PlayStation 5 Critic Reviews

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sets new standards for the genre of turn based RPGs with regard to the story, but even more so the combat. A new, shining star, who hopefully points the way for many future games.

With its stunning visuals, it’s hard to believe Clair Obscur was made by such a relatively tiny team. But the game is more than just eye candy, offering an intriguing plot and some top-notch acting, as well as a solid and exciting combat system that rewards the effort it takes to learn.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 delivers everything it had been promising—and then some. The game has everything that makes an RPG great, along with a story that will completely grip you from beginning to end.

Clair Obscur is artistry for the senses. Visuals, soundtrack, acting, storyline and gameplay are all top tier, and I cannot urge you to play this game strongly enough.

Simply put, Sandfall Interactive’s debut game is a masterclass in presentation, storytelling, and gameplay. It’s a game you need to play to experience.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may not be a ‘perfect’ game, but it was the ‘perfect’ game for me. It’s a game that left me awestruck with its unique setting and melodies, enthralled with its characters and world, hooked and held me with its gameplay, and has left me eagerly anticipating news of when I can return. This game is a celebration of the RPG genre made by a team whose heart and soul were poured into every aspect of the game. While some design decisions may not resonate with all players, Sandfall Interactive should be incredibly proud of their creation.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a breathtaking debut that masterfully weaves a multi-layered narrative, striking visual style, exceptional soundtrack, and one of the most enjoyable combat systems in recent years. It dares to explore weighty themes without unnecessary handholding, and thanks to perfectly written characters and constantly evolving gameplay, it holds your attention from start to finish. A phenomenal piece that proves artistic ambition doesn't have to come at the cost of great gameplay.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a journey that blasts the senses from beginning to end. The melancholic and bleak moments are balanced by the characters’ perseverance, which makes their triumphs shine much brighter. There’s a profound sense of style and substance that only expands as more of the world is uncovered. What results is a true work of art that ties its brilliant components together into a complete package, which is awe inspiring to come from a freshman developer. The heart and soul injected here makes for a very bright future of a return of more turn-based epics that don’t need the power of a known franchise to propel their popularity. RPGamers will not want to miss out on this masterpiece.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the masterful execution of a majestic concept. It transported me back to being that 16-year-old discovering Final Fantasy X, filled with wonder and awe. Despite drawing from the finest elements of numerous RPGs, the game radiates a unique personality and earns its place among the pantheon of the genre.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a sheer triumph in every department, evolving beyond its inspirations to present one of the most engrossing RPGs of the last decade.