Sandfall Interactive's upcoming turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is making waves with its unique blend of classic and modern RPG elements. Following a successful demo, the game's director has shed light on its key inspirations.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Fresh Take on Turn-Based Combat
Inspired by the Belle Epoque era of France and drawing heavily from the legacy of JRPGs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 innovatively merges turn-based strategy with real-time action. The game clearly owes a debt to influential titles like Final Fantasy and Persona, while aiming to forge its own distinctive identity.
Creative director Guillaume Broche, speaking with Eurogamer, revealed his passion for turn-based combat and a desire to create a visually stunning experience in the genre. He cited Persona (Atlus) and Octopath Traveler (Square Enix) as stylistic touchstones, explaining that the game's development stemmed from a personal need to fill a perceived gap in the market.
The game's narrative centers on preventing a mysterious antagonist, the Paintress, from unleashing death once more. Players will explore unique environments, such as the gravity-defying Flying Waters, while engaging in combat that demands both strategic planning and quick reflexes. While turn-based in its core structure, players must react in real-time to enemy attacks, creating a dynamic and engaging experience reminiscent of Persona, Final Fantasy, and Sea of Stars.
Broche expressed surprise at the overwhelmingly positive reception to the game, exceeding his initial expectations. While acknowledging Persona's influence, he highlighted the significant impact of the Final Fantasy series (specifically FFVIII, FFIX, and FFX) on the game's design philosophy, emphasizing the game's development as a reflection of his personal gaming history rather than a direct imitation.
In the open world, players have complete control over their party, switching between characters seamlessly and utilizing unique traversal abilities to overcome environmental puzzles. Broche expressed a desire for players to experiment freely with character builds, encouraging creative and unconventional strategies.
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. The game is slated for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox in 2025.
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