Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Action
RPG
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Adjustable Text Size
Custom Volume Controls
Adjustable Difficulty
Stereo Sound
Subtitle Options
Surround Sound
Steam Cloud
Family Sharing

Lead the members of Expedition 33 on their quest to destroy the Paintress so that she can never paint death again. Explore a world of wonders inspired by Belle Époque France and battle unique enemies in this turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics.

Developers: Sandfall Interactive
Publishers: Kepler Interactive
Release Date: Apr 24, 2025
Price (USD): $47.99
Current Players: 11k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Overwhelmingly Positive(97%)
compelling story
innovative combat
stunning visuals
exceptional soundtrack
memorable characters
combat mechanics
emotional weight
artistic consistency
performance issues
story pacing
parry challenges
The general sentiment around the game is overwhelmingly positive, with many players describing it as a masterpiece of storytelling and artistic expression. While the combat mechanics and lack of a minimap received some criticism, the compelling narrative, stunning visuals, and breathtaking soundtrack are consistently highlighted as standout features. However, performance issues and some story pacing criticisms are noted, although they do not significantly detract from the overall experience.

Positive Points

  • The game is widely praised for its compelling and intricate story that deeply engages players emotionally.
  • The combat system, a fusion of turn-based mechanics with real-time elements like parrying and dodging, is frequently highlighted as innovative and engaging.
  • Visuals and art direction receive extensive praise for being stunning, with the game world described as living art and beautifully stylized.
  • The soundtrack is lauded as exceptional, enhancing the narrative and gameplay experience with each track carefully crafted to fit the game's atmosphere.
  • Character development is noted to be well-executed, with memorable and deeply fleshed-out characters.
  • Negative Points

  • Some players found the performance optimization lacking, particularly with issues like frame rate drops and instability on certain setups.
  • Criticism was directed at the final act's pacing and narrative cohesion, which some players felt deviated from the initial setup.
  • The parry and dodge mechanics can be frustrating for players not accustomed to their timing-based nature, especially in higher difficulty settings.
  • In certain aspects, the story was seen by some as predictable or reliant on tired tropes.
  • The lack of a minimap or comprehensive navigation aids in large areas was seen as a drawback by some players.
  • Mixed Points

  • Real-time mechanics integrated into the turn-based system were appreciated by many but viewed as cumbersome by others.
  • The game's emotional weight and exploration of themes like grief and legacy were potent for some players but overwhelming or misplaced for others.
  • While the graphical fidelity and artistry are celebrated, some players noted inconsistencies and technical issues in animation and texture quality.
  • Common Themes

  • The game's emotional depth and storytelling are strong hooks that resonate deeply with players.
  • Innovative combat mechanics combining elements of real-time strategy with traditional turn-based gameplay provide a fresh experience.
  • Art direction and music significantly contribute to the immersive world-building and emotional impact of the game.
  • The game is often recommended as a must-play for fans of RPGs and story-driven games due to its unique blend of mechanics and narrative.
  • Updated 11/11/2025, 12:01:24 AM UTC