Discover the inspirations behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and get a sneak peek at the first character trailer in this exciting upcoming RPG.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Ramping Up Towards Its Release
Building the Heritage of JRPGs
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an eagerly anticipated turn-based RPG that integrates unique real-time mechanics, aiming to enhance player immersion and interaction. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of JRPGs, this game echoes the legendary Final Fantasy series, particularly titles like Final Fantasy 7, 8, 9, and 10. During the 2025 Game Developers Conference, Expedition 33's Producer, François Meurisse, shared insights with GamesRadar+ on the game's roots.
Meurisse highlighted that the game's director, Guillaume Broche, was deeply influenced by his childhood favorites. "Guillaume wanted to capture the essence of those classic Final Fantasy games, imagining how they might have evolved if they continued as turn-based RPGs," Meurisse explained. "While JRPGs are a significant influence, we aimed to craft a unique experience with our own artistic vision."
The art style of Expedition 33 diverges from traditional JRPG aesthetics, opting instead for an early 20th-century Belle Époque theme infused with art deco and high fantasy elements. "We sought to establish our own visual identity, moving away from manga or anime styles commonly seen in Japanese games," Meurisse added. "This approach allowed us to carve out a distinct look that sets us apart."
Other Inspirations
Beyond JRPGs, Expedition 33 also borrows elements from souls-like games, notably Sekiro, for its defense mechanics. "Our defense system incorporates a rhythmic, skill-based approach similar to Sekiro, adding a real-time component to our gameplay," Meurisse noted.
Additionally, the game introduces deckbuilding mechanics into its battle system. "Instead of traditional magic or mana points, we use action points for skills, drawing inspiration from deckbuilding games," Meurisse elaborated.
First Character Trailer
As Expedition 33 gears up for its release, the game will unveil its characters weekly. On March 13, the official Twitter (X) account of Expedition 33 released a trailer introducing Gustave, a resourceful and dedicated engineer from Lumière. Gustave is set to lead Expedition 33 in their quest to defeat the Paintress and prevent her from painting death again.
The trailer showcases Gustave wielding a sword and pistol, navigating the overworld with agility, and unleashing powerful attacks on enemies. While the trailer highlights his combat prowess and diverse skill set, specific details about character roles and mechanics remain undisclosed by the developers.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on April 24, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates by clicking on our article below!
