Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wears Its FF and Persona Influences on Its Sleeves

Sandfall Interactive's upcoming turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is making waves with its unique blend of classic and modern RPG elements. Inspired by the Belle Époque and drawing heavily from iconic titles like Final Fantasy and Persona, the game promises a fresh take on the genre.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Fusion of Turn-Based and Real-Time Gameplay

Following a successful showing at SGF, creative director Guillaume Broche shed light on the game's design philosophy. In an interview, Broche highlighted his passion for turn-based combat and the desire to create a visually stunning experience in this style, citing Persona and Octopath Traveler as key inspirations. The game's innovative approach combines turn-based strategy with real-time responsiveness during combat, demanding quick reflexes alongside strategic planning.

The narrative centers around preventing a mysterious antagonist, the Paintress, from unleashing death once more. Players will explore unique environments, such as the gravity-defying Flying Waters, while engaging in combat that requires both thoughtful turn-based command input and swift reactions to enemy attacks. This dynamic system draws comparisons to Persona, Final Fantasy, and Sea of Stars.

Broche expressed surprise at the overwhelmingly positive reception, revealing that while he expected interest from turn-based fans, the level of enthusiasm exceeded his expectations.

While acknowledging Persona's influence on the game's presentation, Broche emphasized the significant impact of the Final Fantasy series, particularly entries VIII, IX, and X, on the core gameplay mechanics. He stressed that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn't a direct clone but rather a reflection of his own formative experiences with these classic titles. The team also drew inspiration from Persona's dynamic camera movements and menus, aiming for a unique, dynamic feel while maintaining its own distinct art style.

The open world allows for seamless party member switching and the utilization of unique traversal abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Broche playfully encourages players to experiment with unconventional strategies and character builds. The development team aims to create a game that resonates deeply with players, much like the classics that inspired them.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox in 2025.