Exploring Clair Obscur: Three Hours Of Expedition 33 Validate My Hopes And Concerns About This Stunning New Action RPG

Table of Contents

Introduction to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

What is Clair Obscur?

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an upcoming action role-playing game (RPG) from Sandfall Interactive. This game has gained attention for its stunning visuals and exciting combat system. Players step into the shoes of Gustave, the leader of an expedition team determined to confront a powerful antagonist, The Paintress, on a mysterious island known as The Continent.

The Premise of the Game

Setting the Stage

At the start of the game, Gustave and his team leave their hometown, Lumiere, for a dangerous quest. Their mission is to defeat The Paintress, who has marked the number 33—a significant death toll—on a large pillar, which signifies the future of their village. This number horrifyingly indicates that everyone aged 33 has mysteriously perished, including Gustave’s love, Sophie.

A Dangerous Journey

As the team arrives at The Continent, they are greeted by an unexpected and hostile old man, leading to most of the team being wiped out. Gustave survives, along with a few others, and finds himself in an enchanting yet perilous forest. Here, he seeks to meet the remaining members of his team at a location known as The Indigo Tree.

The World of Clair Obscur

Beautiful Landscapes

One of the most striking aspects of Clair Obscur is its art style. The game presents breathtaking views, including tall rock formations and bright bioluminescent plants. Players can explore rich environments that transition from vibrant forests to stunning underwater areas—creating a unique gaming experience.

The ethereal Indigo Tree drapes the landscape with ominous beauty.
A coral reef area gives the illusion of exploring underwater, complete with swaying seaweed and playful fish.

Exploring Diverse Environments

As players roam through these landscapes, the thrill of discovering hidden items awaits. Different collectibles, like Chroma currency and special armor, can usually be found in hidden spots, but they often require battling fierce enemies for safekeeping.

The thick foliage may obscure paths, making progress feel arduous.
Navigation can also become tricky since the game lacks a mini-map, leading to potential frustration.

The Combat System

Engaging Turn-Based Combat

Despite occasional frustrations with navigation, the combat system in Clair Obscur is a high point. The game utilizes a turn-based format that feels dynamic and exhilarating. Every character in the game has unique skills that encourage strategic planning.

For example, Gustave can charge his abilities to unleash powerful lightning attacks, while his magic-wielding companion, Lune, creates elemental effects that can be exploited for extra damage. This encourages players to think critically about how each character’s skills can work together

Gustave’s Overdrive: This attack utilizes his mechanical arm for devastating damage.
Lune’s Elemental Attacks: They leave elemental stains that enhance other attacks.

The Complexity of Combat Mechanics

Players will also find complexity in how they control their characters. Each turn offers a pool of action points, which adds a layer of strategy as players decide whether to use basic or special moves.

Maelle’s Flow System: This character’s combat revolves around chaining attacks, building bonuses, and switching stances for maximum damage.

Moreover, timing-based actions allow players to dodge or counter enemy attacks, adding excitement to each encounter. Perfectly timed parries give immense satisfaction, creating moments that make battles feel rewarding.

Overworld Exploration

Discovering the Overworld Hub

After defeating a boss, Gustave enters a central overworld that ties various locations together. This open area resembles iconic game landscapes, reminiscent of classic RPGs. Here, players can explore and discover shortcuts, obstacles, and high-level areas that require skill to access.

This hub encourages players to return often, gaining knowledge from previous battles for effective exploration.

Future Potential

Future trailers tease the possibility of traveling by air and sea, suggesting a deeper level of exploration in the full game. The combination of the classic RPG storytelling and exploration elements brings nostalgic feelings that many players will appreciate.

Potential Areas of Improvement

Map and Navigation

While there is a lot to love about Clair Obscur, the absence of a clear map reduces the overall enjoyment of exploration. Players may find themselves lost or doubled back on their paths. Adding a map system could significantly enhance the player’s experience, especially in such a beautifully designed world.

Balancing Exploration and Combat

As Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 approaches its release on April 24th, fans hope for a blend of seamless navigation and engaging combat. Enhancements in these areas could make the game not only visually appealing but also rewarding to explore.

In summary, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 promises a blend of thrilling exploration and tactical combat, distinguished by its stunning visuals and a captivating story. As players delve into its rich world, they will discover a lot of potential waiting to be unlocked.