Expedition 33’s Debut Reveals Homage to Fashion Icons

Sandfall Interactive's upcoming turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is making waves with its unique blend of classic and modern RPG mechanics. Following a successful preview, the game's director has shed light on its key inspirations.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Nostalgic Trip with Modern Twists

Turn-Based Combat Meets Real-Time Challenges

Inspired by the Belle Époque era of France and beloved JRPGs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 innovatively fuses turn-based strategy with real-time reactions. Drawing heavily from the Final Fantasy and Persona series, the game aims to create a fresh experience within the genre.

Following a positive reception at SGF, creative director Guillaume Broche discussed the game's influences with Eurogamer. He highlighted his passion for turn-based combat and a desire to create a high-fidelity title in this style, citing Persona and Octopath Traveler as stylistic inspirations. His drive? "If nobody wants to do it, I will do it."

The game's narrative centers on preventing the "Paintress" from unleashing death once more, unfolding across unique environments such as the gravity-defying Flying Waters. Combat involves turn-based command input, but demands swift reactions to enemy attacks, drawing comparisons to Persona, Final Fantasy, and Sea of Stars.

Broche was surprised by the enthusiastic response, admitting he anticipated interest from turn-based fans but not the widespread excitement.

While acknowledging Persona's influence, Broche clarified to PC Gamer that the Final Fantasy series (particularly FFVIII, IX, and X) played a more significant role in shaping the game's core mechanics. He emphasized that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn't a direct imitation but rather a reflection of his personal gaming history and tastes. The game borrows elements regarding camera movement and dynamic menu design from Persona, but maintains a distinct art style and overall design philosophy.

The open world allows for seamless party member switching and the use of traversal abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Broche expressed a desire for players to experiment with character builds and combinations, creating a truly unique gameplay experience.

The development team, in a PlayStation Blog post, expressed their hope that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will resonate with players in the same way classic RPGs impacted their lives.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox in 2025.