The highly anticipated game from the emerging French studio Sandfall Interactive, titled Clair Obscur, has started to garner early acclaim from the gaming press. Critics are raving about its rich narrative, mature themes, and exhilarating combat mechanics, with some drawing parallels to the iconic Final Fantasy series.
RPG Gamer's reviewer was astounded by the depth of experience delivered in just a few hours of gameplay, suggesting that if Clair Obscur can sustain this level of quality, it stands a strong chance of being a contender at The Game Awards 2025. The debut project from these young developers was able to match the prowess of seasoned studios, setting a high bar for the industry.
An IGN journalist, after experiencing the demo, expressed a desire to dive deeper into the game's expansive world and engage in more battles. The journalist was particularly impressed by the accomplishments of such a youthful development team.
Kotaku's author went as far as to predict that Clair Obscur could become a landmark in turn-based gaming, likening it to a modern-day Final Fantasy. They praised the innovative integration of Quick Time Events (QTEs) into traditional turn-based combat, a feature that adds a fresh twist to the genre.
Across the board, reviewers have also lauded the game's striking visual style and the maturity of its storytelling, which together contribute to a compelling gaming experience.
Clair Obscur is slated for release on April 24, 2025, and will be available on next-generation consoles including PS5 and Xbox Series, as well as on PC via Steam. This debut from Sandfall Interactive is shaping up to be a must-play title for fans of deep narratives and innovative gameplay mechanics.
