Sandfall Interactive's founder and creative director shed light on the inspirations and innovations behind their upcoming game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This article delves into the game's historical influences and unique gameplay mechanics.
Historical Roots and Gameplay Innovation
The game's title itself draws inspiration from the 17th and 18th-century French artistic movement, "Clair Obscur," influencing both the game's aesthetic and overarching narrative. "Expedition 33" refers to a recurring group tasked with defeating the Paintress, a being who erases entire ages by marking her monolith with a number representing that age, a process referred to as "Gommage." The protagonist's partner perishes after the Paintress marks 33, establishing the game's central conflict. The narrative also draws inspiration from La Horde du Contrevent, a fantasy novel about explorers, and the themes found in works such as Attack on Titan.
The game innovates the classic turn-based RPG genre by incorporating high-fidelity graphics, a rarity in the genre. This decision stemmed from a desire to fill a perceived gap in the market for visually stunning turn-based experiences. While inspired by real-time turn-based predecessors like Valkyria Chronicles, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 introduces a reactive turn-based system. Players strategize during their turn, but must react in real-time to enemy attacks during the opponent's turn, dodging, jumping, or parrying to initiate powerful counterattacks. This reactive combat is inspired by action games such as the Souls series, Devil May Cry, and NieR, aiming to bring the rewarding gameplay of those titles into a turn-based framework.
Looking Ahead
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 blends historical influences with innovative gameplay, creating a unique turn-based RPG experience. The combination of high-fidelity graphics and the reactive battle system promises a fresh take on the genre. The game is slated for release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2025. The developers expressed their excitement for the positive reception and eagerness to share more details leading up to the launch.
