Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review – A storytelling masterclass

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the best-looking, most creative, and captivating new games to have come out of this generation of consoles. 

You get a certain feeling when one of these special releases comes along. It hits you in stages. At first, you’re quietly enjoying the world-building, where you absorb the story and characters. Then it becomes a mad rush to get from one chapter to another because it’s so good, and then there it is… That sinking feeling that it’s all over. You have run out of road.

Of course fans of RPGs such as Baldur’s Gate 3, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Sea of Stars will love it, but the storytelling is so strong, you get that feeling that something special has arrived with Expedition 33 – that same feeling I got the first time I played The Last Of Us, Horizon Zero Dawn, or Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune. There hasn’t been a new game quite like it since Baldur’s Gate 3 – and like Larian’s masterpiece, I’m certain this will be a Game of the Year 2025 nominee.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 screenshots

What is Clair Obscur about?

It all starts in the fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque, a ‘beautiful age’ in French history between the end of the Franco-Prussian War and World War I. It was a period of prosperity for many, an age that brought us the Eiffel Tower, Moulin Rouge, and the Lumiere Brothers made their first foray into cinema.

However, in this fantastical world, things are not quite as they seem. The Eiffel Tower has been contorted, and the Arc de Triomphe is in pieces. Its inhabitants tend to die an early death, before they can discover more about the world they inhabit.

The developers at Sandfall Interactive carve out a storyline for the ages, and you are thrown right into the action. Hundreds of people are gathered at the Expedition Festival, waiting by the water. Gustave, the main protagonist, is reunited with his lover Sophie for a brief moment in time as enormous numbers in the sky turn from 34 to 33, signalling that another expedition will soon commence.

And then, Sophie disintegrates right in front of him, leaving just rose petals behind – an image that haunts him throughout his grand adventure.

At the heart of the story is the Paintress, a mysterious figure who uses her godlike powers to kill everyone whose age correlates to the number she picks. Every year, the number goes down, and more people die. Gustave, along with many other children, grew up fearing for his life, but now he has decided that he is the man to stop this mysterious, evil force.

It is as much a revenge arc as a love story, and it’s an adventure that takes players to some magnificent settings, beginning with a beach battle that wipes out many of Gustave’s allies. One minute I was venturing through gorgeous woodland as beautiful flowers swayed in the wind, and soon enough I was chasing a clue deep under the sea with enormous whales overhead, dodging explosive mines. It’s an amazing world – and one fans will fall in love with.

As Gustave does everything he can to bring peace to Lumière and avenge Sophie, he puts one goal in his crosshairs: breaking the Expedition cycle forever. He is also constantly on guard for his younger sister Maelle, who was adamant that she should join him on the voyage.

Members of the Expedition are tested like never before in their mission to uncover the great mysteries of their world. Gustave experiences a constant internal battle between right and wrong, kept steady by Lune and Maelle. Lune has a tough time trusting people, often leaving herself isolated, yet there is no place for that on Expedition 33.

Maelle, as an adopted sister to Gustave, carries heavy emotional scars after losing loved ones to the Paintress. While Sciel may start off quite uncertain and lost, over time, you see her start to master her abilities. Each of them is pushed beyond their limits to fulfil their mission as part of the story. 

It all builds towards a magnificent finale, starting with the path to track down Bourgeon to find out some more answers, before visiting the Paintress’ very own shifting zone called Chromatic Aberration. The whole thing clicks together perfectly, leaving you with a big decision at the end that will mess with your head. 

A beautiful and well-rounded game

Clair Obscur rewards curiosity, with each location growing more striking as you go. From the glowing, ethereal Spring Meadows to the deep violet twilight of Esquie’s Nest, each new place dazzles in its own way. You won’t find a mini-map. It’s just you, your eyes, and your memory. But if you take the time to explore, complete unmarked side quests, look for hidden treasures, or chat with every NPC, the rewards are worth it – whether it’s loot, wholesome moments, or even some downright funny surprises.

There are many little touches that will make you connect with the characters as the tale unfolds. The choice of facial expressions, the use of different camera shots, and the way it zooms in at key times to reinforce messages is so clever. Once you get to know each of the characters, you’ll be hooked.

Gustave slowly comes out of his serious shell, mainly because of Lune, who is very forthright and tells him how it is. He is driven by a mission to forge a better future for the people of Lumière, free from the Paintress. 

As you progress, you unlock different characters along the way. Sciel has a very unique playstyle, using cards in combat to apply Foretell to her enemies. And then the Gestral, called Monoco, arrives on the scene. He has a very gentle way of speaking – but don’t let that fool you, as he’s incredibly impressive in battle. Each character has a clear backstory and mission, meshed together perfectly in a journey that requires all of their talents combined. 

Combat that evolves with strategy and synergy

Combat in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 might start off with familiar turn-based mechanics, but it quickly evolves into something much more engaging. It’s not just about taking turns; it’s a dynamic mix of strategy, synergy, and adaptability that keeps you on your toes throughout the game.

Each character brings something special to the table. Take Gustave, for example, whose Overcharge ability grows stronger the more hits he lands. Or Maelle, whose stances allow her to switch from defensive to offensive, even unlocking a third stance, Virtuose, that multiplies her damage by 200%. These unique abilities interact with each other in fun and surprising ways, which gives you the power to combine moves in a variety of ways to dish out serious damage. You’ll also need to manage Pictos (accessories that grant passives) and Lumina points (which also grant more passives), so there’s plenty to think about.

The boss fights are another highlight, each one feeling like a mini puzzle. You’ll need to learn their attack patterns, anticipate moves, and quickly dodge or parry. Some bosses get sneaky, faking a left punch only to land a hit with the right, keeping you guessing.

Optional bosses, such as the Mimes, are particularly tough but offer great rewards, like quirky French-inspired outfits for your characters. But be warned: before you can flaunt that baguette backpack, you’ll need to master your team’s abilities and execute a flawless strategy.

As for loot, the game takes a different approach. There’s no overpowered sword or armor that will make or break your progress. Instead, the focus is on fine-tuning your characters’ skills and optimizing key systems like Pictos and Lumina points. While it may feel limiting for loot hunters, this design choice puts the spotlight on mastering combat and finding new ways to synergize your team, something that feels more rewarding and intentional than simply grinding for gear.

Verdict

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 gets it right in all the areas that matter. Its storytelling carries emotional depth, and the characterization makes you care about everyone you meet on your journey through this beautifully imagined world. Throw in a combat system that puts mastery above grinding, and you’ve got a classic RPG that, like Baldur’s Gate 3 before it, should appeal beyond its target audience, so much so that a game of the year nomination feels inevitable.