Expedition 33: Clair Obscur's Ancestry & Advancements

Sandfall Interactive's founder and creative director shed light on the inspirations and innovative gameplay mechanics behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This article delves into the game's historical influences and unique battle system.

Historical Influences and Gameplay Innovations:

The game's title itself holds significant meaning. "Clair Obscur," Guillaume Broche explained, references the 17th and 18th-century French artistic and cultural movement, shaping the game's visual style and overarching world. "Expedition 33" refers to a recurring group tasked with defeating the Paintress, a being who erases entire generations by painting numbers on a monolith – a process referred to as "Gommage." The protagonist's partner's death, depicted in the trailer, occurs after the Paintress paints the number 33, her current age. Broche cited La Horde du Contrevent, a fantasy novel about explorers, and works like Attack on Titan, as narrative inspirations, highlighting the appeal of stories about venturing into the unknown.

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A Modern Take on Turn-Based RPGs:

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 distinguishes itself through its high-fidelity graphics, a rarity in turn-based RPGs. Broche noted the lack of such titles and the team's aim to fill this gap. While referencing past real-time turn-based games like Valkyria Chronicles and Project X Zone, the game introduces a reactive turn-based combat system. Players strategically plan their turns, but must react in real-time to enemy actions during their opponents' turns, dodging, jumping, or parrying to unleash powerful counterattacks. Action games like the Souls series, Devil May Cry, and NieR served as inspiration for this innovative blend of strategic and real-time combat.

[Image: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Gameplay Screenshot 1] [Image: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Gameplay Screenshot 2] [Image: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Gameplay Screenshot 3]

Future Outlook:

Broche emphasized the game's rich lore and narrative, rooted in real-world influences. The combination of high-fidelity visuals and the reactive battle system promises a fresh take on the genre. Players will need to combine thoughtful planning with quick reflexes.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC by 2025. Despite the timeframe, Broche expressed enthusiasm for the positive reception and anticipation surrounding the game.