Out now on PC (and possibly other formats) - great reviews.
If you have GamePass, it's free to download.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 reminded me of numerous classic and modern RPGs I love, but developer Sandfall truly understood why those games are special and made those pieces its own.
Its creative turn-based combat system is fantastic, keeping me engaged while impressive visual flourishes bring it all together. The story can be a touch messy and melodramatic at times, but there’s still an earnestness to how it frames mortality and grief, and the different, destructive ways we may handle it – all delivered through fantastic performances from an A-list cast that give its story the heart it needs to really hit.
The contrast between its artistic sensibilities and old-school RPG design philosophy shows a clarity of vision, as if it was scoped just right to focus on the things that matter most, making it a true modern throwback. And so, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands strong alongside its inspirations, and I hope that it too can be an inspiration for those who come after.
I’m not really a JRPG fan (Final Fantasy VI and Chrono Trigger on the SNES are still my favorite ever games) but even I am impressed with what I’ve seen and heard.
I’m still playing Baldur’s Gate 3 so I’m not going to be touching any major title for a while.
Following this thread and other comments over the internet, I have renewed my GamePass and started this last night if only for a brief 30 minutes.
I was going to renew my GamePass regardless for when Doom: The Dark Ages comes out but decided to do it 2 weeks early and play both, I'll let you know if it is any good.
Gormalysis wrote: ↑Thu May 01, 2025 9:38 am
Following this thread and other comments over the internet, I have renewed my GamePass and started this last night if only for a brief 30 minutes.
I was going to renew my GamePass regardless for when Doom: The Dark Ages comes out but decided to do it 2 weeks early and play both, I'll let you know if it is any good.
I think you have made a very wise decision. A very good time to renew.
I've just reached Act 2 after managing to find the time to play it over the bank holiday weekend.
So far this game is good, like really good! Probably the best new game I have played in years and a complete surprise as I was expecting it to be alright but overhyped.
There is a lot of elements it does really well but the combat is where it shines most.
My only slight complaint is that a couple of the bosses were damage sponges but that was probably more of a skill issue.
Just finished Act 2 and some cracks are starting to show, not deal breakers, but have dampened the experience a little.
The last section of Act 2 is a bit tedious and too long, however, the boss fight is great and the best one so far. Story whilst remaining strong has started to become a little bit of a mess, hopefully they will stick the landing.
Also I've found that it doesn't matter how strong you think you are, some of the overworld bosses will murder you in their first turn if you run into them, fortunately the game saves regularly.
EDIT: I noticed my 3 posts about this game are almost over 3 weeks, it's not that much of a time commitment, I just don't get to play that much
I've just come back from a month overseas so finally able to begin this game. Am quite early on in the game - so wary of Gormalysis' comments as the game progresses however, WOW.
Best RPG I've played since Lost Odyssey on the Xbox 360 tbh. Absolutely incredible.
I'm still on Act 3 and haven't progressed the story at all, I've mostly been doing the side content with only a few things left to do before I finish the game.
Most of the challenges are done and all of the sub bosses have been beaten except the hardest one (anyone who has reached this point will know exactly who I'm talking about).
I originally downloaded this to keep me busy until Doom came out, it's been that good of a game that I've completely stopped giving a **** about playing Doom.
What's the turn based combat like? I've never really played those mechanics before (which is mostly why I never bothered with BG3 yet) so a bit apprehensive.
From what I've seen from short clips, it looks a beautiful game.
It's decent gives you time to think and plan out how you want the fight to go whilst adding some new elements in such as dodging and parrying.
If the combat doesn't click with you, there is always the story mode difficulty which makes the combat much easier. I can't tell you how much easier because I'm playing through on normal and still haven't finished it.
Last post I will make regarding this game as I have now finished it.
All I can say is that it is a fantastic game and well worth your time, even if you are not a fan of JRPGs. I can't really break down what makes it so great, but my earlier complaints regarding the story have been wrapped up nicely into a memorable ending.
This is a very strong GOTY contender and I can see why it is being praised as much as it is. Probably one of the best games I've ever played and I'm not just saying that because of the hype, I'm saying it because I've started new game plus instead of moving on to Doom.
EDIT: Forgot to add, thank you UTJ for starting this thread giving me the nudge to play it
CarltonColesLeftFoot wrote: ↑Thu May 29, 2025 6:22 am
I've just come back from a month overseas so finally able to begin this game. Am quite early on in the game - so wary of Gormalysis' comments as the game progresses however, WOW.
Best RPG I've played since Lost Odyssey on the Xbox 360 tbh. Absolutely incredible.
Have now finished this game - took me 40 hours in total. An absolute pleasure to play, story took a few turns throughout some that I had anticipated and then a few great curveballs that came out of the blue. The music is also probably the best video game music I've encountered and I nerd out for all the Final Fantasy/Chrono Trigger typical epic music out there.
Excellent RPG, agree with GOTY claims although I wouldn't be too displeased if another game tops it, because it'd mean theres another game out there that triggers this kind of emotional response from me.
