Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a captivating blend of JRPG influences and unique stylistic choices, is on the horizon. Discover the inspirations behind this highly anticipated title and witness the reveal of its first character trailer.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Nearing Launch
A JRPG Legacy Forged Anew
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a forthcoming turn-based RPG infused with innovative real-time mechanics, promising a deeply immersive and interactive player experience. While echoing the spirit of classic JRPGs, particularly the Final Fantasy series, Expedition 33 carves its own path. At the 2025 Game Developers Conference, GamesRadar+ spoke with Producer François Meurisse, shedding light on the game's rich tapestry of inspirations.
Meurisse revealed that Final Fantasy VII, VIII, IX, and X, all PlayStation classics, significantly shaped Expedition 33. "Those were huge games for Guillaume [Broche], our game director, growing up," he shared. "He envisioned a modern Final Fantasy, retaining the charm of turn-based combat, but with a twist. He blended various influences, but Final Fantasy and the broader JRPG genre are undeniably our core gameplay heritage."
While embracing the JRPG legacy, Meurisse stressed their commitment to originality in the game's visual identity. "For the art style, we deliberately avoided mimicking Japanese games, steering clear of manga or anime aesthetics. We sought our own artistic voice, landing on the early 20th-century Belle Époque era, infused with Art Deco elements and high fantasy. It took several iterations, but this unique approach helped us forge a distinct identity."
Beyond JRPGs: Diverse Inspirations
Expedition 33's influences extend beyond JRPGs. The game's defense system, Meurisse explains, draws heavily from the Souls-like genre, specifically Sekiro, emphasizing rhythmic timing and real-time skill-based maneuvers.
Furthermore, the game integrates mechanics reminiscent of deckbuilding games into its battle sequences. "The action point system for skills in combat is more inspired by deckbuilders than the typical magic points or mana systems found in RPGs," Meurisse elaborated.
Unveiling Gustave: First Character Trailer
The countdown to release continues, with Expedition 33 introducing characters weekly. On March 13th, the official Twitter (X) account unveiled Gustave, a resourceful engineer from Lumière, poised to lead Expedition 33 against the Paintress and her deadly artistry.
The trailer showcases Gustave's proficiency with sword and pistol, his agile traversal across the game world, and his devastating combat prowess. While specific character roles and mechanics remain under wraps, Gustave's impressive arsenal and impactful attacks promise exciting gameplay.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to launch April 24th, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates!
