It is not often that we get surprises that go against the usual fare in the video game world, but at the Xbox Games Showcase, that’s exactly what we got in the form of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This new role-playing game from Sandfall Interactive will launch in 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, and everything about the game has us impressed and excited.
Taking place in a world threatened by the being known as the Paintress, where each year, a whole generation of people turn to smoke and disappear forever as she paints a cursed number on a monolith. More worryingly, the number continues to tick down, with younger generations seeing the end as the Paintress goes about her work.
With 33 being next, Gustave, the main character, leads an expedition to stop the villain once and for all. Considering that many have tried in the past, it will be up to the players to find the hope to carry on, and change things forever.
In terms of gameplay, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will offer turn-based combat as its main offering, with “unique real-time mechanics, making battles more immersive and addictive than ever.” Players will be able to dodge, parry, and counter in real time, chain combos by mastering attack rhythms, and target enemy weak points using a free aim system.”
The enemies that will stand in your way appear to take all sorts of horrific forms, which is definitely in line when someone called the Paintress is calling the shots. The UI in combat is also reminiscent of the Persona series, which is nothing but a good sign.
Visually, the enthralling tale will unfold in a “fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France,” which certainly looks arresting in the trailer. The use of Unreal Engine 5 is looking to be a great decision for the team, and we can’t wait to find out more about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in the lead-up to its launch.
