Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Receives First Early Impressions from Journalists

Sandfall Interactive, a young French studio, is generating significant buzz with their upcoming title, Expedition 33. Early reviews from gaming media are overwhelmingly positive, praising its immersive narrative, mature themes, and exciting combat. Some critics are even comparing it to a modern Final Fantasy.

RPG Gamer was particularly impressed, noting that the game delivers a level of experience in just a few hours that rivals titles from studios with decades of experience. If this high standard is maintained, Expedition 33 is a strong contender for The Game Awards 2025.

IGN's reviewer was captivated by the demo, eager to explore the game's world and engage in further battles. They, too, expressed astonishment at the achievement of such a young development team.

Kotaku went so far as to predict Expedition 33 will achieve classic turn-based status, likening it to a new Final Fantasy. The reviewer specifically lauded the unique integration of QTE mechanics into traditional turn-based combat.

Reviewers consistently highlight the game's exceptional visual style and mature narrative tone.

Expedition 33 is scheduled for release on April 24, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).