Cosmos in the Shadows: Expedition 33 Unveils Ancient Roots

Sandfall Interactive's founder and creative director recently unveiled key details about their upcoming title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This article delves into the game's historical inspirations and innovative gameplay mechanics.

Historical Influences and Gameplay Innovations:

The game's title itself holds significant meaning. "Clair Obscur," Guillaume Broche explains, references the 17th and 18th-century French artistic and cultural movement, profoundly impacting the game's visual style and overarching world. "Expedition 33" refers to a recurring group led by protagonist Gustave, tasked annually with defeating the Paintress, a being who erases ages by inscribing numbers on her monolith – a process referred to as "Gommage." The reveal trailer showcases the death of Gustave's partner after the Paintress marks the number 33, highlighting her current age. Broche also cites the fantasy novel La Horde du Contrevent and works like Attack on Titan as narrative inspirations, emphasizing the appeal of perilous journeys into the unknown.

A Modern Take on Classic Turn-Based RPGs:

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 distinguishes itself through its high-fidelity graphics, a rarity in the turn-based RPG genre. Broche notes a gap in the market for such a visually impressive experience, stating their aim to fill this void. While drawing inspiration from real-time turn-based predecessors like Valkyria Chronicles and Project X Zone, the game introduces a reactive turn-based battle system. Players strategically plan their actions during their turn, but must react in real-time to enemy attacks during the opponent's turn, dodging, jumping, or parrying to unleash powerful counterattacks. The developers drew inspiration from action titles such as the Souls series, Devil May Cry, and NieR, aiming to incorporate the rewarding gameplay of these action games into a turn-based context.

Looking Ahead:

Broche's insights shed light on the game's rich lore and narrative depth, rooted in real-world influences. The combination of high-fidelity visuals and the innovative reactive battle system promises a fresh take on the genre. The strategic planning between turns is complemented by the need for real-time reactions to enemy attacks, creating a dynamic and engaging combat experience.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC by 2025. Despite the extended timeframe until launch, Broche expresses enthusiasm for the positive reception and anticipates sharing more details in the coming year.