Every so often, a game comes along that completely reshapes your expectations, reminding you why gaming is such a powerful medium. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is that game.

Figure 1: Cover Art for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Image Source: Steam Store Page for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

It emerged seemingly out of nowhere, overshadowed by bigger titles like Oblivion dropping on Xbox Game Pass. But when whispers started circulating about this AA title being a potential Game of the Year (GOTY) contender, I had to see what the buzz was about.

Now, after sinking 45+ hours into it, I can confidently say this is one of the most unforgettable gaming experiences I’ve ever had. Developed by a small studio of just 30 people, Expedition 33 is a labour of love that delivers a hauntingly beautiful story, innovative combat, and a world so immersive it feels like a living painting. Here’s why this game is a modern classic and a strong contender for GOTY.

A Story That Grips You from the First Hour

From the moment Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 begins, it grabs you by your soul and refuses to let go. The narrative wastes no time thrusting you into its enigmatic world, avoiding heavy-handed exposition. Instead of being spoon-fed lore, you’re immersed alongside the characters, discovering the world as they do in a disorienting yet wondrous journey that sparks mystery, wonder, and emotional weight throughout the game. The story is hauntingly beautiful, weaving together despair, hope, and existential stakes in a fresh, deeply personal way. Adding to its charm is the brilliant comedic dialogue that offers light-hearted moments and witty exchanges to the narrative, greatly enhancing the characters’ relatability.

What sets the narrative apart is its trust in the player. There’s no frontloaded info dump; the story unfolds like an onion, peeling back layers with every cutscene, conversation, and audio log. Each revelation feels like a discovery, drawing you deeper into the expedition. The high stakes, where failure means extinction, lend urgency and meaning to every decision and moment. The writing shines with natural, grounded dialogue, and every character’s choices reflect their emotional state and dire circumstances.

The vocal performances in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 elevate its narrative to cinematic heights. Charlie Cox, Kirsty Rider, and Jennifer English deliver hauntingly grounded portrayals, rich with emotional depth and vulnerability. Andy Serkis brings his signature gravitas and nuance, while Maxence Cazorla’s Esquie radiates warmth and charm, providing both levity and heart. Ben Starr adds intensity and complexity as Verso, anchoring key moments with quiet power. Shala Nyx brings fierce conviction and emotional resonance to Sciel, and Rich Keeble lends Monoco a sharp wit and unexpected pathos. Every performance lands with striking authenticity, each line, no matter how small, feels lived-in, making this ensemble one of the most compelling in recent narrative gaming.

Figure 2: The Voice Actors Matched with their Characters in Expedition 33
Image Source: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: All Voice Actors

The audio logs are so heartfelt and beautifully crafted that I searched every corner of the world to find them all. Filled with the voices of past expedition members, these logs bring layers of tragedy and hope to the narrative.

Combat That Reinvents Turn-Based Gameplay

If you think you’ve seen everything that turn-based combat has to offer, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will prove you wrong. The game takes the genre and injects it with a fresh, dynamic energy that feels unlike anything else. At its core, it’s turn-based, but it introduces a rhythm-based dodge, parry, and jump system that keeps you on your toes. Every encounter feels intense and tactical, requiring you to learn enemy patterns, time your actions, and strategise on the fly.

The dodge and parry mechanics are the heart of the combat’s innovation. Dodging has a forgiving window, with two success states, “Dodge” and “Perfect”, allowing you to safely avoid attacks while learning enemy patterns. Parrying, on the other hand, demands precision timing but rewards you with a counterattack that feels incredibly satisfying when executed correctly. The game even adds jumping as a dodge and counter option later in the game to keep gameplay fun and refreshing.

Figure 3: Dodging mechanic in action during combat encounter
Image Source: Deltia’s Gaming: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Parry and Dodge Explained

The gun mechanic adds another layer of depth. Spending 1 Action Point (AP) to shoot enemies may sound simple, but it’s cleverly integrated. It’s perfect for finishing off low-health enemies or targeting flying foes that are harder to hit with standard attacks. This resource management system, which replaces traditional mana, keeps you engaged and forces you to think strategically about every move. You can later enhance your strategy by applying powerful passive abilities, enabling you to burn, break, or devastate enemies in even more creative ways.

Figure 4: Gun mechanic in action during combat
Image Source: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Gameplay #16 I beat the #MiniBOSS!

Each character brings something unique to the table, making team composition a joy to experiment with. Gustave is a powerhouse, delivering massive damage with his brute-force playstyle. Lune wields elemental powers, using “stains” to empower her attacks with devastating effects. Sciel, the support character, applies “Foretell” stacks to enemies, setting up devastating combos for the team. Each character features a unique skill tree, allowing them to unlock new abilities that significantly enhance their combat prowess. Later characters, which I won’t spoil, add even more variety.

Figure 5: Lune’s Skill Tree Menu – unlock new abilities
Image Source: GameRant’s guide on the best early-game skills for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Their skills synergise beautifully, and the Pictos system, (passive skills that enhance your characters), adds depth to customisation. You can equip Pictos to add effects like increased damage against burning enemies, or applied shields when your health drops below 50%. As you level up, you gain Lumina, a resource that lets you share mastered Pictos across characters, making party swapping seamless, and encouraging experimentation. The skill trees further enhance this, offering flexible build options that reward creativity.

Figure 6: Luminas menu for distributing pictos across characters
Image Source: Polygon’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 beginner’s tips

The combat never feels repetitive. Enemy variety, status effects, and the need for tactical thinking keep every fight engaging. Boss battles, in particular, are a highlight, with some offering mechanics that echo the strategic depth of Dark Souls, not punishingly difficult, but thoughtfully designed to reward skill and focus. The fights are perfectly paced, not too long or monotonous, ensuring you stay hooked without feeling overwhelmed.

While the journey through Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is largely flawless, I found the Act 3 level scaling a bit disappointing. After exploring thoroughly, I ended up overleveled, one-shotting certain bosses, including the final encounter, which dulled the challenge I’d anticipated. A clearer indication of recommended levels for each area would have helped maintain the intended difficulty and kept the excitement alive.

A World That Feels Alive

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a visual and auditory masterpiece. The world is a surreal blend of beauty and melancholy, with environments that look like paintings come to life. Every area feels handcrafted, from sprawling landscapes to eerie ruins, each dripping with atmosphere. The art style is dreamlike, with a painterly quality that enhances the story’s themes of despair, hope, and mystery. The attention to detail is staggering, enemy designs, weapons, and even small environmental touches, like the shimmering Nevrons that pulse with otherworldly energy, feel deliberate and inspired.

Figure 7: Lumiere’s Stunning Landscape
Image Source: IGN’s coverage of Maxroll’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 guides

The Sound of Clair Obscur: Music That Paints the Soul

The sound design is equally incredible. The ambient noises, from the rustle of leaves to the eerie hum of desolate areas, create a cinematic immersion that never gets old. A certain sound has been seared into my brain, the one that plays whenever that character makes their entrance in the game (no spoilers). It’s so simple, yet so powerful.

The soundtrack is on another level entirely. Comprising over 150 tracks by composer Lorien Testard, with vocals by Alice Duport-Percier and guest vocalists Victor Borba and Axelle Verner, plus contributions from over 40 others. This eight-hour masterpiece is one of the best video game scores I’ve ever heard. It features a rich blend of orchestral and electronic elements, combining strings (violins, violas, cellos, double bass), piano, saxophone, acoustic guitar, and low recorder, alongside a choir and lead vocals to create a truly unique and immersive sonic experience.

The music is a cornerstone of its incredible experience, looping the unforgettable overworld theme in my head long after playing. Boss battle tracks hit with intensity, while cinematic moments are elevated by somber, emotional compositions that amplify the story’s impact. The team’s clear vision shines through every note, perfectly complementing the game’s tone and pacing.

Figure 8: A Reddit Meme About the Music in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Image Source: Can’t walk 2 feet without dying of peak music

The UI (User Interface) is clean and stylish, balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal. Navigation is intuitive, thanks to an in-game compass that guides you without breaking immersion. I didn’t even notice the lack of a mini-map until someone pointed it out, which speaks to how well the world is designed for exploration. Every location feels rewarding, whether it’s uncovering loot, piecing together the fate of previous expeditions, or simply soaking in the atmosphere.

Cinematic Mastery: Visual Storytelling Beyond Gameplay

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 transcends traditional game visuals by integrating filmic techniques that manipulate camera angles, aspect ratios, and color palettes to enhance narrative depth and emotional impact.

The game utilises dynamic camera movements and aspect ratio changes to mirror the protagonist’s psychological states. For instance, during moments of isolation or introspection, the camera may pull back, making characters appear small against vast landscapes, emphasising their vulnerability. Conversely, tight close-ups during intense dialogues draw players into the characters’ emotional worlds. These cinematic choices are reminiscent of techniques used in film to convey mood and character development.

Colour plays a pivotal role in conveying the game’s emotional tones. Vibrant hues dominate scenes of hope and camaraderie, while desaturated or monochromatic schemes underscore despair and tension. This deliberate use of colour not only enhances the visual appeal but also serves as a narrative device, guiding players’ emotional responses throughout the journey.

These artistic choices align with the game’s thematic exploration of light and darkness, both literally and metaphorically. The term “clair-obscur,” referring to the stark contrast between light and shadow in art, is embodied in the game’s visual storytelling, creating a cohesive and immersive experience

Accessibility: A Strong Foundation with Little Room to Grow

For a small studio, Sandfall Interactive has done an fantastic job with accessibility, making Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 welcoming to a wide range of players. The game offers several thoughtful options, though there’s still room for improvement:

• Automatic QTEs: You can automate QTEs for attacks, which is a boon for players who struggle with timing-based inputs. However, this doesn’t extend to dodging or parrying, which could be a barrier for some.
  
• Subtitle Customisation: Players can adjust subtitle size, enable speaker names, and colour-code dialogue for better readability. That said, white subtitles on white backgrounds in snowy environments can be hard to read, an issue that could be fixed with better contrast options.
  
• Colourblind Modes: These are included to support players with visual impairments, ensuring the game’s vibrant visuals are accessible to more people.
  
• Motion and Camera Shake Toggles: Options to disable camera shake and motion blur make the game more comfortable for players sensitive to visual overload.

A Labour of Love from a Small Studio

One of the most astonishing aspects of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is that it was crafted by a core team of just 30 people at Sandfall Interactive, including their Happiness Manager, a dog named Monoco. However, the broader production extended far beyond this small group, with over 200 contributors bringing the game to life. This includes around 50 outsourced developers, a talented ensemble of at least 15 voice actors for English and French dubs, a 40-person orchestra for the soundtrack, dozens of playtesters ensuring a polished experience, and teams for motion capture and cinematics.

Figure 9: A Photo of the Sandfall Interactive Development Team
Image Source: The Sandfall Interactive team who created Clair obscure: Expedition 33

The level of polish is remarkable, no crashes, no bugs, and a seamless experience across my 50+ hours of playtime. The only minor issue I encountered was some lip-syncing inconsistencies in the first act, but these improve significantly later on and are barely noticeable in the grand scheme. By the end, I found myself clapping at the credits, overwhelmed by the dedication, and in awe when I saw that a single individual had masterminded aspects like level building, proof of the team’s extraordinary talent and passion.

This game is a passion project through and through. You feel it in every detail: the heartfelt dialogue, the meticulously designed world, the innovative combat, and the unforgettable soundtrack. It’s not a cash grab or a rehash of tired formulas. Unlike many modern RPGs that rely on long cutscenes, repetitive corridors, and recycled mechanics, Expedition 33 prioritises fun, creativity, and emotional depth. It’s a love letter to storytelling and gameplay innovation, proving that a small team with a clear vision can outshine even the biggest AAA studios.

Final Verdict: A Spellbinding, Emotional Voyage

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a triumph. It’s a modern classic that combines a beautiful story, innovative gameplay, and a world that feels alive with every step. For a AA title from a small studio, it’s nothing short of a masterpiece, standing toe-to-toe with the biggest games of this generation. If you have Game Pass, there’s no excuse not to play it. If you don’t, it’s worth every penny.

This game has earned its place as my early GOTY pick, and I can’t imagine anything surpassing it this year, maybe even this decade. It’s the kind of experience that lingers long after the credits roll, a testament to the power of passionate, creative game development. Sandfall Interactive has set a new standard for what AA games can achieve, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.

After completing the game in 46 hours, and with 55/55 achievements unlocked, I’d give Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 a rating of 5/5 Esquie’s