Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t flawless, but it doesn’t need to be. A few rough edges show through now and then: a camera that doesn’t always behave, environment objects you can get stuck on, and controls that can get a little frustrating, especially when doing jumping puzzles. But none of it ever gets in the way of what really matters.
That’s because this is a game that knows exactly what it wants to be. It leans confidently into its vision, blending classic RPG structure with fresh ideas, and hooks you in with strong characters, bold storytelling, and combat that’s incredibly satisfying.
So what makes Expedition 33 stand out in a sea of forgettable releases?
Let’s break it down.
A Love Letter to the Classics
You know exactly what kind of game this is the moment you see the party members lined up in battle. It’s clearly inspired by classic Final Fantasy, with overworld encounters and turn-based mechanics that immediately feel nostalgic. There’s a warm familiarity baked into every system, and at a time when people are getting tired of bloated, checkbox-driven ‘modern’ design, that feels like a breath of fresh air.
It hits you right in the part of your brain that remembers booting up FFX or Chrono Trigger. If you’ve played similar games before, slipping into the gameplay feels like second nature. And instead of dragging those ideas into something cynical or monetised, Expedition 33 embraces them fully, but also adds its own flavour to the mix.
The Power of Strong Voice Acting
Voice acting in games has fallen into a weird rut lately. Too many games settle for ‘serviceable’ performances, enough to tick the box, but not enough to feel anything. Look at Starfield, or even Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Technically fine, emotionally hollow.
Expedition 33 doesn’t make that mistake. It hits you hard in the opening, with performances that actually carry emotional weight. You’re not just listening to characters speak, you believe them. You care.
This focus ensures that the story is one that will sit with you, long after you’ve finished the game.
Mystery-Driven Storytelling
Games that drip-feed answers while letting you sit with questions are rare, and incredibly effective. Think Steins;Gate, or Nier Reincarnation. Stories that trust you to stick around, piece things together, and uncover meaning.
Expedition 33 nails this. From the moment it begins, you’re asking: Who’s that figure in the distance? Why does everything feel so final, so urgent? Is this the future, the past, or something else entirely?
It doesn’t spell things out, and that’s exactly why you keep going. You’re curious. You want to know. And that compulsion is more powerful than any quest marker.
Combat Evolved, Not Replaced
Turn-based combat hasn’t died, it’s just evolved. Expedition 33 does what the best modern RPGs (Persona, Metaphor ReFantazio) do: it keeps the structure intact, but adds layers of engagement.
You’ve got Pictos to juggle, and you’re pulling off perfectly timed dodges and parries. It turns combat into something more reactive, more satisfying. It’s not just ‘pick the right move’, it’s ‘feel the rhythm’.
And here’s the best bit: it makes you want to get better at the fights. You’re not avoiding encounters, you’re seeking them out. Because nailing the timing feels good.
Characters That Feel Real
Too often, characters in modern RPGs don’t react like humans. You get these massive, traumatic moments, and the cast either shrugs it off or cracks a joke. I ran into this with Mass Effect: Andromeda, and again with Dragon Age: The Veilguard – those are just a couple of examples, but there’s many more. There’s danger, but nobody seems to feel it. That kills immersion.
Expedition 33 avoids that. When something goes wrong, the characters react. They hurt, they panic, they pull together. You relate to them, and that means you stay invested.
What matters is whether you believe them. And here, you do.
A Fair Price, A Complete Game
In an industry pushing $80 price tags and calling $20 skins ‘microtransactions’, come on, that’s a macrotransaction, Expedition 33 is refreshingly honest.
It launched at $50. That’s it. No in-game currency, no battle pass, no endless stream of recolour skins trying to siphon more money. There’s a deluxe edition and a soundtrack, sure, but no nickel-and-diming that we’re so used to seeing.
You pay once, and you get the full experience. That matters, especially in 2025, when so many games feel like storefronts with a side of gameplay.
Closing Thoughts
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a rare kind of release. One that looks stunning, plays well, and knows how to earn your attention.
It blends sharp visual design with a clear creative direction. Yes, there are occasional quirks, but they fade into the background when the game delivers such a rich, focused experience. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks or live-service bloat. Instead, it offers a full game with no strings attached, one that respects your time, your money, and your desire to get lost in a world that actually feels worth exploring.
In an industry of ‘live services’ and corporate focus testing, Expedition 33 feels like something rare: a game made with heart.