Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 reviewed by Michael Higham on PlayStation 5, also available on PC and Xbox Series X|S.

In so many ways, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 reminded me of numerous classic and modern RPGs I love, but developer Sandfall truly understood why those games are special and made those pieces its own. Its creative turn-based combat system is fantastic, keeping me engaged while impressive visual flourishes bring it all together. The story can be a touch messy and melodramatic at times, but there’s still an earnestness to how it frames mortality and grief, and the different, destructive ways we may handle it – all delivered through fantastic performances from an A-list cast that give its story the heart it needs to really hit. The contrast between its artistic sensibilities and old-school RPG design philosophy shows a clarity of vision, as if it was scoped just right to focus on the things that matter most, making it a true modern throwback. And so, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands strong alongside its inspirations, and I hope that it too can be an inspiration for those who come after.

#IGN #Gaming