Game Information
Game Title: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Platforms:
- PC (Apr 24, 2025)
- PlayStation 5 (Apr 24, 2025)
- Xbox Series X/S (Apr 24, 2025)
Trailer:
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 92 average - 96% recommended - 55 reviews
Critic Reviews
Atarita - Alparslan Gürlek - Turkish - 75 / 100
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 creates a touching experience with its engaging plot, great narrative and excellent soundtrack, but its gamification problems hindered its potential.
But Why Tho? - Arron Kluz - 7 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a competent new JRPG with which genre fans will likely be pleased. However, it does very little to iterate on the foundation laid by those that came before it. Instead, it’s content to offer its flavor of what has worked before.
CGMagazine - Chris De Hoog - 10 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a master-crafted RPG, blending several trends into a hybrid system that's as unrelenting as its heart-wrenching plot.
Capsule Computers - Dustin Spencer - 9 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an ambitious take on an old genre that is just as gratifying to look at as it is to engage in. A new franchise is born.
Cerealkillerz - Nick Erlenhof - German - 9.5 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a special role-playing game that is full of love and passion. It's beautiful, the soundtrack is a splendor, the battles always challenge you without being unfair or losing the fun and the story offers an unusually adult approach. With great acting performances, hard-hitting twists and all kinds of endgame content, you'll have fun for a long time. If you've ever planned to play an RPG, play this one.
Checkpoint Gaming - Charlie Kelly - 10 / 10
Blasting the door down and becoming an instant masterpiece classic, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 defies all expectations and ambitions and then some. Looking at decades of genre refinement and somehow still managing to innovate, creating immensely tactical, thought-provoking and rich combat is nothing short of a miracle achieved at the hands of Sandfall Interactive. Accompanying it is an entirely fresh and magnificent world full of wonders and beauty, even despite its intricate and often harrowing narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and so many RPGs that have come before it, the little expedition that could will be plastered across history with the greats. Bravo.
Console-Tribe - Luca Saati - Italian - 90 / 100
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a rare gem — the kind of game that rekindles your love for the medium. With a deep combat system, a moving story, and a stunning artistic direction, it stands out in today’s gaming landscape. It's not without flaws, especially in exploration, but what it achieves in emotion, design, and gameplay more than makes up for it. If you’re looking for a JRPG-inspired experience with a bold artistic soul and heartfelt storytelling, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.
Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - Unscored
Prior to my three hours of hands-on time playing this preview, I went in expecting Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to be an underdog, yet the deeper I delved into its mechanics and systems I came out thinking it had the potential to be one of 2025’s standout titles.
Digitale Anime - Raouf Belhamra - Arabic - 10 / 10
"An adventure that stands proudly among the giants of the RPG genre."
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an adventure that stands proudly among the giants of the RPG genre, despite being an independent project. It combines unique strategic combat, a moving narrative emotion, and stunning art direction inspired by Symbolist art of La Belle Époque. The game succeeds in creating an experience rich in meaning and deep mechanics without sacrificing the quality of the presentation or the narrative focus. Some technical flaws are present, but they do not overshadow the overall visual power.
DualShockers - Jake Valentine - 10 / 10
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Fextralife - Castielle - 9.5 / 10
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is a once in a generation title that transcends gaming, and approaches a work of art. From it’s unique and compelling story, its cast of characters that are some of the best in the industry, a world design that feels more like a painting rather than a video game, and the other the top combat animations that are larger than life, Expedition 33 has it all! My personal favorite game this year, and now one of my all time favorite games as well. Don’t miss out one of the most memorable experiences you can have in entertainment, and get this Day 1!
GRYOnline.pl - Maciej Pawlikowski - Polish - 9.5 / 10
If I were a teenager still, this game would ingrain itself into my brain the same way Final Fantasy VII did in 1997. Right now, when there are numerous predictions about the death of single player games, when creativity is shackled by the sales department, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a true gem worth every praise.
GameBlast - Victor Vitório - Portuguese - 9.5 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an exemplary turn-based RPG that nails everything right. From the beautiful visual presentation to the world-building, from the dynamic and active battles to the deep customization systems, it is a piece of work that knows how to take advantage of classic JRPG structures and stands out for taking them further in a unique approach.
GamePro - Kevin Itzinger - German - 89 / 100
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GameSpot - Richard Wakeling - 9 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a phenomenal RPG, telling a heartbreaking tale while incorporating thrilling action into its tactical turn-based combat
Gameblog - French - 8 / 10
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Gameliner - Rudy Wijnberg - Dutch - 4.5 / 5
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 defied my expectations with its unique charm, offering an engaging narrative, beautiful design, and diverse gameplay that kept me entertained throughout, even if its ambition occasionally led to confusing mechanics and cluttered menus.
Gamepressure - Giancarlo Saldana - 10 / 10
Simply put, Sandfall Interactive’s debut game is a masterclass in presentation, storytelling, and gameplay. It’s a game you need to play to experience.
Gamer Guides - Lexi Luddy - 98 / 100
Clair Obscur feels big, it feels important, it feels like a game for now, that you’ll be thinking about for years to come. Expedition 33 might be built off of the groundwork laid by decades of creatives that came before, but its impact is wholly singular and essential in its own right.
Gamersky - Chinese - 8.8 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a modern creation deeply infused with the soul of classic JRPGs, carving out a bold new possibility for the genre's future. Its QTE-infused combat system brings a rare sense of impact and fluidity to turn-based battles, while boss encounters inspired by Souls-like design offer room for skill-based progression.
Gamesource Italia - Fabio Valbonetti - Italian - 9 / 10
Thanks to its setting, its fantastic combat system and its emotional story, Expedition 33 is one of the greatest game I've played in the past few year
GamingBolt - Ravi Sinha - 9 / 10
Paying homage to those that came before yet bursting with its own creativity, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a must-play title for RPG fans.
IGN Italy - Alessandra Borgonovo - Italian - 9 / 10
A paradigm shift for turn-based RPGs, respectful of their heritage yet unafraid to dismantle and rebuild their foundations.
Just Play it - Lamine BENYAHIA - Arabic - 9 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the most stunning surprises of this generation delivering a deep philosophical story set in a visually breathtaking world with gorgeous graphics and an addictive turn-based combat system! With its tense battles and unpredictable twists, it'll keep you on the edge of your seat. If you're looking for an experience that echoes the best of turn-based while adding modern and innovative touches then this game definitely deserves a spot on your must-play list.
Kakuchopurei - Jonathan Toyad - 100 / 100
Veterans will love the callbacks and tributes Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 pays to its inspirations, and get a sublime experience out of it. Even if you're new to the genre, its narrative and unique world will draw you in, with its turn-based and combat mechanics spellbinding you like a world class French arthouse flick would to film critics.
Très magnifique, une expérience merveilleuse, as they say.
KonsoliFIN - Niko Lähteenmäki - Finnish - 5 / 5
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterpiece that clearly draws inspiration from other RPG's, but does so with such elegance and skill that it stands firmly on its own in an overcrowded genre – thanks in part, of course, to its own unique tricks. In an age of cynicism and uncertainty, it's wonderful to get our hands on something this magical.
Life is Xbox - Robby Bisschop - 100 / 100
Quite possibly the best RPG of its kind. Epic story with heartfelt moments, best-in class combat, gorgeous graphics and music that will linger for the rest of my life. I’ll be humming some of these tunes in the retirement home. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the real thing. This game will go down in history as a must-play RPG.
Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 9.5 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 feels truly unique and artistic, and reminds us how moving, exhilarating, and provocative big-budget adventure games can be.
Manual dos Games - Juliana Barreira Barbosa - Portuguese - 10 / 10
I have to admit, when I first saw the title, I was expecting a solid game inspired by classic JRPGs—but I never imagined the level of emotion and quality that Sandfall’s debut would end up delivering. It’s almost like the Final Fantasy XVII of our dreams. It features one of the best narratives I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing, with gameplay that’s both engaging and addictive. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is, in many different ways, a masterpiece. When one falls, we continue.
MondoXbox - Valerio Tosetti - Italian - 9.7 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is destined to become a classic, with a deep and well-written storyline, a spectacular soundtrack and top-notch graphics, along with a well-tuned combat system. One of the best JRPGs around.
MonsterVine - James Carr - 4 / 5
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 not only deftly improves upon the idea of active turn-based combat, but delivers it in a gorgeous and realized world. The characters are incredible, it dodges some of the more grating aspects of turn-based RPGs, and delivers a mature, and at times haunting, story, without falling into the traps of too much violence for the sake of maturity. A big narrative turn flattens the experience, and a few too many rough edges keep it from masterpiece status, but it is still an incredible experience.
Niche Gamer - Throgmorton Belmont - 10 / 10
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One More Game - Vincent Ternida - 10 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a resounding triumph from Sandfall Interactive. It delivers a refreshingly bold RPG experience that stands out in a genre often crowded with titles that miss the mark. With meticulous balance, the game offers a blend of old meets new while crafting a tightly woven narrative alongside an excellent turn-based combat system that is simple to learn and strategically deep.
Oyungezer Online - Eren Eryürekli - Turkish - 10 / 10
Expedition 33 is magnificent in every possible way. I was in love with it whole time and while playing I’ve became so engaged with characters and the story surround them I forgot the flow of time entirely. This is clearly the future for JRPG’s and it’s sense of scale is outstanding. Definitely a classic for years to come.
PCMGAMES - José Miguel Rodríguez Ros - Spanish - Essential
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an unforgettable RPG, with a brilliant combat system, a powerful story and a visually unique world. It not only delivers what it promises: it surpasses it in almost everything. If you like demanding RPGs, with soul, personality and good taste, this is one of those titles you won't forget.
PSX Brasil - Bruno Henrique Vinhadel - Portuguese - 90 / 100
Masterful in artistic and narrative aspects and with an impeccable soundtrack, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the best surprises of the year and stands out positively in a market that has started to charge too much for experiences that don't deliver what they should.
PlayStation Universe - Timothy Nunes - 9.5 / 10
I do not say this spontaneously or hyperbolically: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a generational RPG. The quality of writing is pitch-perfect at every step, vividly depicting the somber world and its tragic circumstances with glorious technique. Combat always feels rewarding when successful, but it can feel like a slog if you don't get the hang of the parry and trait systems. The linear nature of the game helps to balance out the lack of mini-map, so try and not let those factors keep you away from at least trying this brilliant game.
Push Square - Liam Croft - 9 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the most refreshing and original RPGs in years, even if it's not immediately obvious from the outside looking in. The intriguing setup expands to provide an engrossing, excellent narrative with lovable and charismatic characters. The exemplary combat goes above and beyond its turn-based traditions with flashy fights and new ways to damage. This is the kind of experience that proves there's still so much potential and creativity in the bigger-budget video game space - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is simply sublime.
Quest Daily - Shaun Fullard - 9.5 / 10
Expedition 33 is a game that spoke to my soul. I quickly fell in love with this awe-inspiring yet melancholic world and the survivors left in it, and even though it tore my heart to shreds multiple times, I’d happily do it all over again.
RPGamer - Ryan Costa - 5 / 5
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a journey that blasts the senses from beginning to end. The melancholic and bleak moments are balanced by the characters' perseverance, which makes their triumphs shine much brighter. There's a profound sense of style and substance that only expands as more of the world is uncovered. What results is a true work of art that ties its brilliant components together into a complete package, which is awe inspiring to come from a freshman developer.
Restart.run - Logan Woerner - 4 / 5
After a swift 30 hours with the game, I will happily tell you how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 exceeded my expectations and left me curious for more.
Saudi Gamer - Arabic - 10 / 10
When someone who is passionate about JRPGs and has the skills to make one, a masterpiece like Expedition 33 is born. It is a game that gave me the classic JRPG experience while paving it's way as it's own thing
SavePoint Gaming - Zhiqing Wan - 7 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may be predictable at times, but it's bolstered by its excellent voice cast and compelling turn-based combat.
Sirus Gaming - Erickson Melchor - 10 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a rare triumph for such a small studio. The devs at Sandfall Interactive aimed for the stars, and they delivered a game that JRPG fans have always wanted from a Western studio. I can't recommend this game enough.
Spaziogames - Domenico Musicò - Italian - Unscored
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 could really be the JRPG that 90s nostalgics wanted so much to have in its most evolved and not excessively contaminated form. All the elements seem to be in the right place, and although it is not one of the most expensive productions (which is a good thing), the potential to do things in a big way is quite evident.
TechRaptor - Erren Van Duine - 9 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a milestone achievement for Sandfall Interactive. Fans of turn-based RPGs should be right at home with its traditional stylings tuned for a modern age, and while difficulty can ramp up without warning, the challenge of getting through each battle makes it all worthwhile.
The Games Machine - Gabriele Barducci - Italian - 9.4 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a title of rare beauty. An unexpected masterpiece that will appeal to all fans of turn-based RPGs.
The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 10 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterful RPG. It brings a stunning art style that stays front and center while revamping a classic combat system into something engaging and accessible. It's an easy contender for GOTY and a terrific debut for Sandfall Interactive.
Tom's Hardware Italia - Giulia Serena - Italian - 9.5 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will captivate you from the very first moment. We are talking about a work that manages to stand out in the RPG landscape for its extraordinary ability to blend narrative, art direction, and game mechanics into a cohesive and deeply evocative experience. Sandfall Interactive gives us a tale dense with emotions and brilliant moments, where the pain of grief intertwines with resistance, memory, and the struggle for survival.
However, it's not just the narrative aspect that works well: the combat system, a hybrid of turn-based and real-time action, represents one of the game's highlights, offering deep and never repetitive dynamics that enhance each character's unique traits and satisfy both RPG enthusiasts and those who want to enjoy a more relaxed experience. The art direction, on the other hand, is a true homage to Impressionist and Symbolist painting, with scenarios that look like they were taken from an art gallery and settings inspired by a dreamlike, deconstructed Paris.
In short, Expedition 33 is not just a journey through decadent lands and evocative settings: it's a path that constantly challenges the perception of reality and dream, light and darkness, life and death. With solid longevity, a world rich in activities, and a surprisingly polished technical aspect, the title emerges not only as one of the most fascinating and significant surprises in the genre, but also as one of the best video games (so far) of this 2025.
VDGMS - Darren Andrew - 9.5 / 10
Final Fantasy, Persona, Chrono Trigger are just some of the inherent influences, but it was the inspiration from Sekiro and the French heritage of Sandfall Interactive that made Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 feel like the dawn of a new era of turn-based RPG’s, as it equally pays tribute to those who came before, as much as it innovates for those who will come after.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a breath of fresh air because it prioritizes a compelling vision over following trends. It doesn’t resort to witty sarcasm in its dialogue or try to capitalize on current popular settings for the story, and there isn’t an attempt to infuse the latest real-time gameplay gimmicks. Sandfall have made a bold decision, especially considering it’s their debut title, to deviate from modern RPG conventions. Trends don’t age well, but artistic vision does and Expedition 33 has all the markings of becoming a timeless classic.
WellPlayed - Mark Isaacson - 9.5 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a confident new IP, bold in its execution and not afraid to mix old and new ideas. It's a stunning achievement, born from passion and raised within technical excellence equal to the best in the business. Go in unspoiled and be ready for a truly rewarding experience.
XGN.nl - Luuc ten Velde - Dutch - 9.4 / 10
Sandfall Interactive delivers an impressive first game with this turn-based RPG that channels JRPG’s like Persona and Final Fantasy. The game tells a fantastic story and offers stunning visuals to boot.
Xbox Tavern - Jamie Collyer - 10 / 10
As you can hopefully tell, I absolutely adore Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It’s the first game in some time that I’ve found myself utterly lost in, so much so that I genuinely did not want to put the controller down. Any minor gripes there might be to have (some areas can get a little confusing to navigate at times, though none are so big that it remains a problem for long) are easily outnumbered by the sheer brilliance of the full product from start to finish. Combat, presentation, exploration, story; it’s all so damn good that I cannot recommend highly enough that you go play this game. We’ve still got a long way to go this year, and a few big hitters to come, but man, it’ll take something special to give Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 a run for its money.
XboxEra - Jesse Norris - 9.5 / 10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a beautifully inventive, heart-breaking experience of love, loss, and the will to survive
Zoomg - Afshin Piroozi - Persian - 9 / 10
All in all, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out as one of the biggest surprises of 2025 so far — a title that boasts a deep, unpredictable story, meticulously crafted gameplay and combat systems, and top-tier visual and audio presentation. This game isn’t just for fans of turn-based RPGs; it has the potential to impress anyone who appreciates high-quality experiences. Even if you’re not typically drawn to turn-based games, I highly recommend giving this polished gem a try — it’s well worth investing at least 30 hours of your playtime.
