2025 is a fruitful time for the RPG genre thanks to grand releases like Avowed, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. With such a wealth of gaming potential, why play Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
Clair Obscur is a brand-new action RPG taking its players to an unpredictable world inspired by the Belle Époque in France. That’s where they confront the mysterious Paintress – a mighty entity wiping out entire generations by painting their age number on a magical monolith.
Doesn’t that sound intriguing? If you’re still on the fence about trying the game for more than its unique lore, check out this review on all the gameplay reasons why you should play it in 2025.
Top 5 Reasons You Should Try Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
1. Unique Setting
Unlike other genre representatives, the game delivers a unique setting inspired by the French Belle Époque, surrealism, and Studio Ghibli’s works. This aesthetic, paired with a plot revolving around an expedition trying to stop the powerful Paintress, offers a one-of-a-kind experience visually and gameplay-wise. Due to this feature, exploring the game’s world feels more like a journey through a living artwork than just a casual level-beating!
2. Innovative Combat System
Although the game draws inspiration from the classic turn-based combat mechanics known from most JRPGs, it spices it up with active elements. Instead of just observing the outcome of their actions, players can actively participate in the battle by parrying, dodging attacks, or dealing spectacular combos. While many AAA role-playing games turn towards real-time combat, Expedition 33 combines classic features with modern solutions to give us more control over the situation.
3. Great Voice Cast
If the above reasons still don’t get your heart racing, know the new RPG features an exciting voice cast of actors known from movies and video games. We can expect Charlie Cox (Boardwalk Empire, Daredevil: Born Again) as Gustave, Jennifer English (Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate III) as Maelle, Kirsty Rider (Space Pirates, The Girl Before) as Lune, and Shala Nyx (Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Assassin’s Creed Mirage) as Sciel. Nice to hear them again!
4. There Might Be a Movie
Rumor has it that a live-action movie based on the game is already in the works. According to the latest news, the title’s developer is joining forces with Story Kitchen to create a film adaptation of this unique experience. On the other hand, many players believe Story Kitchen secures the rights to the potential hit before its value increases. Will we ever see a big-screen version? Only time will tell, but that’s a rather intriguing bit of news!
5. Surprisingly Low Price
The game launches on April 24, 2025, for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5 for $49.99. Why is it so cheap? As the developers announced on X: “We are a small team with an Indie spirit, and we’re creating something we believe is truly special. We aren’t an AAA studio, this is our first game, and we want as many people discovering our world as possible.”[1]. This means Sandfall Interactive is doing its best to make this new title available to as vast an audience as possible at an affordable price. If that’s not enough reason to buy it and save at the same time, we don’t know what is!
Conclusion
So, let’s wrap it up! The Sandfall Interactive’s game features a unique setting, an innovative combat system, a phenomenal voice cast, and maybe a movie in the future – all these cost less than most modern RPG titles. Furthermore, the title draws inspiration from legendary Japanese role-playing games like Persona or Final Fantasy while still sticking to its unique solutions. Sounds like a pretty epic deal! If you’re still wondering whether this game is worth your time in 2025, now you know it definitely is.