A month ago, I didn’t expect to finish Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 so quickly—let alone jump into New Game+ to obtain the other ending while doing a completionist run. But here I am, still emotionally invested in a game that sold 2 million copies within 12 days of release. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, this debut title proves that passion-driven games can stand shoulder to shoulder with AAA giants. Here’s why it’s my Game of the Year. No spoilers, I promise.
A world of brushstrokes and heartbreak
Set in late 19th-century Belle Époque France, in a place called Lumière, a large, god-like figure known as “The Paintress” awakens from the monolith to paint a number. Once revealed, anyone who has reached that age vanishes in an event called gommage—a French word meaning “erase.” As the number in her monolith ticks downward, the people being erased are getting younger and younger each year. At the same time, expeditions are launched to kill the Paintress, but none have ever returned.
You are part of Expedition 33, the latest attempt to destroy the Paintress in hopes of stopping her from painting again and breaking the cycle.
JRPG with a twist? Whee!
At first glance, the game resembles a classic JRPG with its party-based progression and overworld exploration—reminding me of the old Final Fantasy games I used to play, and Chrono Cross (I haven’t played Chrono Trigger yet, sorry). Thanks to modern technology, the overworld map looks stunning in its well-rendered format.
But let’s not forget what truly makes this game unique. What sets Expedition 33 apart from other turn-based RPGs is that while it retains the genre’s core mechanics, it also includes real-time dodging and parrying. These kept me engaged as I watched out for visual and audio cues during boss fights. You think only Soulsborne games have dodging and parrying? Well folks, now a turn-based game has them too.
Each playable character also brings something unique. For instance, Maelle shifts stances after her skill to maximize damage. Lune relies on elemental attacks like a mage. Monocco, an old gestral—a kind of being that views battle as a form of relaxation or meditation—can transform into enemies he defeats.
You’ll also meet Esquie, a soft and fluffy companion who helps you traverse the world and brings warmth and whimsy to the journey. He’s a crowd favorite—and honestly, mine too. (Yes, I’m also waiting for the official plush.)
It’s vibrant, dark, and also… French
From the art deco uniforms to the manor and even optional boss mimes, it’s breathtaking to see when a studio weaves its culture into the game.
Color plays a key role here. Areas have distinct palettes like the red-and-white Gestral Village or the aquatic tones of Flying Waters. In some scenes, the absence of color speaks volumes.
Expedition 33 is a dark and mature game exploring grief, loss, and the struggle to move forward. Each character has a personal reason for joining the expedition, slowly revealed through campfire conversations, environmental storytelling, and journals from past expeditions. These moments enrich the emotionally charged world—one that feels both tragic and strangely beautiful, making every step of the journey meaningful.
From ethereal exploration tracks to thunderous battle scores, the soundtrack elevates every moment. I’ve had goosebumps during boss fights, completely immersed in the epic score. And mon dieu, defeating one is so, so satisfying.
A studio that paints a message
What’s even more impressive is the team behind the game. Their composer was discovered on SoundCloud. The lead writer came from Reddit. This 33-member core team, made up mostly of junior developers, crafted something magical with pure passion.
I remember watching their developer diary during Xbox Developer Direct in January. According to Sandfall, their creative vision is defined by three core elements: a story with emotional depth, gameplay that innovates from beloved classics, and a world that is original, beautiful, and immersive. After completing the game, I truly think they nailed all three.
Game of the Year contender? Oui, mon ami!
There’s always a game for a specific audience. I recall a speech from Swen Vincke, CEO of Larian Studios (Baldur’s Gate 3, Divinity series), during The Game Awards. He said the next Game of the Year would come from a studio making a game they themselves wanted to play.
For a debut title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t just impressive—it’s unforgettable. It’s being praised not only for how polished it is, but for how refreshingly honest it feels—free from microtransactions and cheap gimmicks. You can feel the love and care poured into it. I can see this becoming a cult classic in the years to come.
Pros:
✅ Belle Époque-inspired visuals and color palette
✅ Gradual overworld access prevents early-game overwhelm
✅ Immersive original soundtrack (OST)
✅ Real-time parry and dodging mechanics for dynamic combat
✅ Multiple levels of difficulty
✅ Unique combat mechanics for each playable character
Cons:
❌ Minor glitch when switching skills between panels
❌ Some character builds can trivialize combat later on
❌ Slight learning curve with some mechanics
❌ Combat style may not appeal to everyone
Final Score: 9/10 — Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a work of art. The game maintains a cohesive tone from start to finish—story, mechanics, and soundtrack all in harmony. While some may find the combat or dark themes overwhelming, it’s still a refreshing evolution of the turn-based classics we’ve loved for years.
Should you try this game? Yes! At the time of writing, the digital copy is available for ₱1,800 on Steam.
And honestly, if this is only the beginning for Sandfall Interactive, I can’t wait to see what they create next.
Until then—tomorrow comes.
