Upcoming dynamic turn-based RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was showcased as part of the Xbox Developer Direct on Thursday. As part of this the question on everybody’s mind, when you will finally set out on Expedition 33 was answered. Originally announced during Xbox’s Summer Showcase in 2024, the Montpellier-based-developed game by Sandfall Interactive title quickly became a fan favorite, drawing from classic turn-based titles while looking and being animated using modern techniques and graphics.
During this showcase, we were given more information on the story, which will not have a classic JRPG focus on good vs. evil. Instead, it will focus on flawed protagonists brought together with the task of stopping an existential threat that looms over their heads, threatening to end their existence. This comes in the form of a ticking clock with a character named the Paintress appearing to lower the number every year, which erases people from the world who have reached the age featured on it. Heavy emphasis was placed on the interpersonal relationships of these characters, as they band together to create a future for themselves.
Once again, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 put a heavy emphasis on its action-packed turn-based style which will pop up a lot. These play out similarly to Legend of Dragoon from the original PlayStation, with the characters getting several moves in combat that require the player to nail a quick time event to extend their attack further, or better the chances of hitting a critical damage score. In doing so, characters attack with flashy, action-packed attack movements, rather than just watching a character move forward and back.
The biggest reveal as part of this showcase was that the game would feature a traversable world map, something that JRPGs have moved away from in recent years. Ironically, this is actually the second game to feature this mechanic in 2025, with Dynasty Warriors Origins featuring something similar.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to release on April 24th, 2025. It will be released for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.
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