Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

9.2 / 10

Release Date

24 April 2025

Platforms

Xbox Series X|S|S • PC • PS5

Publisher

Kepler Interactive

Developer

Sandfall Interactive

Store Pages

01Overview

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics set in a fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France. Players lead the members of Expedition 33 on a mission to destroy the Paintress, a mysterious figure who annually paints a number that causes everyone of that age to disappear. Exploration takes the party through varied environments filled with enemies, remnants of earlier expeditions, hidden routes, and environmental puzzles. Characters can use grappling points and other traversal tools to reach new areas, while Pictos provide stat bonuses and unlock passive abilities called Lumina for character builds. Combat combines traditional turn-based commands with timed inputs. Skills consume Action Points and can become more effective when players complete their associated timing sequences correctly. During enemy turns, attacks can be dodged or parried in real time, with successful parries potentially triggering counterattacks. A free-aim system also allows players to target specific enemy weak points or parts of the environment during battles. Each party member has their own mechanics, weapons, and skills, allowing different combinations and strategies as new abilities and equipment become available.