Clair Obscur Unveils Expedition 33's Legacy

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: A Blend of History and Innovative Gameplay

Sandfall Interactive's debut title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, draws inspiration from diverse sources, resulting in a unique blend of historical influences and innovative gameplay mechanics. This article delves into the game's creative origins and its innovative take on the turn-based RPG genre.

Historical Influences and Narrative Design

Guillaume Broche, founder and creative director of Sandfall Interactive, revealed key inspirations behind the game's name and narrative. The title "Clair Obscur," referencing the 17th and 18th-century French artistic movement, significantly impacts the game's visual style and overarching world.

"Expedition 33" refers to a series of expeditions led by protagonist Gustave to defeat the Paintress, a mysterious antagonist who uses a process called "Gommage" to erase people from existence by painting numbers on a monolith. The reveal trailer depicts the death of Gustave's partner after the Paintress paints the number 33, hinting at a compelling narrative.

Broche cited the fantasy novel La Horde du Contrevent and anime/manga like Attack on Titan as key narrative inspirations, highlighting the appeal of stories about perilous journeys into the unknown.

Reimagining the Turn-Based RPG

Broche addressed the game's commitment to high-fidelity graphics within the turn-based RPG genre, a largely unexplored space. While acknowledging predecessors like Valkyria Chronicles and Project X Zone, Clair Obscur introduces a "reactive turn-based" battle system. This system allows strategic planning during the player's turn, but demands real-time reactions to enemy attacks during the opponent's turn, incorporating elements of dodging, jumping, and parrying to trigger powerful counterattacks.

The design draws inspiration from action games like the Souls series, Devil May Cry, and NieR, aiming to replicate their rewarding gameplay loop within a turn-based structure.

Future Outlook

Broche's insights highlight a game deeply rooted in historical influences while pushing the boundaries of turn-based RPGs. The combination of high-fidelity visuals and a reactive battle system promises a fresh and engaging experience. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2025. The development team expresses excitement for the game's reception and anticipates sharing further details leading up to its launch.