Imagine if Final Fantasy had a baby with Persona… inside a haunted art gallery. Welcome to the beautiful nightmare that is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
From its surreal aesthetic to its uniquely tactical combat system, this upcoming RPG is shaping up to be one of the most artistically daring and mechanically punishing games of 2025. Whether you’re here for fashion-forward heroes or lore-rich, turn-based chaos—this one’s for you.
The Premise: Death by Brushstroke
In Expedition 33, the world is gripped by fear thanks to an entity known only as The Paintress. Each year, she paints a number in the sky—and anyone of that age dies instantly. Yep. Happy birthday, you’re dead.
You play as part of the 33rd expedition sent to stop her. The first 32? Let’s just say you probably won’t find them sipping wine in a quiet countryside.
The Cast: Stylish, Strange, and Slightly Unhinged
The characters are far from your typical RPG archetypes. Here’s your twisted dream team:
- Gustave – A gun-slinging, scarf-wearing leader who screams “Batman, but with opinions on brush technique.”
- Lune – A scholar wielding magic fueled by “Stain” (read: magical grime).
- Maelle – A deadly assassin with a flair for elegance and murder.
- Monoco – A deeply disturbed, sentient puppet.
- Esquie – Your giant balloon golem who doubles as transportation and muscle.
- Renoir – Voiced by Andy Serkis. Yes, seriously.
This crew brings serious personality—and probably a few nightmares.
Gameplay: Turn-Based, But Not Turn-Your-Brain-Off
Expedition 33 reinvents turn-based combat with a layer of precision usually reserved for action titles. It’s a blend of strategic decision-making and real-time execution. You’re not just choosing actions from a menu—you’re dodging, parrying, and exploiting environmental hazards mid-turn.
Imagine using a chandelier to wipe out enemies mid-fight or targeting weak points for a tactical edge. The game encourages creativity while punishing recklessness.
The World: Belle Époque Meets Gothic Horror
Visually, the game is pure spectacle. It draws heavily from the Belle Époque era—expect floating architecture, twisted landscapes, and moments of haunting beauty. While the story path is linear (like Final Fantasy X), it’s layered with secrets, side quests, and lore worth chasing.
And yes—your ride is a floating balloon golem. Airships are so last season.
Choose Your Challenge
No matter your skill level, there’s a mode for you:
- Easy Mode: For those who want story over struggle.
- Normal Mode: The intended challenge.
- Hard Mode: For masochists and parry gods.
Choose wisely. This game doesn’t pull punches.
Release Info
🗓️ Launch Date: April 24, 2025
🕹️ Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
🎮 Game Pass: Yep, Day One for Xbox players
Should You Play It?
Absolutely. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is shaping up to be a genre-bending experience packed with style, substance, and soul-crushing boss fights. If you’re into high-stakes storytelling and combat that respects your reflexes—this one’s a no-brainer.
🎥 Watch the full breakdown on YouTube: Here
