Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review
Gettin’ too old for this game…..literally.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Gothic RPG Painted in Brilliance
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a JRPG, a rhythm game, and a oil painting all walked into a bar—this is it. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is bold, beautiful, and haunting, an RPG that trades swords for brushstrokes and tells a story that feels both epic and deeply personal.
Combat That’s Both Brainy and Hands-On
At first glance, it’s turn-based combat. Pick your skills, set your strategy, and watch it unfold. But here’s the twist—every move has a real-time element: parries, dodges, and rhythm-timed inputs that can turn the tide of battle. It’s tense, stylish, and makes every encounter feel like a performance you have to nail perfectly.
A World Painted in Shadows
Set in a twisted Belle-Époque France, the game drips with gothic atmosphere. Streets, ruins, and forests all look like living oil paintings—lush, decayed, and achingly beautiful. Even just walking through the world feels like stepping into an art gallery where every piece could swallow you whole.
Story That Haunts and Hooks
Every 33 years, the mysterious Paintress paints a number—and with each brushstroke, humanity dies. You’re part of Expedition 33, the last desperate attempt to stop her before she completes her cursed masterpiece. Alongside a cast of broken-yet-brilliant allies, you’ll uncover tragic stories of past expeditions, eerie folklore, and a mystery that keeps tugging you forward.
What Shines / What Falters
Glowing Highlights:
Combat that fuses strategy with skillful reflexes.
A visual style unlike anything else—living art on your screen.
Atmospheric soundtrack that feels like a ghost humming in your ear.
Characters with depth, flaws, and soul.
A Few Smudges:
No mini-map makes wandering a little too… adventurous.
Platforming sections feel clunky compared to the tight combat.
Occasional UI quirks and bugs can break immersion.
Final Verdict
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterpiece of mood, mechanics, and myth. It’s an RPG that doesn’t just want you to play—it wants you to feel every parry, every scar, every note of its story. Whether you’re a long-time JRPG fan or just someone who loves when games feel like art, this one deserves a spot in your collection.