Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wears Its FF and Persona Influences on Its Sleeves

Sandfall Interactive's upcoming turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is generating considerable excitement. Its unique blend of gameplay mechanics has caught the attention of many, prompting the game director to elaborate on its inspirations.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Fusion of Turn-Based and Real-Time Action

Drawing inspiration from the Belle Epoque era of France and classic JRPGs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 innovatively combines turn-based combat with real-time elements. Heavily influenced by the Final Fantasy and Persona series, the game aims to establish its own distinctive identity within the genre.

Following a successful demo at SGF, creative director Guillaume Broche discussed the game's design philosophy with Eurogamer. He highlighted his passion for turn-based games, emphasizing the desire to create a title boasting high-fidelity visuals. He cited Atlus' Persona and Square Enix's Octopath Traveler as stylish and nostalgic examples that helped shape his vision.

In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, players engage in turn-based combat punctuated by real-time reactions to enemy attacks. This dynamic system has drawn comparisons to Persona, Final Fantasy, and Sea of Stars. The narrative centers on preventing the enigmatic Paintress from unleashing death once more, set against unique environments such as the gravity-defying Flying Waters.

Broche expressed surprise at the overwhelmingly positive reception. While expecting interest from turn-based fans, the level of excitement exceeded his anticipations.

While acknowledging Persona's influence, Broche clarified to PC Gamer that the Final Fantasy series, particularly the FF VIII, IX, and X era, played a more significant role. He emphasized that the game is not a direct imitation but rather a reflection of his personal gaming history and tastes. The Persona series influenced camera movements, menus, and dynamic elements, but the overall aesthetic and design remain unique.

The open world of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 grants players complete control over their party, allowing for on-the-fly character switching and the use of unique traversal abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Broche encourages players to experiment with different character builds and combinations.

The development team expressed their hope that the game will resonate with players in the same way that classic titles impacted their lives. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox in 2025.