There are games that grab your attention with flashy trailers, and then there are games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33—the ones that keep your attention because they’re actually doing something bold. After spending about 40 hours with it, I can say with confidence: this is not just another RPG. It’s a haunting, poetic journey that seamlessly blends reactive turn-based combat with rich storytelling and some of the most beautiful art direction I’ve seen in years.

The Premise: A Bleak, Beautiful World
Set in a dreamlike version of Belle Époque France, the game opens with a chilling premise: every year, a mysterious figure known as the Paintress erases everyone of a specific age. This year, it’s 33. As the latest members of Expedition 33, you and your crew are essentially walking dead—unless you can stop the cycle. That narrative hook is simple but immediately effective. It adds urgency to every decision and imbues the world with an underlying sense of dread.

The writing is thoughtful and sometimes poetic, leaning more into literary vibes than typical RPG exposition dumps. Characters speak like people burdened by trauma, duty, and fleeting hope—and the voice acting (yes, Charlie Cox and Jennifer English kill it) gives the dialogue serious emotional weight.

Combat: Reactive Turn-Based Done Right
This is where the game shines. On paper, it’s turn-based combat. In practice, it’s a hybrid system that demands your attention. During enemy attacks, you’re actively dodging, parrying, or timing blocks—kind of like Paper Mario meets Persona with a dose of Dark Souls reflex-testing. It’s not overly punishing, but it does keep you awake. No more brain-dead grinding while watching Netflix.

Each party member has a unique combat rhythm. Lune, for example, uses spellcraft and builds up “Stains” that power her abilities. Others specialize in precision attacks or area control, so there’s always a strategic layer on top of the reflex challenge. I found myself actually excited to fight mobs because each battle felt like a little performance.

The gear and skill systems are deep without being overwhelming. Modifiers like “Pictos” and “Luminas” let you tailor your playstyle, and there’s plenty of incentive to experiment with builds.

Visuals & Art Direction: A Painting in Motion
Clair Obscur is one of the best-looking games I’ve ever played—hands down. It uses Unreal Engine 5 to craft surreal cityscapes, towering cathedrals, and overgrown ruins, all rendered with an impressionist’s touch. The color palette leans into golds, violets, and sickly greens, creating a tone that’s both majestic and melancholic. It’s not just pretty; it’s purposeful.

The character designs are equally stunning. Costumes evoke high fashion twisted by time and decay, and the monsters are nightmarish but elegant—like something out of a Francis Bacon painting.

Sound & Music: Hauntingly Perfect
Lorien Testard’s score is phenomenal. It’s one of those soundtracks that lingers after you close the game, full of mournful piano themes and sweeping orchestral movements. It enhances every scene without overpowering them. I caught myself just standing still in certain areas to listen to the music. That’s rare.

Performance & UI
On PC, the game runs well—though I did experience a few minor hitches when loading into densely packed areas. Nothing game-breaking. The UI is sleek and intuitive, with just enough flair to match the art direction without becoming confusing.

What Could Be Better?
No game is perfect. Here are a few areas where Expedition 33 might turn some players off:

* Pacing dips: Some mid-game chapters stretch a bit long, especially when the plot slows to dig into backstories.
* Combat timing: While I love the reactive system, it might frustrate players who prefer purely turn-based or aren’t quick on the reflexes.
* Exploration: The world is beautiful but occasionally feels too segmented. This isn’t a wide-open game—it’s more about curated experiences than sandbox freedom.

Final Verdict: 9/10
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the kind of game that stays with you. It’s stylish without being hollow, emotional without being melodramatic, and tactical without being tedious. It respects your intelligence as a player, and it dares to do something different in a genre that too often plays it safe.

If you’re a fan of games like Persona, Final Fantasy X, or even NieR: Automata, this one’s a must-play. It’s not just another turn-based RPG—it’s a soulful, strange, unforgettable experience.