PARIS, France – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the debut title from independent French studio Sandfall Interactive, offers players a unique and captivating role-playing experience that sets itself apart from other games in the genre. Released on April 24 on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, the game presents a chilling dystopia where humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, tied to a mysterious ritual conducted by a deity known as the Paintress.
Each year, the Paintress inscribes a number on a towering monolith that marks a person’s age, with the count reaching 33 in the game’s world. Those who come of age face a poetic erasure known as “Gommage,” dissolving into smoke and flower petals. The narrative explores themes of inevitability, tradition, and sacrifice, as survivors grapple with their bleak reality on the island of Lumière, where despair and hope coexist in unique ways.
The storyline follows the 33rd expedition, a group of individuals embarking on a treacherous mission to confront the Paintress, with little hope of success. As players delve deeper into the game, they uncover a world filled with eerie creatures, enigmatic cultures, and poignant journals left behind by previous expeditioners. The game’s art style, character designs, and combat mechanics create a rich and immersive experience that rewards exploration and strategic gameplay.
Despite some minor issues with platforming and the final act’s narrative cohesion, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 excels in its engaging combat system, character development, and thematic depth. The game’s voice cast, featuring talents like Charlie Cox and Jennifer English, brings emotional gravitas to the story, adding layers of vulnerability and camaraderie to the doomed heroes’ journey.
Overall, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 serves as a testament to the creative vision of Sandfall Interactive, blending innovative gameplay with a compelling story that challenges players to think beyond traditional RPG conventions. With its unique setting, captivating world-building, and memorable characters, the game offers a refreshing take on the genre, inviting players to explore a world where hope and despair intertwine in unexpected ways.