In a year filled with standout RPGs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emerges as a bold, genre-defying triumph. Developed by French studio Sandfall Interactive, this debut title blends haunting narrative, inventive combat, and breathtaking art direction into one of the most memorable gaming experiences in recent memory.
🎨 A World Painted in Melancholy
Set in a dreamlike, post-apocalyptic version of Belle Époque France, the game introduces a chilling premise: each year, a mysterious figure known as the Paintress marks a number on a distant tower, and everyone of that age vanishes. You play as members of the 33rd expedition—humanity’s last hope to end this surreal cycle of erasure.
The story is rich with emotion and existential weight, exploring themes of mortality, memory, and resistance. Critics have praised its ability to balance melodrama with sincerity, delivering a narrative that’s both somber and hopeful.
⚔️ Combat: Turn-Based with a Twist
Expedition 33 reinvents turn-based combat by fusing it with real-time elements like dodging, parrying, and timed attacks. The result is a system that feels both strategic and kinetic—accessible to newcomers but deep enough for veterans.
Each character brings unique abilities, and the party system is highly customizable. The game encourages experimentation and rewards skillful play, making every encounter feel meaningful.
🎧 Visuals & Audio: A Sensory Triumph
Visually, the game is a stunner. Its painterly aesthetic and surreal landscapes are unlike anything else in the genre. From crumbling cathedrals to eerie dreamscapes, every environment feels handcrafted and emotionally resonant.
The soundtrack is equally impressive—haunting, orchestral, and deeply atmospheric. It elevates every moment, from quiet reflection to intense boss battles.
🧭 Pacing & Exploration
The main story clocks in at around 30–35 hours, with little filler and a strong narrative focus. While some critics noted that exploration can feel dense or overwhelming at times, the game’s pacing and character development keep it engaging throughout.
📝 Final Verdict
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Story | 9/10 |
| Gameplay | 9/10 |
| Visuals | 10/10 |
| Audio | 10/10 |
| Value for Money | 10/10 |
| Overall | 96/100 |
Pros:
- Deep, emotionally resonant story
- Innovative blend of turn-based and real-time combat
- Stunning visuals and soundtrack
- Strong character dynamics
Cons:
- Exploration can feel dense
- Some UI quirks and minor pacing issues
🎨 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a rare gem—a game that dares to be different and succeeds spectacularly. It’s not just a great RPG; it’s a work of art.
Comparison to Dragon Age
Here’s a comparison between Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and the Dragon Age series—two narrative-driven RPGs with very different philosophies but overlapping appeal for fans of rich storytelling and party-based adventures.
🎨 Narrative & Worldbuilding
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Set in a surreal, painterly version of Belle Époque France, it tells a tightly focused story about mortality, memory, and resistance. The world is dreamlike and symbolic, with a strong authorial voice and no player-created protagonist.
- Dragon Age: Known for its sprawling fantasy world of Thedas, Dragon Age offers deep lore, branching narratives, and a customizable protagonist. It leans heavily into political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and player agency.
✅ Expedition 33 is more poetic and linear; Dragon Age is broader and more reactive.
⚔️ Combat Systems
- Expedition 33: Turn-based with real-time elements like dodging and parrying—think Persona meets Legend of Dragoon. It’s stylish, rhythmic, and skill-based.
- Dragon Age: Varies by title. Origins uses tactical, pause-and-play combat; Inquisition blends action and strategy. Combat is more about positioning, cooldowns, and party synergy.
✅ Expedition 33 is more kinetic and timing-based; Dragon Age is more tactical and strategic.
🧑🤝🧑 Party & Characters
- Expedition 33: Features a fixed cast with deep backstories and emotional arcs. The lack of a customizable protagonist allows for more tightly written character dynamics.
- Dragon Age: Offers a large, diverse cast with romance options, loyalty quests, and player-driven relationships. The protagonist’s personality is shaped by player choices.
✅ Expedition 33 excels in curated storytelling; Dragon Age offers more role-playing freedom.
🗣️ Dialogue & Choices
- Expedition 33: More linear, with limited player choice. The focus is on delivering a cohesive, authored narrative.
- Dragon Age: Dialogue trees, branching paths, and moral decisions are central. Player choices can dramatically alter the story and world state.
✅ Dragon Age wins for interactivity and replayability.
🎮 Overall Experience
| Feature | Expedition 33 | Dragon Age Series |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Surreal, symbolic Belle Époque France | High fantasy world of Thedas |
| Combat | Turn-based with real-time elements | Tactical/Action hybrid |
| Protagonist | Fixed, story-driven | Customizable, player-defined |
| Narrative Style | Linear, poetic, emotionally focused | Branching, political, morally complex |
| Replayability | Moderate | High |
Final Verdict
David Gaider, creator of Dragon Age, described Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as “kind of to JRPGs what Baldur’s Gate 3 was to CRPGs”. It’s a high compliment—and a fair one. Expedition 33 doesn’t try to be Dragon Age; instead, it offers a more focused, emotionally resonant experience that trades player freedom for narrative precision.
If you love Dragon Age for its worldbuilding and character depth, you’ll likely find Expedition 33 a refreshing, artful detour. It’s not about shaping the world—it’s about being swept up in a beautifully crafted one.
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