My Review of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

[PhilHoliday]

Having played Expedition 33 through Game Pass, and unable to leave a review on Steam, I decided to write one in order to give this incredible game the attention it truly deserves. Turn-based games outside of the JRPG genre had been almost non-existent for a while, but in the last three years, we’ve seen a wave of innovation with titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and now Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It’s exciting to witness this resurgence, and Expedition 33 is leading the charge, making waves in the gaming industry and proving that turn-based gameplay still has a lot to offer.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: A Deep Dive into a Gaming Masterpiece

From the moment you step into the world of Expedition 33, it becomes immediately apparent that this game transcends the typical experience in modern gaming. After an extensive exploration of its vast environments, intricate mechanics, and intense boss battles, one thing is clear: Expedition 33 is not just a game—it's a revolutionary achievement. Developed by the relatively unknown Sandfall Interactive, this title exudes the passion and ambition of a studio determined to push the boundaries of what games can be. The result is an experience that feels meticulously crafted, with every detail carefully considered to deliver an unforgettable adventure.

The world of Expedition 33 is a visual masterpiece, where every environment—from lush forests to crumbling ruins—feels alive with both history and mystery. As you traverse these expansive landscapes, the game invites you to explore every corner, rewarding your curiosity with hidden treasures, powerful upgrades, and challenging secrets. The lighting and atmospheric effects are masterfully executed, turning each setting into an immersive world of its own. Whether you’re navigating the silent halls of an ancient city or braving the harsh, desolate wastelands, the world tells its own story, drawing you in deeper with every step.

The Combat System: A Dance of Precision and Timing

The combat system in Expedition 33 sets it apart from typical RPGs. The game offers a deep and challenging combat experience that requires players to master timing and precision. The parry and dodge mechanics are central to every battle, demanding that players pay close attention to enemy movements and react with impeccable timing. Successfully executing a parry or dodge not only mitigates damage but can turn the tide of battle in your favor, rewarding skill and focus.

The parry system, in particular, is a highlight. The window for executing a perfect parry is narrow, requiring you to anticipate and react to enemy attacks. Dodging is just as critical—timing is everything, and miscalculating your movement can have disastrous consequences. This level of precision brings a depth to the combat that few other games manage to achieve, making each encounter feel tense and rewarding.

Character Customization: Endless Build Crafting Possibilities

One of the standout features of Expedition 33 is its rich character customization. The game offers an impressive level of flexibility, allowing players to tailor their characters to fit their preferred playstyle. Each character is designed with unique abilities and traits, and as you progress, you can enhance and refine these abilities to create the ultimate warrior, mage, or support character.

The build crafting possibilities are vast, with a variety of gear, upgrades, and items that can alter your character’s strengths and weaknesses. One particularly unique mechanic is the Picto upgrade system, which allows you to evolve and strengthen your items as you use them in battle. Each upgrade not only changes the way your character fights but also adds new layers of strategy, making every decision on how to build your character feel significant.

This customization is crucial when it comes to tackling the game’s tougher bosses. Each boss has its own set of unique challenges, and many require players to adjust their builds on the fly to counter specific abilities or weaknesses. Some may demand high mobility and speed, while others may require a more defensive and tactical approach. This constant need for adaptation keeps the gameplay fresh, and the game encourages experimentation, rewarding you for finding the best strategies for each encounter.

Endgame Content and Secret Bosses: A True Test of Skill

The endgame of Expedition 33 is where the game truly shines. As you progress, the difficulty ramps up significantly, with some of the toughest combat sequences and most challenging bosses in modern gaming. The secret bosses, in particular, are a true test of skill, requiring an intimate knowledge of the game’s mechanics, as well as the ability to adapt on the fly.

These secret bosses are no mere afterthought. Each one offers a unique challenge that demands precision, strategy, and careful planning. Whether it’s a battle that forces you to adjust your build mid-fight or one that requires perfect parries and dodges, these bosses push players to their limits. Defeating them is not just about raw power—it’s about mastering every system the game has to offer. The feeling of triumph that comes with overcoming these challenges is unlike anything else, and the reward for doing so is both tangible and deeply satisfying.

In addition to the intense bosses, Expedition 33 also offers robust post-game content, including the New Game+ mode and the endless tower. These features extend the game’s longevity and provide players with the opportunity to fine-tune their builds while facing increasingly difficult enemies. The replayability factor is high, with a great deal of depth for those who want to continue experimenting with different playstyles.

Exploration and Rewarding Curiosity

Exploration in Expedition 33 is deeply rewarding. The world is vast and full of secrets, from hidden loot to optional bosses and powerful equipment. The game actively encourages players to take their time, wander off the beaten path, and uncover these hidden gems. The level of detail in the environments is staggering—each area feels like it’s been carefully constructed to reward the curious player.

In addition to the main story, the game offers a variety of side quests and challenges that feel organic rather than tacked on. These side activities are not only fun and engaging, but they also offer meaningful rewards, further enhancing the sense of discovery. A prime example of this is the Yellow Harvest zone, where players can spend hours exploring, uncovering hidden loot, and facing a challenging secret boss. These hidden treasures and surprises keep the world of Expedition 33 feeling alive long after you’ve completed the main story.

The Story: Depth and Emotion

At the heart of Expedition 33 lies a rich and emotionally resonant story. Unlike many RPGs that rely on formulaic plots or predictable character arcs, Expedition 33 offers a narrative that keeps players engaged from start to finish. The game explores themes of survival, trust, and the cost of making difficult choices. Every decision you make has weight, and the consequences of those choices ripple throughout the world and its characters.

The story is further brought to life by a stellar voice cast, with performances by actors like Charlie Cox and Jennifer English, who lend their talents to create memorable, emotionally charged moments. The game also features beautifully crafted cutscenes that blend seamlessly with the narrative, making the story feel like an integral part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

Each character you encounter along the way feels fully developed, with their own backstory, motivations, and personality. Gustav, the protagonist, undergoes significant growth throughout the game, and his interactions with other characters deepen the emotional impact of the story. The narrative structure encourages players to reflect on their choices, making the story feel personal and impactful.

A Masterpiece Worth Celebrating

Expedition 33 is a triumph of game development. Its intricate combat mechanics, deep customization, and vast world are complemented by a gripping story that challenges players to think critically and engage with the world around them. The level of polish and attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the game, from the sound design to the stunning visual effects.

This is a game that will stick with you long after you've finished it. The satisfaction of overcoming its toughest challenges, the joy of discovering its many secrets, and the emotional weight of its narrative make Expedition 33 a title that will remain in your memory. If you’re a fan of action RPGs, or if you simply love great games, Expedition 33 is an essential experience. It’s a game that will stand the test of time, offering innovation and excellence that all future games will strive to emulate.

[marsHm311oW]

Then write a review instead of a thread -.-

[Goldman]

Originally posted by marsHm311oW:

Then write a review instead of a thread -.-

Cannot review the game without purchasing it on steam and since he already has it on gamepass, makes sense to make a threat.

Being pretensious while being wrong seems to be an epidemic these days.

[PhilHoliday]

Originally posted by marsHm311oW:

Then write a review instead of a thread -.-

It’s genuinely impressive how confidently some people speak without the slightest clue what they’re talking about. Maybe if you took five seconds to use basic reading comprehension, you'd realize that I can’t leave a Steam review because I bought the game on Game Pass.

Instead of contributing anything useful or meaningful, you decided your best move was to broadcast your ignorance in public. Congratulations — you’ve managed to trivialize hard work with a lazy, knee-jerk comment that adds less than nothing to the discussion.

Next time, before rushing to blurt out uninformed nonsense, try doing what the rest of us learned in elementary school: read, understand, and think first. It'll save you the embarrassment — and trust me, you need the help.

[Blank]

I'm nearing the end of my first playthrough and I'm already wanting to play through it again, beautiful game