Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is nothing short of a masterpiece—a triumphant debut from Sandfall Interactive that sets a new benchmark for RPGs. This game is a love letter to JRPG fans, blending breathtaking visuals, a soul-stirring soundtrack, innovative gameplay, and stellar optimization into an unforgettable experience. I’m still in awe of how a team of roughly 30 developers, many of whom are ex-Ubisoft talent, crafted something this extraordinary. A huge thank you to Ubisoft for finally letting these brilliant developers spread their wings and show the world what they’re truly capable of—instead of churning out yet another Assassin’s Creed or Far Cry. Their creative freedom has birthed a game that’s pure magic.
The visuals are a feast for the eyes, leveraging Unreal Engine 5 to deliver a surreal, Belle Époque-inspired world that’s both haunting and beautiful. From the crimson forests to the ethereal, coral-like underwater realms, every environment is a work of art, with rich chiaroscuro lighting and meticulous details that make exploration a joy. Character designs strike a perfect balance between whimsical and dark, and the Paintress herself is a visually striking antagonist whose presence lingers. The attention to detail, like blood and grime on characters after tough battles, adds incredible immersion. This is one of the most gorgeous games I’ve ever played, rivaling AAA giants despite its indie roots.

The soundtrack is an absolute triumph, easily one of the best in gaming history. Composed by Lorien Testard, with contributions from a nine-person choir and over 30 musicians, the score is a haunting, emotional journey that elevates every moment. From soaring, melancholic themes to pulse-pounding battle tracks, the music perfectly complements the game’s tone, rivaling the likes of NieR: Automata. It’s no surprise it topped Spotify’s viral charts—every note feels crafted with heart and soul.

Gameplay is where Expedition 33 truly shines, reinventing turn-based combat with real-time mechanics that keep you on the edge of your seat. The hybrid system, inspired by JRPGs like Final Fantasy and action games like Sekiro, blends strategic turn-based planning with precise dodging, parrying, and free-aim targeting. Each of the six playable characters—Lune, Maelle, Sciel, Gustave, Verso, and Monoco—brings unique mechanics, from elemental “Stains” to stance-switching or magical card systems, ensuring battles are varied and thrilling. The customization through skill trees, Pictos, and Chroma Catalysts lets you craft builds that feel personal and rewarding. Combat feels like a dance, with perfectly timed parries triggering slow-motion counters that never get old. It’s challenging yet exhilarating, making every victory feel earned.

Optimization is another area where this game excels. On PC, it runs like a dream, with unlocked framerates, ultrawide support, and adjustable settings that scale beautifully across hardware. My RTX 4090 pushed 4K at ultra settings with no issues. For an Unreal Engine 5 title from a small team, this level of technical finesse is astounding.

The story is a gripping, melancholic tale of Expedition 33’s quest to stop the Paintress, who erases people by age in a dark fantasy world. It’s emotionally resonant, with stellar voice acting from talents like Charlie Cox and Andy Serkis, and a narrative that explores mortality and loss with heart-wrenching depth. The pacing is near-perfect, balancing intense story beats with charming overworld exploration reminiscent of classic Final Fantasy titles. The 30+ hour campaign, plus 20 hours of side content like superbosses and minigames, ensures there’s always something to discover.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a game that demands to be played. It’s a shining example of what happens when passionate developers are given the freedom to create something bold and original. Sandfall Interactive has delivered a modern classic that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with JRPG legends, and I can’t wait to see what they do next. If you love RPGs, stunning visuals, unforgettable music, or just a damn good game, this is an absolute must-buy. Here’s to hoping more studios follow Sandfall’s lead in crafting art over formulaic blockbusters. 10/10—pure perfection.