Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 first captivated audiences during its reveal at Summer Game Fest, leaving an indelible mark on those who witnessed its dark, atmospheric world. But for those who haven’t been following the game since its reveal, here’s what you need to know to get up to speed.
Set in a fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG with innovative real-time mechanics, delivering a more immersive and addictive combat experience. Players will join Gustave, Maelle, and their fellow Expeditioners as they embark on a desperate quest to break a deadly curse. Their mission? To destroy the Paintress, a mysterious figure who marks her monolith with a cursed number each year, causing everyone of that age to vanish, turning to smoke and fading away. With only one year left to live, Expedition 33 faces impossible odds in their final stand against this cycle of death.
Follow in the footsteps of past expeditions and uncover their fate as you guide your team through a world filled with devastating enemies and surreal adversaries. Real-time actions enhance the heart of turn-based combat, allowing players to craft unique builds for their Expeditioners that fit their playstyle through gear, stats, skills, and character synergies.
Combat in Clair Obscur is dynamic, requiring players to dodge, parry, and counter in real time, chain combos by mastering attack rhythms, and target enemy weak points using a free-aim system. The game’s enchanting realm is populated by breathtaking landscapes, from the Island of Visages to the Forgotten Battlefield. As players explore, they’ll uncover secrets, hidden quests, and allies of fortune in creatures of legend. Special companions can be recruited, unlocking new travel methods and revealing secret areas on the World Map.
Experience the debut game from Sandfall Interactive, fully realized in Unreal Engine 5 with stunning graphics and a haunting soundtrack that will linger in your mind long after the journey ends.
The newly released 6-minute gameplay trailer showcases the combat in greater detail. Despite being turn-based, the combat is fast-paced and highly engaging, requiring players to actively time their attacks and dodges. This is far from a traditional point-and-click RPG; it’s a thrilling blend of strategy and real-time action. The trailer also highlights the game’s exploration and traversal mechanics, set against visuals that are both fantastical and realistic—a perfect balance that draws you deeper into the world of Clair Obscur.
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