Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 – A Haunting, Beautiful Triumph of Storytelling

(Spoilers Ahead!!)

At its heart, Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 is a haunting meditation on grief, centered around the Dessendre family and their fractured attempts to cope with the death of the middle son, Verso. What begins as a surreal, stylized JRPG quickly reveals itself as an intimate family drama layered with poetic allegory, emotional brutality, and narrative ambition. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, constantly reshaping your understanding of its world and characters. Every new revelation deepens the emotional weight rather than cheapening it, pulling you further into a reality that blurs the line between dream, memory, and truth. It's melancholic without ever becoming melodramatic, and every moment—big or small—feels purposeful and precise. For 28 years, the original Final Fantasy VII stood as my favorite story across all media. But Expedition 33—with its elegance, rawness, and vision—has dethroned it. That’s not something I say lightly.

It’s rare to find a game where every single character feels not only well-written but deeply human. Expedition 33 achieves something extraordinary: it makes you care about everyone. There’s no filler cast, no shallow comic relief, no villain twirling a mustache in the background. Each member of the Dessendre expedition carries emotional weight and personal history, and even characters you might initially misunderstand reveal unexpected depth over time. What’s even more impressive is that this empathy extends to the central antagonist—if you can even call them that. The conflict at the heart of the story isn’t rooted in good versus evil but in grief, survival, and clashing perspectives on how to endure unbearable pain. The game doesn’t ask you to judge its characters—it asks you to understand them. And by the end, I did. Every one of them.

The world of Expedition 33 is initially introduced as a bleak, crumbling reality locked in an endless cycle of death, with humanity clinging to hope through the ritual of the expedition itself. It’s atmospheric, haunting, and steeped in melancholy. But as the story unfolds, the game reveals a staggering truth—the world is not real in the traditional sense, but rather a painting created by the late Verso, and one that Aline, his grieving mother, continues to paint in a desperate attempt to keep him alive. This revelation could have easily unraveled the game’s emotional foundation, turning everything into an abstract concept. But instead, it does the opposite. The knowledge that this world is a canvas of grief and memory only heightens the stakes, making every interaction, every moment, feel like part of a fragile, personal act of preservation. The world becomes more than a backdrop—it becomes the wound itself.

At its core, Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 is a turn-based FRPG (the “F” standing proudly for French), and while it clearly draws inspiration from classic JRPGs, it carves out its own identity through clever mechanical innovation. Combat operates within a traditional turn-based structure, but the game adds an active layer of engagement by letting players dodge and counter during the enemy’s turn—something rarely seen in the genre. This not only keeps you alert but gives battles a rhythmic, almost dance-like flow. The Picto and Lumina system is another standout, offering a rewarding layer of progression. It’s reminiscent of Final Fantasy IX, where skills can be learned permanently after equipping certain items for enough battles. This familiar-yet-fresh system encourages experimentation and long-term planning without ever feeling grindy. The result is a gameplay loop that feels both nostalgic and invigorating.

While the combat in Expedition 33 builds on familiar turn-based foundations, it distinguishes itself through fluid integration of real-time responses like dodging and countering during the enemy’s turn. This dynamic layer keeps fights tense and skill-based, turning otherwise passive phases into moments of high-stakes decision-making. The balance is finely tuned—the game rarely feels unfair, but it also doesn’t hold your hand. Enemies demand strategy, especially as you get deeper into the game and begin mastering the Picto and Lumina systems. Each battle feels meaningful, not just because of the mechanical depth, but because every encounter is thematically grounded in the world’s tone of decay and desperation. It’s not just about winning—it’s about enduring, learning, and growing stronger through pain, which fits perfectly with the game’s narrative philosophy.

Exploration has never been my strong suit, and when I first heard that Expedition 33 didn’t include a minimap, I had my doubts. Normally, that would be a dealbreaker for me. But to my surprise, Sandfall Interactive managed to design a world so intuitively laid out and visually distinct that I never felt lost or frustrated. Instead, I found myself genuinely enjoying the act of navigating its dreamlike landscapes. Every area is beautifully crafted, both artistically and emotionally—each environment feels like a living brushstroke, part of the larger canvas that is the game’s world. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be Flying Waters. That place left a mark. The game doesn’t bombard you with collectibles or side objectives, but what it offers instead is far more meaningful: atmosphere, intention, and a constant sense of presence in a world built with care.

Expedition 33 offers a fair amount of side content, and while I’m usually the type of player who skips most of it once the main story wraps up, this game pulled me in differently. The battle system was so engaging that I found myself actively seeking out extra encounters and quests just for the joy of playing. While the side quests aren’t overly elaborate, they’re well-integrated into the world and tone of the game. They serve more as quiet extensions of the atmosphere rather than bloated distractions. And now, even after seeing both endings, I’m seriously considering diving back in to explore more of what I missed. That alone says a lot, because it’s not often a game compels me to stick around after the credits roll.

Expedition 33 is, quite simply, breathtaking. From the very first scene to the final moments, the game’s art direction is in a league of its own. It doesn’t just look beautiful—it feels beautiful, like every frame was painted with intention and emotion. The visual style blends painterly aesthetics with surrealist flourishes, creating a world that constantly feels like it’s one step removed from reality—in the best possible way. There’s a distinct sense of mood and texture in every environment, character design, and animation. This isn’t just a game you play—it’s a world you inhabit, one brushstroke at a time.

Technically speaking, Expedition 33 is shockingly polished—especially considering its relatively modest budget. The visuals are not only artistically striking but also technically sound, with smooth animations, detailed textures, and lighting that elevates every scene into something cinematic. I didn’t encounter a single graphical glitch throughout my playthrough, which is impressive for any game, let alone one from a newer studio. Honestly, it puts some big-budget titles to shame—looking at you, Pokémon. Sandfall Interactive clearly knew their limits and worked within them brilliantly, delivering a game that’s as technically solid as it is visually gorgeous.

The character and environment design in Expedition 33 are masterfully aligned with the game's emotional core. Every visual element—from the expressive, sorrow-etched faces of the Dessendre family to the dreamlike landscapes they traverse—feels deliberately chosen to reflect grief, memory, and beauty in decay. The environments aren’t just visually distinct; they evoke feeling. Each location feels like a memory painted over with emotion, textured with sorrow, and yet alive with color and subtle detail. The characters themselves look like they belong to the world, designed with a painter’s eye for symbolism and mood. It’s all incredibly cohesive—art and narrative blending seamlessly into a singular vision that enhances the game’s atmosphere without ever overshadowing it.

I absolutely loved the soundtrack in Expedition 33. From the very first track, it was clear the music wasn’t just an afterthought—it was a core part of the experience. I was surprised to learn that the composer came from SoundCloud, a platform I’d never really explored and had honestly only heard mixed things about. But whatever doubts I had vanished the moment I started playing. This soundtrack is easily one of the best I’ve ever heard in a video game. It’s emotionally rich, tonally precise, and memorable in all the right ways. I even caught myself humming along while playing—especially during the second fight with Renior in Old Lumiere, which quickly became my favorite track. The music doesn’t just enhance the experience; it is the experience in many ways, elevating every scene with elegance and raw feeling.

The voice acting in Expedition 33 is phenomenal across the board. Every actor and actress brings their character to life with an intensity and authenticity that’s rare to see in games, let alone in a debut title. It never feels like a performance—it feels like lived experience. The emotional weight these characters carry is heavy, and the voice cast doesn’t just rise to the challenge—they inhabit it. It’s as if they truly felt what their characters were going through, and that level of immersion comes through in every line. Whether it’s whispered sorrow, raw outbursts, or quiet moments of reflection, the delivery is always spot-on, enhancing both the narrative and the deeply personal tone of the game.

Sound effects can be tricky to judge, especially in fantasy games where you’re dealing with things like magic and surreal environments. There’s no “real” baseline to compare them to—but Expedition 33 manages to make its world feel believable anyway. The special effects, from the crackle of a spell to the shifting of painted terrain underfoot, are incredibly well-crafted and grounded in the game’s atmosphere. Nothing ever sounds out of place or exaggerated. Instead, each effect blends seamlessly with the visuals and the music, enhancing immersion without drawing unnecessary attention to itself. It’s subtle, but effective—exactly the way it should be in a game that relies so much on tone and emotion.

The user interface in Expedition 33 is clean, intuitive, and remarkably well thought out. Everything you need—character stats, equipped Pictos and Luminas, battle information—is presented clearly and accessibly, without clutter or confusion. What really stood out to me, though, was the level of detail in the character presentation on the menu screen. It’s more than just a static portrait: characters visually reflect their current HP, appearing neat and composed when at full health, but bloodied and worn down when injured. The degree of damage changes depending on how low their HP is, adding a subtle but powerful layer of immersion. It’s a small touch, but it shows just how much care went into making every part of the game feel alive and responsive.

The controls in Expedition 33 are generally responsive and feel great—especially where it matters most: in combat. With the dodging and parrying mechanics baked into the turn-based system, precision is essential, and thankfully the game delivers. The responsiveness makes battles feel fluid and reactive rather than clunky or delayed. That said, there were a few moments outside of combat where the controls gave me a bit of trouble. Some of the platforming sections felt awkward, and I found myself falling more often than I’d like due to character movement quirks. I also occasionally pressed the wrong button when switching between jump and gradient parry, though that one’s on me. Overall, though, the control scheme is solid and intuitive—especially where it counts most.

It took me exactly 46 hours, 39 minutes, and 2 seconds to finish Expedition 33, and not a second of that felt wasted. In terms of value, the game delivers far more than just gameplay—it offers one of the most compelling, emotionally resonant stories I’ve ever experienced. Its exploration of grief, memory, and how different people process loss isn’t just well-written—it’s profound. For 28 years, Final Fantasy VII (1997) held the title of my favorite story in any medium. But Expedition 33 has finally taken that spot. The length is perfect—not bloated, not rushed—just enough time to fully immerse you in its world, connect with its characters, and leave a lasting impression that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Expedition 33 absolutely delivers when it comes to replay value. Honestly, the story alone is so powerful that I’d consider replaying it just to relive the emotional journey. But beyond that, the gameplay systems offer a surprising amount of variety. With six playable characters—Gustave, Maelle, Verso, Scel, Monoco, and Lune—you can form different party combinations of three, each with their own synergies and strategic possibilities. The stat system, which allows for various builds focused on Vitality, Might, Agility, Defense, or Luck, means you can approach battles in completely different ways on each run. Combine that with the huge range of possible Picto and Lumina setups, and you've got a game that encourages experimentation and personal expression long after the first playthrough ends.

As of the time I’m writing this review, Expedition 33 hasn’t received any DLC or expansions—but that hasn’t stopped rumors from circulating. I’ve seen talk about a potential sequel or even a movie adaptation. Personally, I don’t think a direct sequel would work; both of the game’s endings are so well-executed and emotionally final that continuing the story might risk undermining what made it so powerful in the first place. However, a prequel—specifically one exploring the events of Expedition 0—could be fascinating and still preserve the integrity of the original. Whether or not any of these ideas materialize, the base game already stands strong on its own, with more than enough narrative and gameplay depth to justify its place as a complete and unforgettable experience.

I played Expedition 33 on PlayStation 5, and for the most part, the game ran smoothly and looked fantastic throughout my entire playthrough. Load times were fast, transitions were clean, and the overall performance felt optimized for the platform. I did encounter one hiccup during a climbing section where the game suddenly stopped responding to movement inputs. I was still able to pause the game, access menus, and even swap out Pictos and Luminas, but the characters themselves wouldn’t move. A quick restart of the console fixed the issue, and it never happened again after that. It was a minor blemish on an otherwise technically polished experience.

Outside of the one climbing-related issue I mentioned earlier—where the character stopped responding to movement inputs—I didn’t encounter any other bugs, crashes, or technical problems throughout my 46-hour playthrough. That level of stability is impressive, especially for a new IP from a relatively young studio. The game’s polish and consistency helped keep me fully immersed in its world, and the lack of distracting glitches made the emotional moments hit even harder. Whatever QA processes Sandfall Interactive has in place clearly paid off, because Expedition 33 feels remarkably stable and well-crafted from start to finish.

Expedition 33 stands out for its originality, which is something that’s becoming increasingly rare—especially from Western studios. The story doesn’t feel like a remix of familiar tropes or a safe homage to past titles; it’s a bold, emotionally driven narrative with a vision entirely its own. That alone is impressive, but what really surprised me was how the game redefines what turn-based combat can be. Giving players the ability to dodge and parry during the enemy’s turn adds a layer of interactivity that feels fresh and completely unique. Honestly, I’m shocked Square Enix—once the kings of turn-based innovation—didn’t come up with this idea first. Instead of refining their legacy, they’ve largely abandoned it. I enjoyed Final Fantasy XVI, but had it featured a turn-based system like this, it could’ve been so much more. Expedition 33 doesn’t just respect the genre—it reinvents it.

Comparing Expedition 33 to Final Fantasy VII (1997) isn’t something I do lightly—these are now my two favorite pieces of media of all time. But where Final Fantasy VII was revolutionary for its era, reshaping how we understood storytelling in games with its themes of identity, trauma, and environmentalism, Expedition 33 carves its own legacy by diving headfirst into grief and the intimate psychology of loss. Both games offer rich, character-driven narratives and unforgettable moments, but they achieve their greatness in very different ways. Final Fantasy VII spreads its story across a sprawling world with political intrigue and mythology, while Expedition 33 contains its pain and beauty within a single fractured family and a painted reality. Mechanically, Expedition 33 also pushes turn-based combat forward in ways FFVII didn’t, offering a level of interactivity that feels genuinely next-gen for the genre. One broke ground in the past; the other is shaping what the future of emotional, turn-based RPGs could be.

I’ve been playing RPGs for 28 years, ever since I was 11 years old and first picked up Final Fantasy VII. That game didn’t just introduce me to the genre—it defined it for me. I’ve since gone on to play nearly every Final Fantasy (excluding XI), completed thirteen of them, and explored countless other beloved titles like Chrono Trigger, Xenosaga, and entries in the Tales of series. And while many of those games have left a lasting impression, Final Fantasy VII always held the top spot in my heart—whether due to nostalgia or its undeniable impact. But now, after nearly three decades of gaming, Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 has taken that crown. It wasn’t just fun or well-made—it was moving, unforgettable, and emotionally resonant in a way few games ever achieve. This isn’t just one of the best RPGs I’ve played—it’s the most powerful gaming experience I’ve had, period.

Although Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG at its core, it defies the usual limitations of that label. I’ve seen people who claim to hate turn-based combat come away from this game calling it a gem—and even saying it deserves Game of the Year. That says everything. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre like me or someone who usually avoids this style of gameplay, Expedition 33 has something for you. Its emotional storytelling, inventive mechanics, and stunning presentation transcend typical genre boundaries. This isn’t just a game for RPG fans—it’s a game for anyone who appreciates meaningful narratives, immersive worlds, and bold, heartfelt design.

Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 is more than just a great RPG—it’s a once-in-a-generation experience. It blends deeply personal storytelling with innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and a soundtrack that lingers long after the game ends. Every element—from its emotionally raw narrative to its bold reimagining of turn-based combat—feels like it was crafted with vision and heart. It’s a game that doesn't just respect the genre's legacy; it dares to move it forward. For me, it dethroned Final Fantasy VII—a game I’ve held as the gold standard for nearly three decades—and that alone speaks volumes. Whether you're a die-hard RPG veteran or someone looking for a story that actually means something, Expedition 33 is essential. This isn't just one of the best games of the year—it's one of the best games I’ve ever played.

Reader Engagement Question:

What’s the one game that emotionally changed the way you see storytelling in video games—and why?

Have you played Expedition 33 yet? Did it move you as much as it moved me, or are you still holding onto your current favorite? Let’s talk about it.