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The video game industry isn’t just about blockbusters like GTA VI or the latest Call of Duty installments. Sometimes, a game seemingly comes out of nowhere and suddenly dominates the conversation. That’s exactly what happened with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — a title that the game director of the hit Stellar Blade called “the best game of 2025.” And that statement has already sparked a wave of discussion in the gaming community.
But let’s dive in: what kind of game is this, and why has it caused such a stir?
What Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 All About?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an action RPG with strong cinematic flair and a strikingly unique visual style. It’s being developed by the French studio Sandfall Interactive — and it’s their debut project. Not every day do debut developers create a game that’s already being called a masterpiece.
The game is set in a dark yet dreamlike world where the line between dreams and reality is nearly erased. At the center of the story is a heroine named Enfys, one of the members of the so-called “Expedition 33.” Their mission? To stop a mysterious Painter who, every year, erases a number from existence — along with everyone born in that year. In the 33rd year, it’s the heroes’ turn. They must stop this magical curse and save themselves — and the world.
Sounds intriguing already, doesn’t it?
What Makes the Game Stand Out?
The most important thing is the atmosphere. The visual style is like a fusion of classical painting, steampunk, and dark fantasy. The color palette, the play of light and shadow, the architecture — everything looks like a living painting from the Romantic era. And that’s no coincidence: Clair Obscur means “light and shadow” in French — a well-known artistic technique. The developers drew inspiration from art, and you can see it in every frame.
But it’s not just the visuals that impress.
Gameplay: A Blend of JRPG and Souls-like
Expedition 33 skillfully combines turn-based elements with real-time combat. At first glance, it’s an RPG with a battle system reminiscent of Final Fantasy, but with dodge, parry, and combo mechanics like in Sekiro or Elden Ring.
And it’s all executed smoothly, beautifully, and without being boring. Combat feels like a dance — you genuinely feel like part of a performance. The camera moves cinematically, each hit feels weighty. Plus, there are no “random encounters” — every battle is carefully designed, and every enemy is unique.
It’s also worth noting the characters. According to those who played the demo or watched gameplay, the characters aren’t just cardboard cutouts. Each one has their own story, emotions, and conflicts. All of it is presented through well-written dialogue and cinematic scenes. It’s not just a game — it’s almost like a show you get to control.
Why Did the Stellar Blade Director Highlight This Game?
Kim Hyung Tae — the creator of Stellar Blade, and a master of visual style and combat design — clearly knows a good action game when he sees one. His praise for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is like having the director of The Matrix say you made the best action film of the year. It’s recognition from someone who creates visual masterpieces and complex combat systems himself.
According to him, the game “combines art, game design, and emotional storytelling on a new level.” He also noted that Expedition 33 could set a trend for a new type of RPG — where loot and leveling aren’t the only focus, but artistic cohesion is equally important.
Is This the Future of Games?
Maybe. We’re already seeing how players are getting tired of soulless open worlds filled with nothing but checkpoints and grind. People are starting to value games that spark emotion, make you think, and simply look beautiful. And Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 definitely fits that category.
Of course, right now it’s still riding the hype — the full game is yet to come. But even now, it’s clear that this project isn’t just pretty — it’s ambitious and deep.
Is It Worth the Wait?
Absolutely. If you enjoy stylish RPGs, deep storytelling, unique worlds, and cinematic presentation — Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is definitely worth keeping an eye on. It has already caught the attention of well-known game designers, critics, and players. And that’s a very good sign.
So maybe in 2025 we won’t just see sequels of famous franchises, but also a true new star. And who knows — maybe you’ll end up calling it your Game of the Year too.
