Sandfall Interactive's upcoming turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is making waves with its unique blend of classic and modern RPG elements. Following a successful demo, the game's director has shed light on its key inspirations.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Fresh Take on Turn-Based Combat
Inspired by the Belle Epoque era of France and drawing heavily from legendary JRPGs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 innovatively merges turn-based strategy with real-time action. The game clearly owes a debt to iconic titles like Final Fantasy and Persona, while forging its own distinctive identity within the genre.
Creative director Guillaume Broche, speaking with Eurogamer, revealed his passion for turn-based combat and a desire to create a visually stunning experience. He cited Persona (Atlus) and Octopath Traveler (Square Enix) as stylistic influences, stating, "If nobody wants to do it, I will do it."
The game's narrative revolves around preventing a mysterious antagonist, the Paintress, from unleashing death once more. Unique environments, such as the gravity-defying Flying Waters, promise a captivating and unforgettable journey.
Combat demands quick reflexes. While actions are selected turn-based, players must react in real-time to enemy attacks, creating a dynamic and engaging experience reminiscent of Persona, Final Fantasy, and Sea of Stars.
Broche expressed surprise at the overwhelmingly positive reception, stating, "I wasn't expecting this community to be that excited."
While acknowledging Persona's influence, Broche emphasized the significant impact of the Final Fantasy series (specifically FFVIII, IX, and X) on the game's development, telling PC Gamer, "I don’t hide my love for the Final Fantasy 8, 9, and 10 era." However, he clarified that the game is not a direct clone, but rather a reflection of his personal gaming history and creative vision.
He further explained the Persona influence, highlighting the dynamic camera movements and menus as sources of inspiration, while emphasizing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's unique art style and overall design.
The open world allows for seamless character switching and the use of unique traversal abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Broche even encourages players to experiment with unconventional strategies, stating his hope that players will "break the game with crazy builds."
The development team, in a PlayStation Blog post, expressed their desire to create a game that resonates deeply with players, much like the classics that inspired them.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox in 2025.
