Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review: The First True Turn-Based Soulslike?

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 delivers breathtaking art, deep and emotional storytelling, and claims to redefine turn-based combat. Read our review to know if this game truly delivers and deserves the attention it has received.

If we talk about cinematic RPGs, very few titles in 2025 have attracted as much attention as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Developed by the French studio named Sandfall Interactive, it is their debut project which blends haunting art with emotional storytelling and an extremely unique and fun turn based combat system. At first glance, the game might look like a painting come alive, and by the time the credits roll, you will realize that you have played something extremely different from any typical turn-based game. In this Expedition 33 review, we shall discuss what makes the game so special and if it really deserves to be the most-talked about RPG of the year.

Expedition 33 Visuals: A Painting Come to Life

From the very start of the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 the visuals captivate you like no other game does. The visuals however don’t chase hyper-realism and that is precisely why we find it so beautiful and unique. The world of Expedition 33 is drenched in rich colors, dramatic lighting, and most importantly, an art style that feels like an oil painting. On top of this, every scene has been crafted wonderfully, and this is how it manages to pull you deeper into the game’s melancholic and mysterious world.

As the game moves forward especially towards Act III, you will also learn why the artistic design components complement the story rather than distract you from it. If you are someone obsessed with realism in video games, the visuals might not be to your expectations, but if you value imagination, the visuals are quite breathtaking.

Expedition 33 Story: Twists, Surprises, and Emotional Weight

The story, although quite unique, begins as a straightforward mission. Each year, the mysterious Paintress writes a number on a monolith, and anyone whose age is that number or higher disappears from existence. This event is known as “The Gommage”. To break this curse, the island of Lumière sends out expeditions every year, in which the members are usually those who are to die in a year or two. The story revolves around the expedition of a group of 33 years olds, hence the name Expedition 33.

At first, you may feel that Expedition 33 is just another fantasy adventure game where the mission and stakes are pretty clear. However, the game doesn’t disappoint you. When you reach Act III, you will see a mind-bending twist. Whether you are annoyed or amazed by the twist depends on you. I, personally was annoyed, but once I began thinking of it more deeply, I realized how unique and amazing the twist was, and it is the twist that made the game feel different from typical RPGs. But yes, the twists and surprises might not please everyone, but Expedition 33 does deserve recognition for daring to push RPG storytelling into new territory.

Expedition 33 Characters: Strong, Relatable, and Memorable

The beating heart of this game lies in its characters and its cast. The Expedition 33 characters are written with depth and care. Unlike many RPGs where side characters blur into one another, here every member of the expedition feels distinct and essential.

What truly stands out about the Expedition 33 characters is how the game handles its female leads. Every single female character is unique and powerful without feeling forced; they are likable without being written to tick boxes. Many players have praised this balance, and it feels refreshing in today’s gaming landscape.

Gustave, Maelle, Verso, each character adds something unique to the expedition. Their arcs eventually tie into a theme that fans of the game are still debating about. The characters remind us how strong writing can elevate an RPG.  One beautiful thing about the game is that the more you talk to a character, the more you begin to understand them; which unlocks side quests. This element is what makes the experience so memorable. The Expedition 33 characters will stay with you even after you have completed the game; and if you got too invested, you will keep wondering if you made the right choice at the end.

Expedition 33 Combat System: Reinventing Turn-Based Combat

Now to the part that has sparked the most debate: the Expedition 33 combat system. On paper, it is turn-based combat. But Sandfall has layered in real-time elements such as dodging, parrying, aiming and shooting. The result is a hybrid that feels both familiar and new.

It doesn’t just work; it shines. Chaining together counters while reading enemy attack patterns is thrilling, and it makes every battle feel like a puzzle rather than a grind. Many critics and players have praised how even lengthy encounters feel rewarding by the time the combat ends. The game demands attention and timing, which keeps fights tense and satisfying.

That said, not everyone loved the system. But majority of players who have never played a turn-based combat game before did love it, due to its unique mechanics and combat system. I personally don’t even remember the last time I played a game with turn-based combat. And I will be honest- the combat was extremely fun; frustrating at times and difficult when it comes to certain bosses- but still fun! Even if you are facing difficulty against a particular boss, once you figure out their patterns, it becomes quite easier in your second or third attempt.

Therefore, if you were among those who thought turn-based combat was outdated – you are wrong! The Expedition 33 combat system has proved this! By blending strategy with real-time reflexes, Sandfall Interactive has done something which no other studio has thought about in recent times. By blending strategy with real-time reflexes – the game has managed to breathe life into a classic style.

Expedition 33 Gameplay: Exploration, Quests, and World-Building

The Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 gameplay offers moments of wonder and frustration in equal measure. Exploring the world is visually rewarding, but I agree with the critics and players who claim that the game’s weakest spot is navigation. The lack of a mini-map adds frustration and you often spend a significant amount of time wandering around trying to find the way without a clear indication of which way you are supposed to go. This not just breaks immersion, but it becomes tedious.

Despite this, the quests keep you engaged, whether it is the main quest or the occasional side quests. Side content might feel repetitive. However, if you love games with good stories, you will likely stay invested till you have completed the game.

And talking about the difficulty, yes, the game can be a bit difficult, even if you are playing on the easiest level, but not impossible. In fact, it has been labelled by some as the dark souls of Turn-based RPGs, and many players have called it a turn-based soulslike.

Quests, however, keep you engaged, and the main story is strong enough to push you forward. Side content is a bit uneven, with some areas feeling repetitive. Yet the beauty of the environments and the sheer ambition of the design keep you invested. For me, the Expedition 33 gameplay scores high overall, even with these stumbles.

Music & Atmosphere: Soundtrack that Completes the Picture

A special mention must go to the soundtrack. The Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 music is captivating and nothing short of spectacular. From soothing melodies during exploration to powerful orchestral peaks in battle, the soundtrack always seems to know when to step forward and when to fade. Critics have praised the audio design, and I completely agree. The music not only enhances the atmosphere but often carries the emotional weight of key scenes. It is a soundtrack you will likely remember long after finishing the game.

Final Verdict: Our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review

Especially considering the fact that the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was made by a small studio with only around 30 developers, the game is definitely a masterpiece. It is indeed surprising how Sandfall Interactive gave us something on a modest budget, while AAA studios have been struggling to make games that connect with their audiences even after investing hundreds of millions.

Yes, there are issues. Exploration can feel confusing without proper maps, and some players might feel the difficulty too punishing. Yet these flaws do not overshadow the achievement. For a debut studio to deliver something this bold is impressive. We will conclude our Expedition 33 review by saying that it is indeed among the top 10 games of 2025, if not top 5. The game is beautiful, cinematic, ambitious, addictive and it stays with you. If you value story-driven experiences, this is an RPG you should not miss.

Final Score: 9/10 — A rare gem that challenges the genre while offering one of the most unforgettable adventures of 2025.

If you haven’t played the game yet, you might be glad to know that it is available on Xbox Gamepass, which is why you can try it out without paying extra for this game!