Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Blends Turn-Based Combat and Artistic Flair in Surreal Adventure

A Game That Redefines RPG Style and Combat

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t content to just copy what’s worked before. Instead, it smashes together traditional RPG tropes with a modern twist—a combat system that’s one part real-time action, one part old-school turn-based strategy. It sounds risky, and at times it is. The action keeps players on their toes, forcing quick decisions before slipping back into methodical, chess-like choices. This blend isn’t always perfect—timing can go wonky, and sometimes you feel a lag between the excitement and your next move—but those stumbles don’t detract from what’s really special: the look and feel of everything.

The visuals in this game demand your attention. The art direction is a trip—blending Gothic, industrial, and organic influences into environments that feel almost alive. Cinematic cutscenes are razor-sharp and vibrant, with colors popping off the screen, especially during big story moments. Exploring this world feels dreamlike, yet the detail makes it seem concrete and real. And it’s not just about staring at pretty landscapes. The world map harks back to classics like Final Fantasy, but with a twist—areas open up as you collect new abilities, and backtracking actually feels rewarding. Sometimes acquiring a new gadget or spell lets you slip into previously locked corners, uncovering hidden stories, puzzles, or rare loot left unnoticed on your first pass.

Exploration, Existential Drama, and a Soundtrack That Hits Hard

What sets Clair Obscur apart isn’t just its gameplay—it’s the way everything ties into a big, thought-provoking story. The narrative doesn’t waste time: instead of generic heroes on a quest, you get a group of nuanced characters facing existential questions in a world scarred by conflict and mystery. The writing isn’t afraid of being heavy, but the cast’s personal struggles and quirky interactions keep things grounded and real. Every new region you unlock isn’t just an excuse for more battles, but a fresh layer of world-building. You come across abandoned factories being reclaimed by nature, grand palaces that look haunted by old memories, and tangled cityscapes where the past and future seem to clash.

None of this would work without the sound. The soundtrack isn’t just background noise—it’s front and center, pulling you deeper into each moment. Reviewers have called it 'awe-inspiring' and with good reason. The sudden shift from a slow, melancholy piano piece to a thunderous battle anthem makes every encounter feel important. Sound effects sell every sword clash and magical burst, giving the game a tactile, physical presence that matches the visual fireworks.

Of course, the game's combat pacing has its wobbly parts. Sometimes fights drag on, and juggling the real-time dodges with careful planning can lead to uneven moments. Still, most agree that its ambition and personality outweigh these hiccups. After all, how many games can you name that manage to look and sound this good while swinging so hard for something different?