Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Masterclass in Melancholy and Magic
Setting the Stage: A Grim Countdown
In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the clock is always ticking. Each year, a divine artist known only as The Paintress paints a number on a faraway tower, sealing the fate of every person who has reached that age. It’s a haunting premise – and the fuel behind your party’s desperate march into the unknown. Their mission? To destroy The Paintress and break the cycle. What unfolds is a tale drenched in sorrow, defiance, and a glimmer of hope, told with theatrical flair and a surprising amount of heart.
Combat That Paints Outside the Lines
There’s turn-based combat, and then there’s what Clair Obscur does. Inspired by games like Persona and Mario RPG, the battle system demands both strategy and precision. Timing your parries and dodges during enemy turns isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. It feels more like a rhythm game in disguise, one where nailing the perfect parry earns you a stylish slow-motion counterattack that hits like a reward.
Each party member brings their own unique twist to the battlefield. One builds elemental stacks, another shifts stances depending on status effects, and yet another juggles light-dark phases and tarot-style cards. There’s even a late-game character who channels Devil May Cry energy with performance grades. These mechanics don’t just add flair – they’re core to a system that stays fresh, fast, and deeply satisfying.
Depth Without the Bloat
The game clocks in at around 35 hours, but it’s a tight 35. There’s little filler, no unnecessary detours, and everything moves with purpose. While some might miss the slower, more meandering pace of a traditional 80-hour RPG, this brisk tempo brings its own strengths. Each character moment feels deliberate, and the world is rich with detail without overstaying its welcome.
Add in the Picto system – an intricate set of perks and upgrades layered on top of the skill trees – and you’ve got room to build powerful, personal loadouts. Sure, the menu could use some tidying, but the customisation potential is worth the effort. It walks a clever line between rewarding experimentation and never overwhelming the player.
Old-School Charm, New-School Polish
Outside of combat, the game wears its classic RPG roots proudly. A lovingly crafted overworld map, hidden dungeons, silly minigames, and no-nonsense exploration call back to a simpler era. Floating islands and massive beasts in the distance tease secrets that feel truly yours to uncover. It’s nostalgic, sure, but not dated.
The only real complaint? A lack of a quest log or minimap means you’ll sometimes be wandering in circles. It’s a bit of a pain, but it also encourages slower, more thoughtful exploration – something older RPG fans may even find refreshing.
A Story That Dares to Go Deep
Where Clair Obscur really lands its punches is in its themes. Mortality, grief, and legacy sit at the centre of its narrative, delivered through natural dialogue and subtle performances. It doesn’t always nail the landing – some story beats feel rushed, and there’s definitely a touch of melodrama – but it’s the kind of story that sticks with you.
There’s also levity. The world isn’t all tragedy and tears. Quirky wooden creatures, banter around the campfire, and light-hearted interludes help balance the emotional weight. It’s these small moments – the awkward jokes, the human quirks – that make the heavy ones hit even harder.
Verdict
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a beautiful paradox. It feels like an old-school JRPG wearing the robes of a French theatre production. It’s at once deeply sad and quietly hopeful. The combat is sharp, the world unforgettable, and the themes mature without feeling forced. While it doesn’t get everything right – the menus are messy, and a few story turns come out of nowhere – it’s one of the most emotionally resonant and mechanically rich RPGs in recent memory. A modern classic in the making, and a shining example of how to honour your influences while carving out your own legacy.
