them. 100% --- Quinton Bylines: TheGamer, RPG Site, Nova Crystallis, RPGFan ... Copied to Clipboard!
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paperwarior 04/23/25 4:36:37 PM #34: |
Finally activated the Game Pass trial that came with my laptop. --- "God Hand is the ultimate expression of the joy of humanity, specifically the punching part of the joy of humanity."-Shigeru Miyamoto ... Copied to Clipboard!
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UshiromiyaEva 04/23/25 4:37:39 PM #35: |
This entire release year has been almost entirely dead for me, and then my two most anticipated games release on the same day. Why's it gotta be like this. --- https://youtu.be/d2qp2scgc_4?si=7k54z8xFv75JQ9ya https://youtu.be/qj9p6IFSlnk?si=cZ5L4OPM0TjVjwCD ... Copied to Clipboard!
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SaveEstelle 04/23/25 4:37:50 PM #36: |
It aint right --- Quinton Bylines: TheGamer, RPG Site, Nova Crystallis, RPGFan ... Copied to Clipboard!
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pjbasis 04/23/25 4:58:35 PM #37: |
everyone game should have a little Sekiro in it --- http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr345/Rakaputra/B8%20Girls%202012/pjbas.png ... Copied to Clipboard!
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UshiromiyaEva 04/23/25 9:27:15 PM #38: |
Through all the obvious Persona and Sekiro comparisons, I"ve finally heard a name that really lands with me as "this person gets it": Shadow Hearts. --- https://youtu.be/d2qp2scgc_4?si=7k54z8xFv75JQ9ya https://youtu.be/qj9p6IFSlnk?si=cZ5L4OPM0TjVjwCD ... Copied to Clipboard!
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MZero 04/24/25 2:11:41 AM #39: |
Curse Game Pass making me wait until 4:00 P.M. I was at the store earlier and saw a copy just sitting on the shelf. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit tempted lol ... Copied to Clipboard!
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MZero 04/24/25 4:34:50 AM #40: |
I have died to the first enemy like 4 times lol ... Copied to Clipboard!
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Robazoid 04/24/25 6:24:11 AM #41: |
Beat the prologue. Neat game so far. I'm still struggling to learn dodge times, only barely won the tutorial fight against that weird mime. --- **R.O.B.A.Z.O.I.D** ... Copied to Clipboard!
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MZero 04/24/25 6:47:44 AM #42: |
I turned off tutorials which will likely come back to bite me ... Copied to Clipboard!
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Aecioo 04/24/25 7:38:34 AM #43: |
Prologue+30 minutesish beated. I knew nothing about this game other than a 2 minute gameplay video plus review scores, basically a blind buy after "beating" blue prince the other day. Enjoying it a lot so far. --- http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lcb35gGx0t1qailr4o1_500.gif http://www.megavideo.com/?v=57N0YAEJ ... Copied to Clipboard!
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wallmasterz 04/24/25 7:56:05 AM #44: |
MZero posted... I have died to the first enemy like 4 times lol Expedition 33 Seconds --- I need to update my signature. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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_stingers_ 04/24/25 8:24:25 AM #45: |
I watched a 20 minute video review on it that didn't go into spoilers at all but just talked about how great everything is so I'm excited. I got it on Amazon so I have to wait til Monday but I want to play Suikoden first anyway --- Congrats Black Turtle! ... Copied to Clipboard!
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JackMan 04/24/25 9:32:44 AM #46: |
Played like 45 minutes over lunch. Combat feels really nice from the limited encounters I've had, but the exploration feels like 360/PS3-era eurojank. Not a complaint, I love it. --- Still the number one reason for the success of the Internet. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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SHINE_GET_64 04/24/25 9:44:28 AM #47: |
Just realize my amazon order isn't going to arrive until may 7th That's fine, though i'm still making my way through blue prince post game anyway --- https://imgtc.com/i/iJnhdkc.gif https://imgtc.com/i/j45EVGx.png ... Copied to Clipboard!
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ffmasterjose 04/24/25 10:23:30 AM #48: |
Once I git gud at the Dodge and Parry timings its over for these French hoes Game does a great job of putting you in the world setting and wanting to learn more. --- 1 line break(s), 160 characters allowed ... Copied to Clipboard!
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ZaziGuado 04/24/25 10:30:54 AM #49: |
I'm an hour in. I love the vibes of this game. The OST has been great. --- snowpork azuarc is OP. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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ZaziGuado 04/24/25 6:35:33 PM #50: |
Just wanted to put this onto the next page by saying early returns of playing today has me liking this more than Metaphor: ReFantazio. Not a perfect comparison but they are both recent and their place in the RPG discussion seems similar-ish. --- snowpork azuarc is OP. ... Copied to Clipboard!
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