Clair Obscur: Unveiling the Legacy and Advancements of Expedition 33

Sandfall Interactive's creative director, Guillaume Broche, recently unveiled key details about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, highlighting its historical inspirations and innovative gameplay mechanics. Discover the rich tapestry of influences woven into this upcoming title.

Historical Influences and Gameplay Revolution

Name and Narrative Origins

In a July 29th interview, Broche shed light on the real-world sources shaping *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*'s identity. The game's name itself carries significant weight. "Clair Obscur," Broche explained, references the 17th and 18th-century French artistic and cultural movement, profoundly impacting the game's visual style and overarching world.

"Expedition 33" directly reflects the in-game narrative: a series of annual expeditions led by protagonist Gustave to confront the Paintress. This antagonist marks a monolith with a number, initiating an event Broche calls "the Gommage," which erases individuals from existence. The reveal trailer depicts the death of Gustave's partner after the Paintress inscribes the number 33, her current age.

Broche cited La Horde du Contrevent (The Wind's Horde), a fantasy novel about globe-trotting explorers, as a narrative influence. He also acknowledged the enduring appeal of stories centered on perilous journeys into the unknown, drawing parallels to works like Attack on Titan.

Reimagining Turn-Based RPGs

Broche emphasized the game's commitment to high-fidelity graphics within the turn-based RPG genre, a largely unexplored territory. He stated, "A high-fidelity turn-based RPG has been missing for a while, and we aim to fill that gap."

While acknowledging predecessors like Valkyria Chronicles and Project X Zone, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 introduces a reactive turn-based combat system. "You strategize during your turn," Broche explained, "but must react in real-time to enemy actions during their turn – dodging, jumping, or parrying to unleash powerful counterattacks."

This innovative system draws inspiration from action games like the Souls series, Devil May Cry, and NieR, aiming to integrate the rewarding gameplay of those titles into the turn-based format.

Future Outlook

Broche's insights reveal a game deeply rooted in historical influences, yet boldly innovative in its gameplay. The combination of stunning visuals and the reactive combat system promises a fresh take on the turn-based RPG experience. Players will need to carefully plan their turns while simultaneously reacting to real-time enemy attacks.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2025. Despite the distant release date, Broche expressed excitement about the enthusiastic response, promising more reveals in the coming year.