Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Fresh Take on the RPG Genre

Nishar

Apr 23, 2025

While many gamers are diving into the nostalgia of Oblivion Remastered, I’m looking forward to something totally fresh and daring: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Launching on April 24, 2025, this indie gem from Sandfall Interactive promises an intriguing mix of artistic direction and innovative gameplay that feels like a breath of fresh air in the RPG world.

A World Painted in Mystery

Imagine a post-apocalyptic world inspired by France’s Belle Époque era—this is where Expedition 33 unfolds. The game takes place in Lumière, a city hidden beneath protective domes to shield its citizens from the chaos of the Gommage.

Each year, the enigmatic Paintress marks a number on a monolith, and those of that age vanish into thin air. The 33rd expedition is humanity’s last-ditch effort to break the cycle. But here’s the twist: no one has ever returned from these expeditions.

“Tomorrow—the Paintress will wake. And tomorrow—we sail into the unknown. Even if we fail, we lay the trail for those who come after us. We are Expedition 33.”

This eerie, yet deeply captivating narrative sets the stage for a journey full of peril, hope, and the relentless fight for freedom.

Since my initial post about Expedition 33 back in February, there have been some exciting updates:

Critical Praise: Early reviews have been nothing short of glowing. The game has secured a 91 on Metacritic and a 92 on OpenCritic, with praise pouring in for its gripping story, unique art style, and innovative combat system.
Improved Combat System: The combat has evolved into a hybrid mix of turn-based strategy and real-time action. Timing your defenses is now key—dodging and parrying become just as vital as attacking, which brings a fresh challenge to the table.
Voice Cast Stars: Andy Serkis and Charlie Cox lend their talents to Expedition 33, adding incredible emotional depth to the game’s characters. These voice performances only enhance the already-rich storytelling.
New Characters: Fans will meet several new, compelling characters, each with their own backstories and motivations, adding depth to the already complex narrative.
Game Length and Content: The main story clocks in at around 30 hours, with an additional 30 hours dedicated to side quests and exploration. That’s a lot of content for RPG fans to sink their teeth into.
Platform Availability: Expedition 33 will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC, and it’ll be included in Xbox Game Pass on day one. Whether you’re on console or PC, it’s easy to jump in.

While Oblivion Remastered offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane, Expedition 33 is all about stepping into uncharted territory with a fresh narrative and innovative gameplay.

It pushes boundaries while staying true to the spirit of classic RPGs. I’ve been following the development of this game since it was first announced, and now that the release is finally here, I can’t wait to experience Lumière firsthand.