French Fantasy Gets a JRPG Spin in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Picture a JRPG straight out of a dream, with the colors and unpredictability of a painting. Throw in the air of Parisian mystery—a balloon man floats by, vendors turn into monsters, and the rules of the world seem written in pastel chalk. That’s the energy pulsing through Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This game breaks away from typical swords-and-sorcery lands, setting you loose in a not-quite France that feels as curious as it does enchanting. The whole place hums with surreal detail and clever quirks.
Instead of flat, one-note companions, you’ll join up with a band of characters who feel like they have complicated histories and raw feelings. There’s always more going on beneath the surface, from the balloon man guiding you to shape-shifting vendors who challenge you to weird little brawls for better loot. At the emotional core is the Paintress—a tragic figure whose tangled life and choices grip the story tight. She’s no cookie-cutter villain or victim, and her presence challenges the party’s views on fate, grief and hope. This focus on depth means your adventures here stick with you, not just for the boss battles, but for the things your party says and does when the dust settles.
A Journey of Sights, Sounds, and Tough Fights
Let’s get to the nitty-gritty: the combat. This is where Clair Obscur tries to blend classic turn-based play with modern, real-time action. On paper, it’s a bold mix. In-game, it feels like two gears that don’t always fit. There are flashes of brilliance—the tension ramps up, your heart pounds, and a victory feels well-earned. But the pace jumps around unpredictably, and you’re always hustling to keep your team alive. Even though the adventure doesn’t drag on for 80 hours, some battles can feel like a chore that you grind through, rather than moments to savor or show off your skills. The real-time bits in particular can push your patience, especially if you’re after the more thoughtful, tactical side of JRPGs.
If you’re the type who loves getting swept up in a game’s atmosphere, though, Expedition 33 has that nailed. The soundtrack takes wild swings: lush orchestral themes, electric guitars that rip through boss fights, and even some '80s pop sprinkling flavor over key scenes. It’s a mash-up that shouldn’t work, but absolutely does. The visuals match the vibe, blending out-there fantasy backdrops with strange, moody lighting. Some places are beautiful and inviting, others twisty and unsettling—making it hard to predict what’s around the corner.
Exploration borrows that old-school Final Fantasy approach: a world map dotted with fresh challenges, secrets you’ll only snag after circling back with new skills, and just enough cinematic flare to keep you hooked on what’s coming next. While the cutscenes won’t blow you away compared to high-budget blockbusters, they know how to set a tone and keep the story’s emotional punch alive.
For all its flaws, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the kind of game that sticks with you. The combat may try your patience, but the world and characters leave an impression. If you’re searching for a fresh take on JRPGs and don’t mind fighting through a few rough patches, you’ll find plenty to remember here.