Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Reignites Turn-Based RPG Debate

Few topics spark as much debate in role-playing game circles as turn-based mechanics. This classic RPG style has long competed with action-oriented systems, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has reignited discussions about the future of major genre titles.

Launched last week, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has earned widespread praise as an outstanding RPG, according to IGN and other sources. It proudly showcases its influences, featuring a turn-based system, equippable Pictos, explorable "dungeons," and an overworld map.

In an RPGsite interview, producer Francois Meurisse revealed that Clair Obscur was designed as a turn-based game from the outset, drawing inspiration from Final Fantasy VIII, IX, and X. It also incorporates elements from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, blending FromSoftware’s intensity with Mario & Luigi-style quick-time events for attacks and parry/dodge mechanics for defense.

The result is a turn-based experience that feels strategic during attack planning but shifts to an action-driven pace during combat execution. This unique system has, unsurprisingly, fueled heated online discussions.

Social media users have seized on Clair Obscur’s success to challenge longstanding criticisms of turn-based games, particularly regarding the Final Fantasy series.

For instance, during the Final Fantasy XVI media tour, Naoki Yoshida discussed why RPGs, including Final Fantasy, have leaned toward action-based mechanics in recent years.

“I grew up with command-based and turn-based RPGs,” Yoshida told Famitsu (via VGC). “I appreciate their immersive appeal. However, over the past decade, I’ve noticed growing sentiment, especially among younger players, questioning the appeal of selecting commands in games.”

This perspective is evident in Final Fantasy XV, XVI, and the VII remake trilogy, all of which embrace action-driven systems, attracting both fans and critics.

Comments about turn-based mechanics and their player resonance often surface in these debates. Some fans, feeling vindicated by Clair Obscur’s popularity, see it as proof that turn-based RPGs, inspired by genre giants, can still thrive.

However, the reality is more complex than a simple call for Final Fantasy to revert to turn-based roots.

For one, Square Enix hasn’t abandoned turn-based games entirely. Octopath Traveler 2 stands out as a stellar recent RPG, and the publisher continues to release turn-based titles like SaGa Emerald Beyond and the upcoming Bravely Default remaster for Switch 2. While Final Fantasy may have moved away from its SNES and PlayStation 1-era roots, Square Enix still supports the format.

Does Final Fantasy need to emulate Clair Obscur: Expedition 33? Claims that it’s “Final Fantasy done right” oversimplify the issue. Final Fantasy has its own distinct style and legacy that can’t be reduced to swapping one system for another. While Clair Obscur shares similarities with Final Fantasy, its unique elements set it apart. Calling it “Final France-tasy” is clever but diminishes both Final Fantasy’s enduring appeal and Clair Obscur’s originality.

This debate isn’t new. Fans may recall similar discussions around Lost Odyssey as a “true” Final Fantasy successor during the Final Fantasy XIII era, or even earlier debates about Final Fantasy VII versus VI. As long as Final Fantasy exists, fans will debate its direction online.

Sales also play a role, as Yoshida noted in his Famitsu comments about Final Fantasy XVI’s action-oriented shift.

“I understand the appeal of command-based RPGs and want to keep developing them,” Yoshida said. “But for Final Fantasy XVI, we considered expected sales and the impact we needed to deliver.” He didn’t rule out a future command-based Final Fantasy, only that XVI was designed as it was.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s breakout success—1 million sales in three days for Sandfall Interactive and Kepler—raises interesting questions. However, Square Enix’s expectations for Final Fantasy are typically higher.

The notion that turn-based games can’t succeed is outdated. Recent hits like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Metaphor: ReFantazio, each embracing classic RPG elements, have achieved critical and commercial success.

Clair Obscur’s triumph is significant for its developers. It feels like a revival of mid-budget RPGs, alongside titles like Visions of Mana and Ruined King. Whether it reaches the heights of Baldur’s Gate 3 or Disco Elysium remains to be seen, but its start is impressive.

Does this signal a need for a drastic shift in Final Fantasy? Not necessarily. Square Enix has noted that recent titles like Final Fantasy XVI and FF7 Rebirth fell short of profit expectations, but this reflects broader industry challenges, including rising development costs and timelines for major franchises.

The key takeaway is authenticity. Projects that merely imitate struggle to stand out. Clair Obscur, while inspired by classics, shines through its innovative combat, captivating soundtrack, and rich world-building. As Larian CEO Swen Vincke told GameSpot about Baldur’s Gate 3, “You can invest heavily and achieve great results.” His advice? Make a great game that excites your team. That’s a path forward that avoids rehashing old debates.