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. Following a successful demo, the game's director has shed light on its key inspirations.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Modern Take on Classic JRPGs

Turn-Based Combat with Real-Time Reactions

Inspired by the Belle Epoque era of France and the golden age of JRPGs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 cleverly merges turn-based strategy with real-time action. Drawing heavily from the legacy of Final Fantasy and Persona, the game aims to create a fresh and engaging experience.

Creative director Guillaume Broche, in an interview with Eurogamer, highlighted his passion for turn-based combat and the desire to create a visually stunning title in this style. He cited Persona (Atlus) and Octopath Traveler (Square Enix) as stylistic influences, stating that the lack of high-fidelity graphics in the genre spurred him to action.

The game's narrative centers around preventing the "Paintress" from unleashing death once more, set against unique environments like the gravity-defying "Flying Waters." Combat demands quick reflexes; while actions are input in a turn-based manner, players must react in real-time to enemy attacks, creating a dynamic and engaging system reminiscent of Persona, Final Fantasy, and Sea of Stars.

Broche expressed surprise at the overwhelmingly positive reception, exceeding his expectations. While acknowledging Persona's influence, he emphasized the more significant impact of the Final Fantasy series (specifically FFVIII, IX, and X) on the game's core design philosophy, stating it reflects his personal gaming history rather than a direct imitation.

He further clarified that Persona's influence is primarily seen in the dynamic camera movements and menu design, striving for a unique visual style distinct from its inspirations.

The open world allows for seamless character switching and utilizes unique traversal abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Broche encourages experimentation, hoping players will discover creative character builds and unconventional strategies.

The development team, in a PlayStation Blog post, expressed their ambition to create a game as impactful as the classics that inspired them.

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