Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - A New Standard for AA RPGs

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t just a promising title from a smaller studio—it’s a bold declaration that AA developers can compete with the industry’s giants. Developed by French studio Sandfall Interactive, this debut effort blends deep gameplay mechanics with evocative art design and emotionally grounded storytelling. It’s the kind of game that reminds players why turn-based RPGs still matter.

Gameplay: Turn-based Combat with a Twist

At the heart of Expedition 33 lies a hybrid combat system that fuses turn-based commands with real-time interactions. During an enemy’s attack phase, players must dodge, parry, or counter in real time, adding tension and engagement rarely found in traditional RPG frameworks. It’s not just about strategy—it’s also about timing and reflexes.

Each character has a unique ability set, and the game allows for extensive customization through “Pictos” and “Luminas”—passive upgrades that add depth to builds. Additionally, the “Break” mechanic rewards coordinated attacks, letting you stagger enemies and set up powerful follow-up strikes. The result is a combat system that feels modern, dynamic, and rewarding.

World-Building: Art Nouveau Meets Apocalypse

Set in a decaying, dreamlike world shaped by the annual disappearances caused by a supernatural figure known as the Paintress, Expedition 33 is visually stunning. Its Belle Époque aesthetic, combined with surreal design elements, creates a setting that’s equal parts haunting and beautiful. From crumbling cityscapes to floating gardens, every environment feels hand-crafted.

The story explores themes of mortality and memory through the lens of the Expedition, a group determined to break the Paintress’s deadly cycle. Characters evolve throughout the game, forming deep bonds and clashing over the mission’s risks and ethics. The narrative avoids melodrama, focusing instead on quiet, powerful moments.

The AA Game Surge: Why This One Matters

Expedition 33 is a milestone not just for Sandfall Interactive, but for AA studios as a whole. It’s proof that smaller teams—with enough vision and craft—can outshine bloated AAA projects. While it doesn’t have the marketing weight of a Final Fantasy or the reach of a Dragon Age, it punches above its weight class in almost every department.

In recent years, games like A Plague Tale: Requiem, GreedFall, and now Expedition 33 have shown that mid-budget doesn’t have to mean mid-quality. If anything, the AA space is where some of the most exciting innovation is happening right now.

Final Verdict

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is not just a great AA game—it’s a great RPG, period. Its smart combat system, breathtaking design, and emotionally resonant story earn it a spot among the year’s best. It’s the kind of game that sticks with you, not just for its mechanics but for its mood, its message, and its soul.

Rating: 9/10 – Exceptional

Highly recommended for fans of narrative-driven RPGs and anyone looking for something new in the genre.