Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Receives First Early Impressions from Journalists

Sandfall Interactive, a young French studio, is generating significant buzz with their upcoming title, Expedition 33. Early reviews from gaming media are overwhelmingly positive, praising its immersive narrative, mature themes, and exhilarating combat. Some critics even compare it to a modern Final Fantasy.

RPG Gamer was particularly impressed by the depth of experience offered in just a few hours of gameplay, a feat usually associated with studios boasting decades of experience. If this high standard is maintained, Expedition 33 is a strong contender for awards like The Game Awards 2025.

IGN's reviewer, captivated by the demo, expressed a desire for more, highlighting the remarkable achievement of such a young development team.

Kotaku went so far as to predict Expedition 33 will achieve classic turn-based status, likening it to a new Final Fantasy, and lauded its innovative integration of QTE mechanics into traditional turn-based combat.

Reviewers consistently highlight the game's stunning visuals and mature storytelling.

Expedition 33 is scheduled for release on April 24, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).