Recreation Title: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Platforms:
PC (Apr 24, 2025) PlayStation 5 (Apr 24, 2025) Xbox Collection X/S (Apr 24, 2025)
Trailer:
Developer: Sandfall Interactive
Writer: Kepler Interactive
Evaluate Aggregator:
OpenCritic – 92 common – 97% beneficial – 64 opinions
Critic Critiques
Atarita – Alparslan Gürlek – Turkish – 75 / 100
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 creates a touching expertise with its participating plot, nice narrative and wonderful soundtrack, however its gamification issues hindered its potential.
However Why Tho? – Arron Kluz – 7 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a reliable new JRPG with which style followers will probably be happy. Nonetheless, it does little or no to iterate on the inspiration laid by those who got here earlier than it. As an alternative, it’s content material to supply its taste of what has labored earlier than.
CGMagazine – Chris De Hoog – 10 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a master-crafted RPG, mixing a number of traits right into a hybrid system that's as unrelenting as its heart-wrenching plot.
Capsule Computer systems – Dustin Spencer – 9 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an formidable tackle an previous style that’s simply as gratifying to have a look at as it’s to have interaction in. A brand new franchise is born.
Cerealkillerz – Nick Erlenhof – German – 9.5 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a particular role-playing sport that is stuffed with love and fervour. It's lovely, the soundtrack is a splendor, the battles all the time problem you with out being unfair or shedding the enjoyable and the story presents an unusually grownup method. With nice performing performances, hard-hitting twists and all types of endgame content material, you'll have enjoyable for a very long time. In the event you've ever deliberate to play an RPG, play this one.
Checkpoint Gaming – Charlie Kelly – 10 / 10
Blasting the door down and turning into an immediate masterpiece basic, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 defies all expectations and ambitions after which some. a long time of style refinement and by some means nonetheless managing to innovate, creating immensely tactical, thought-provoking and wealthy fight is nothing wanting a miracle achieved by the hands of Sandfall Interactive. Accompanying it’s a completely recent and luxurious world filled with wonders and sweetness, even regardless of its intricate and infrequently harrowing narrative that may preserve you on the sting of your seat. Like Chrono Set off, Closing Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and so many RPGs which have come earlier than it, the little expedition that would will probably be plastered throughout historical past with the greats. Bravo.
Console-Tribe – Luca Saati – Italian – 90 / 100
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a uncommon gem — the form of sport that rekindles your love for the medium. With a deep fight system, a shifting story, and a shocking inventive route, it stands out in right now’s gaming panorama. It's not with out flaws, particularly in exploration, however what it achieves in emotion, design, and gameplay greater than makes up for it. In the event you’re in search of a JRPG-inspired expertise with a daring inventive soul and heartfelt storytelling, it is a journey you received’t need to miss.
Day by day Mirror – Aaron Potter – Unscored
Previous to my three hours of hands-on time enjoying this preview, I went in anticipating Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to be an underdog, but the deeper I delved into its mechanics and programs I got here out pondering it had the potential to be one in every of 2025’s standout titles.
Digitale Anime – Raouf Belhamra – Arabic – 10 / 10
"An journey that stands proudly among the many giants of the RPG style." Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an journey that stands proudly among the many giants of the RPG style, regardless of being an unbiased challenge. It combines distinctive strategic fight, a shifting narrative emotion, and gorgeous artwork route impressed by Symbolist artwork of La Belle Époque. The sport succeeds in creating an expertise wealthy in that means and deep mechanics with out sacrificing the standard of the presentation or the narrative focus. Some technical flaws are current, however they don’t overshadow the general visible energy.
Digitec Journal – Kevin Hofer – German – 5 / 5
“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is a masterpiece and reveals how role-playing video games with turn-based battles can nonetheless really feel recent in 2025. It is extremely more likely to be my JRPG of the yr.
DualShockers – Jake Valentine – 10 / 10
Quote not but out there
Entertainium – Eduardo Rebouças – Appreciated
Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 borrows from custom.
Fextralife – Castielle – 9.5 / 10
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is a as soon as in a era title that transcends gaming, and approaches a murals. From it’s distinctive and compelling story, its forged of characters which are a number of the greatest within the business, a world design that feels extra like a portray fairly than a online game, and the opposite the highest fight animations which are bigger than life, Expedition 33 has all of it! My private favourite sport this yr, and now one in every of my all time favourite video games as nicely. Don’t miss out one of the memorable experiences you’ll be able to have in leisure, and get this Day 1!
GRYOnline.pl – Maciej Pawlikowski – Polish – 9.5 / 10
If I had been a youngster nonetheless, this sport would ingrain itself into my mind the identical manner Closing Fantasy VII did in 1997. Proper now, when there are quite a few predictions concerning the demise of single participant video games, when creativity is shackled by the gross sales division, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a real gem price each reward.
GameBlast – Victor Vitório – Portuguese – 9.5 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an exemplary turn-based RPG that nails every thing proper. From the attractive visible presentation to the world-building, from the dynamic and energetic battles to the deep customization programs, it’s a piece of labor that is aware of how one can reap the benefits of basic JRPG constructions and stands out for taking them additional in a novel method.
GamePro – Kevin Itzinger – German – 89 / 100
Quote not but out there
GameSpot – Richard Wakeling – 9 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an outstanding RPG, telling a heartbreaking story whereas incorporating thrilling motion into its tactical turn-based fight
Gameblog – French – 8 / 10
Quote not but out there
Gameliner – Rudy Wijnberg – Dutch – 4.5 / 5
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 defied my expectations with its distinctive appeal, providing a fascinating narrative, lovely design, and numerous gameplay that stored me entertained all through, even when its ambition often led to complicated mechanics and cluttered menus.
Gamepressure – Giancarlo Saldana – 10 / 10
Merely put, Sandfall Interactive’s debut sport is a masterclass in presentation, storytelling, and gameplay. It’s a sport it’s essential play to expertise.
Gamer Guides – Lexi Luddy – 98 / 100
Clair Obscur feels large, it feels necessary, it appears like a sport for now, that you simply’ll be eager about for years to come back. Expedition 33 may be constructed off of the groundwork laid by a long time of creatives that got here earlier than, however its influence is wholly singular and important in its personal proper.
Gamersky – Chinese language – 8.8 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a contemporary creation deeply infused with the soul of basic JRPGs, carving out a daring new risk for the style's future. Its QTE-infused fight system brings a uncommon sense of influence and fluidity to turn-based battles, whereas boss encounters impressed by Souls-like design provide room for skill-based development.
Gamesource Italia – Fabio Valbonetti – Italian – 9 / 10
Due to its setting, its incredible fight system and its emotional story, Expedition 33 is among the best sport I've performed up to now few yr
GamingBolt – Ravi Sinha – 9 / 10
Paying homage to people who got here earlier than but bursting with its personal creativity, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a must-play title for RPG followers.
IGN Italy – Alessandra Borgonovo – Italian – 9 / 10
A paradigm shift for turn-based RPGs, respectful of their heritage but unafraid to dismantle and rebuild their foundations.
IGN Spain – Alejandro Morillas – Spanish – 10 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a sport destined to mark a complete era of gamers, in addition to revolutionize turn-based fight as we all know it. An RPG to recollect.
Simply Play it – Lamine BENYAHIA – Arabic – 9 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is among the most gorgeous surprises of this era delivering a deep philosophical story set in a visually breathtaking world with beautiful graphics and an addictive turn-based fight system! With its tense battles and unpredictable twists, it'll preserve you on the sting of your seat. In the event you're in search of an expertise that echoes the most effective of turn-based whereas including fashionable and modern touches then this sport positively deserves a spot in your must-play checklist.
Kakuchopurei – Jonathan Toyad – 100 / 100
Veterans will love the callbacks and tributes Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 pays to its inspirations, and get a chic expertise out of it. Even if you happen to're new to the style, its narrative and distinctive world will draw you in, with its turn-based and fight mechanics spellbinding you want a world class French arthouse flick would to movie critics.
KeenGamer – Jack Carson – 9.5 / 10
With a gripping, haunting narrative that isn't afraid to deal with darker themes, among the best turn-based battle programs in RPG historical past, a beautiful world to lose your self in, and a number of the greatest music and performances in years, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 appears like a miracle sport. How Sandfall Interactive managed one thing this wonderful on their first go round is a real Herculean achievement. This sport is a love letter to the wealthy historical past of RPGs whereas additionally being the blueprint for the following step ahead. That is my present Recreation of the 12 months frontrunner for 2025 and I can nearly assure that if you happen to love RPGs – whether or not you like turn-based or motion – this sport will blow you away.
KonsoliFIN – Niko Lähteenmäki – Finnish – 5 / 5
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterpiece that clearly attracts inspiration from different RPG's, however does so with such class and talent that it stands firmly by itself in an overcrowded style – thanks partly, in fact, to its personal distinctive tips. In an age of cynicism and uncertainty, it's fantastic to get our palms on one thing this magical.
Life is Xbox – Robby Bisschop – 100 / 100
Fairly presumably the most effective RPG of its type. Epic story with heartfelt moments, best-in class fight, beautiful graphics and music that may linger for the remainder of my life. I’ll be buzzing a few of these tunes within the retirement residence. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the actual factor. This sport will go down in historical past as a must-play RPG.
Loot Stage Chill – Mick Fraser – 9.5 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 feels really distinctive and inventive, and reminds us how shifting, exhilarating, and provocative big-budget journey video games could be.
Handbook dos Video games – Juliana Barreira Barbosa – Portuguese – 10 / 10
I’ve to confess, once I first noticed the title, I used to be anticipating a stable sport impressed by basic JRPGs—however I by no means imagined the extent of emotion and high quality that Sandfall’s debut would find yourself delivering. It’s nearly just like the Closing Fantasy XVII of our desires. It options among the best narratives I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing, with gameplay that’s each participating and addictive. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is, in many alternative methods, a masterpiece. When one falls, we proceed.
MondoXbox – Valerio Tosetti – Italian – 9.7 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is destined to develop into a basic, with a deep and well-written storyline, a spectacular soundtrack and top-notch graphics, together with a well-tuned fight system. Among the finest JRPGs round.
MonsterVine – James Carr – 4 / 5
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 not solely deftly improves upon the concept of energetic turn-based fight, however delivers it in a beautiful and realized world. The characters are unimaginable, it dodges a number of the extra grating features of turn-based RPGs, and delivers a mature, and at occasions haunting, story, with out falling into the traps of an excessive amount of violence for the sake of maturity. An enormous narrative flip flattens the expertise, and some too many tough edges preserve it from masterpiece standing, however it’s nonetheless an unimaginable expertise.
Area of interest Gamer – Throgmorton Belmont – 10 / 10
Quote not but out there
One Extra Recreation – Vincent Ternida – 10 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a powerful triumph from Sandfall Interactive. It delivers a refreshingly daring RPG expertise that stands out in a style usually crowded with titles that miss the mark. With meticulous steadiness, the sport presents a mix of previous meets new whereas crafting a tightly woven narrative alongside a wonderful turn-based fight system that’s easy to study and strategically deep.
Oyungezer On-line – Eren Eryürekli – Turkish – 10 / 10
Expedition 33 is magnificent in each potential manner. I used to be in love with it entire time and whereas enjoying I’ve grew to become so engaged with characters and the story encompass them I forgot the circulation of time completely. That is clearly the long run for JRPG’s and it’s sense of scale is excellent. Positively a basic for years to come back.
PCMGAMES – José Miguel Rodríguez Ros – Spanish – Important
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an unforgettable RPG, with an excellent fight system, a strong story and a visually distinctive world. It not solely delivers what it guarantees: it surpasses it in nearly every thing. In the event you like demanding RPGs, with soul, persona and good style, that is a type of titles you received't neglect.
PSX Brasil – Bruno Henrique Vinhadel – Portuguese – 90 / 100
Masterful in inventive and narrative features and with an impeccable soundtrack, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is among the greatest surprises of the yr and stands out positively in a market that has began to cost an excessive amount of for experiences that don't ship what they need to.
PlayStation Universe – Timothy Nunes – 9.5 / 10
I don’t say this spontaneously or hyperbolically: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a generational RPG. The standard of writing is pitch-perfect at each step, vividly depicting the somber world and its tragic circumstances with superb approach. Fight all the time feels rewarding when profitable, however it will probably really feel like a slog if you happen to don't get the hold of the parry and trait programs. The linear nature of the sport helps to steadiness out the dearth of mini-map, so try to not let these elements preserve you away from a minimum of attempting this sensible sport.
Push Sq. – Liam Croft – 9 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is among the most refreshing and unique RPGs in years, even when it's not instantly apparent from the skin wanting in. The intriguing setup expands to offer an engrossing, wonderful narrative with lovable and charismatic characters. The exemplary fight goes above and past its turn-based traditions with flashy fights and new methods to wreck. That is the form of expertise that proves there's nonetheless a lot potential and creativity within the bigger-budget online game area – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is just chic.
Quest Day by day – Shaun Fullard – 9.5 / 10
Expedition 33 is a sport that spoke to my soul. I rapidly fell in love with this awe-inspiring but melancholic world and the survivors left in it, and though it tore my coronary heart to shreds a number of occasions, I’d fortunately do it yet again.
RPGamer – Ryan Costa – 5 / 5
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a journey that blasts the senses from starting to finish. The melancholic and bleak moments are balanced by the characters' perseverance, which makes their triumphs shine a lot brighter. There's a profound sense of fashion and substance that solely expands as extra of the world is uncovered. What outcomes is a real murals that ties its sensible elements collectively into an entire package deal, which is awe inspiring to come back from a freshman developer.
Restart.run – Logan Woerner – 4 / 5
After a swift 30 hours with the sport, I’ll fortunately inform you how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 exceeded my expectations and left me curious for extra.
Saudi Gamer – Arabic – 10 / 10
When somebody who’s enthusiastic about JRPGs and has the abilities to make one, a masterpiece like Expedition 33 is born. It’s a sport that gave me the basic JRPG expertise whereas paving it's manner because it's personal factor
SavePoint Gaming – Zhiqing Wan – 7 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 could also be predictable at occasions, but it surely's bolstered by its wonderful voice forged and compelling turn-based fight.
Sirus Gaming – Erickson Melchor – 10 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a uncommon triumph for such a small studio. The devs at Sandfall Interactive aimed for the celebrities, they usually delivered a sport that JRPG followers have all the time needed from a Western studio. I can't advocate this sport sufficient.
Spaziogames – Domenico Musicò – Italian – Unscored
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may actually be the JRPG that 90s nostalgics needed a lot to have in its most developed and never excessively contaminated kind. All the weather appear to be in the proper place, and though it’s not one of the costly productions (which is an efficient factor), the potential to do issues in an enormous manner is kind of evident.
Stevivor – Matt Gosper – 9.5 / 10
It is a form of story that hasn’t been seen in fashionable RPGs, with a stage and distinctiveness in visible presentation that leaves many franchises proper now within the mud. All this plus a star-studded voice forged makes Clair Obscur Expedition 33 an incredible first outing from the studio, and a strong assertion that the RPG style continues to be rising and evolving to this present day.
TechRaptor – Erren Van Duine – 9 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a milestone achievement for Sandfall Interactive. Followers of turn-based RPGs must be proper at residence with its conventional stylings tuned for a contemporary age, and whereas problem can ramp up with out warning, the problem of getting by means of every battle makes all of it worthwhile.
The Video games Machine – Gabriele Barducci – Italian – 9.4 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a title of uncommon magnificence. An surprising masterpiece that may enchantment to all followers of turn-based RPGs.
The Nerd Stash – Julio La Pine – 10 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterful RPG. It brings a shocking artwork type that stays entrance and middle whereas revamping a basic fight system into one thing participating and accessible. It's a simple contender for GOTY and a terrific debut for Sandfall Interactive.
Tom's {Hardware} Italia – Giulia Serena – Italian – 9.5 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will captivate you from the very first second. We’re speaking a couple of work that manages to face out within the RPG panorama for its extraordinary capability to mix narrative, artwork route, and sport mechanics right into a cohesive and deeply evocative expertise. Sandfall Interactive offers us a story dense with feelings and sensible moments, the place the ache of grief intertwines with resistance, reminiscence, and the wrestle for survival. Nonetheless, it's not simply the narrative side that works nicely: the fight system, a hybrid of turn-based and real-time motion, represents one of many sport's highlights, providing deep and by no means repetitive dynamics that improve every character's distinctive traits and fulfill each RPG fanatics and people who need to take pleasure in a extra relaxed expertise. The artwork route, however, is a real homage to Impressionist and Symbolist portray, with situations that appear to be they had been taken from an artwork gallery and settings impressed by a dreamlike, deconstructed Paris. In brief, Expedition 33 is not only a journey by means of decadent lands and evocative settings: it's a path that consistently challenges the notion of actuality and dream, gentle and darkness, life and demise. With stable longevity, a world wealthy in actions, and a surprisingly polished technical side, the title emerges not solely as one of the fascinating and important surprises within the style, but additionally as among the best video video games (thus far) of this 2025.
VDGMS – Darren Andrew – 9.5 / 10
Closing Fantasy, Persona, Chrono Set off are simply a number of the inherent influences, but it surely was the inspiration from Sekiro and the French heritage of Sandfall Interactive that made Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 really feel just like the daybreak of a brand new period of turn-based RPG’s, because it equally pays tribute to those that got here earlier than, as a lot because it innovates for individuals who will come after.
WellPlayed – Mark Isaacson – 9.5 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a assured new IP, daring in its execution and never afraid to combine previous and new concepts. It's a shocking achievement, born from ardour and raised inside technical excellence equal to the most effective within the enterprise. Go in unspoiled and be prepared for a very rewarding expertise.
XGN.nl – Luuc ten Velde – Dutch – 9.4 / 10
Sandfall Interactive delivers a powerful first sport with this turn-based RPG that channels JRPG’s like Persona and Closing Fantasy. The sport tells a incredible story and presents gorgeous visuals as well.
Xbox Achievements – Dan Webb – 80%
Quite a bit has been mentioned concerning the value of video video games and the final value of online game growth in recent times. Publishers and builders will cit…
Xbox Tavern – Jamie Collyer – 10 / 10
As you’ll be able to hopefully inform, I completely adore Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It’s the primary sport in a while that I’ve discovered myself totally misplaced in, a lot in order that I genuinely didn’t need to put the controller down. Any minor gripes there may be to have (some areas can get just a little complicated to navigate at occasions, although none are so large that it stays an issue for lengthy) are simply outnumbered by the sheer brilliance of the total product from begin to end. Fight, presentation, exploration, story; it’s all so rattling good that I can not advocate extremely sufficient that you simply go play this sport. We’ve nonetheless received an extended solution to go this yr, and some large hitters to come back, however man, it’ll take one thing particular to provide Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 a run for its cash.
XboxEra – Jesse Norris – 9.5 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a superbly ingenious, heart-breaking expertise of affection, loss, and the desire to outlive
Zoomg – Afshin Piroozi – Persian – 9 / 10
All in all, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out as one of many greatest surprises of 2025 thus far — a title that boasts a deep, unpredictable story, meticulously crafted gameplay and fight programs, and top-tier visible and audio presentation. This sport isn’t only for followers of turn-based RPGs; it has the potential to impress anybody who appreciates high-quality experiences. Even if you happen to’re not sometimes drawn to turn-based video games, I extremely advocate giving this polished gem a attempt — it’s nicely price investing a minimum of 30 hours of your playtime.
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