Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Fresh Take on JRPGs
For enthusiasts of Western role-playing games, 2025 has already delivered notable titles like Avowed and the forthcoming The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remaster. However, if you’re seeking a truly unique RPG experience that defies conventions, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is set to launch on April 24th. The game’s producer offers insights into what awaits players in this innovative title.
At GDC 2025, I had the opportunity to preview several early hours of Expedition 33, developed by the French studio Sandfall Interactive. Incorporating dynamic turn-based combat, a compelling narrative centered on themes of mortality, and a visually stunning universe complemented by captivating music, Expedition 33 is well-positioned to attract gamers seeking something novel in their story-driven adventures.
During the preview, I engaged in a discussion with François Meurisse, co-founder and producer of Expedition 33 at Sandfall Interactive, regarding the inspirations, combat mechanics, and artistic direction that define this French studio’s interpretation of the classic JRPG genre.
Inspirations Behind Expedition 33
Interviewer: Playing the game for the first time, it struck me as remarkably kinetic for an RPG, especially the fluid menus and dodging during combat. What inspired the team’s design choices?
François Meurisse: We drew inspiration from classic Japanese RPGs, notably older Final Fantasy titles like Final Fantasy X, alongside more contemporary games like Persona 5.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
From Persona, we adopted the principle that every interaction should be meaningful and efficient, eliminating redundant steps. Each button press triggers a camera movement, creating a dynamic and almost action-oriented feel. Our goal was to capture the essence of turn-based gameplay while injecting a sense of immediacy and responsiveness.
Mastering the Interactive Battle System
Interviewer: The interactivity of the battle system is impressive. How did you balance parrying and dodging, especially for players who might not excel at either?
François Meurisse: The defensive mechanics require precision, but offer multiple options. Beginners facing new enemies can start with dodging, which is more lenient in terms of timing. Perfecting the timing for dodges allows players to then attempt parrying.
- Various playstyles are catered for.
- Equipment and character skills are diverse.
- Players can focus on status effects and heavy damage, reducing reliance on the defense system.
We’ve established a solid balance. The availability of varied equipment, abilities, and characters allows players to tailor their experience. Even if parrying isn’t your strength, you can equip passive effects or gear to complement your preferred play style.
For instance, if you favor dodging, you can utilize passive effects that grant bonus action points upon successful dodges. For those less keen on quick-time events during attacks, automatic QTEs can be enabled in the settings.
The Alluring Art Design of a Savage Continent
Interviewer: The art style is notably distinctive. In the demo, encountering the character with a stone corkscrew head was particularly striking. What influences shaped this visual design?
François Meurisse: Our core inspiration stems from the Belle Epoque and Art Deco periods, blending early 20th-century France with elements of high fantasy. This is especially evident in the city at the beginning of the expedition, the expeditionary garments, and the architecture of the manor.
The setting transitions to a wild, unexplored continent. Our art director incorporated varied inspirations for different adversaries and environments; the enemy you mentioned draws from clay sculptures and organic forms.
A French Perspective on JRPGs
Interviewer: What unique elements does a French studio bring to the JRPG genre? What aspects of the game are distinctly French?
François Meurisse: Definitely Lumiere, the city where the game starts, including its take on the Eiffel Tower. There is also the French swearing, some character names, artistic influences, and clothing designs.
The Paintress: A Unique Antagonist
Interviewer: The Paintress, as the primary antagonist, feels distinctively French and unlike typical JRPG villains.
François Meurisse: Yes, this may be the case. The Paintress will reveal secrets throughout the journey.
Innovation in Expedition 33
Interviewer: What fresh elements does Expedition 33 introduce to the JRPG landscape?
François Meurisse: While rooted in classic RPG mechanics, the game incorporates elements inspired by From Software, such as the defense system and stat progression. We also borrowed deckbuilding ideas for our action points. We’ve integrated our favorite gameplay features and combined them with unique art, a captivating narrative, and memorable characters.
The Power of Music and Emotion
Interviewer: Can you elaborate on the game’s music? The battle themes, in particular, are fantastic, with the incorporation of choral elements. There are also distinctive French influences, such as the use of organs.
François Meurisse: Our composer, Lorien Testard, created a comprehensive original soundtrack, developed concurrently with the game since 2020. Alice Duport-Percier, a composer and singer with an exceptional voice, is also part of the team. We have approximately 45 minutes of orchestral recordings from a French orchestra.
Thematic Inspirations Behind Recurring Death
Interviewer: The game’s theme of recurring death, with humanity’s age limit decreasing each year, is compelling. What inspired this somber concept?
François Meurisse: The countdown was conceptualized with the expedition concept drawing inspiration from the French novel “La Horde du Contrevent” — “The Horde of Counterwind.” It follows a group of warriors attempting to discover the origin of the wind. This idea of surpassing what the previous group accomplished resonated with us; learning from their failures and pushing further.
What to Anticipate
Interviewer: What are you most excited for players to experience in Expedition 33?
François Meurisse: Primarily, the story, including its twists, and journey towards The Paintress. I can’t wait to learn about players’ reactions to characters since the actors’ performances made me cry.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be available on PC, Xbox, and PS5 starting April 24th.