Los Angeles, California: The gaming industry in 2025 is thriving, with a plethora of top-quality titles being released one after another. Amidst this competitive landscape, developer Sandfall Interactive found themselves faced with an unexpected challenge when Bethesda announced and released a remastered version of Oblivion just days before the launch of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Ben Starr, the voice behind the character Verso in Clair Obscur, expressed optimism despite the challenges posed by the close proximity of the two game releases. He highlighted the exciting diversity in gaming choices available in 2025, mentioning titles like Blue Prince, Oblivion, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Clair Obscur. Starr emphasized the unique appeal of Expedition 33 as a new IP in the gaming industry.
Starr acknowledged the significance of both Oblivion Remastered and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 coexisting in the gaming market, noting the vast space within the industry for players to enjoy different gaming experiences. He encouraged players to explore Expedition 33, emphasizing its availability on Game Pass for easy access.
When asked about his own gaming preferences, Starr mentioned his interest in diving into Oblivion Remastered while actively engaging with Clair Obscur. He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to rediscover old games in a reinvented format, praising the industry’s efforts to bring past titles to a new audience.
The release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 received praise from critics, with a Metacritic score of 92 tying it with Blue Prince as the best-reviewed game of 2025 thus far. Reviews hailed Expedition 33 as a phenomenal RPG that offers a fresh interpretation of familiar gameplay mechanics, demonstrating a creative approach to game design.
Overall, 2025 proves to be a remarkable year for video games, with a diverse array of titles catering to various gaming preferences. The simultaneous releases of Oblivion Remastered and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 underscore the industry’s capacity for innovation and creativity, providing players with a multitude of exciting gaming experiences to enjoy.