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 Nostalgic Journey with Modern Twists
Turn-Based Combat Meets Real-Time Action
Inspired by the Belle Epoque era of France and drawing heavily from legendary JRPGs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 innovatively combines turn-based strategy with real-time reactions. The game's visual style, reminiscent of titles like Final Fantasy and Persona, aims to create a distinctive experience within the genre.
Creative director Guillaume Broche, speaking with Eurogamer, revealed his passion for turn-based gameplay and a desire to create a visually stunning title in this style. He cited Persona (Atlus) and Octopath Traveler (Square Enix) as stylistic inspirations, stating, "If nobody wants to do it, I will do it."
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, encountering equally unique challenges.
Combat in Expedition 33 demands quick reflexes. While commands are input in a turn-based manner, players must react in real-time to enemy attacks to effectively defend. This dynamic system draws comparisons to Persona, Final Fantasy, and the critically acclaimed Sea of Stars.
Broche expressed surprise at the overwhelmingly positive reception, stating, "I wasn't expecting this community to be that excited."
While acknowledging Persona's influence, Broche clarified to PC Gamer that the Final Fantasy series (specifically FFVIII,FFIX, and FFX) had a more profound impact. He emphasized that the game isn't a direct imitation, but rather a reflection of his personal gaming history and tastes. The team also drew inspiration from Persona's dynamic camera movements and menus, aiming to create a similarly fluid experience while maintaining a unique artistic style.
The open world of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 offers players complete control over their party, allowing for on-the-fly character switching and the use of unique traversal abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Broche playfully encourages players to experiment with character builds, hoping players will discover creative and unexpected strategies.
The development team, in a PlayStation Blog post, expressed their hope that the game will resonate with players in the same way classic RPGs impacted them.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox in 2025.
