Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
For years, historically turn-based series–namely Final Fantasy–have been making the pivot to fast-action combat in what is seemingly an attempt to “keep up” with modern titles. As such, the team at Sandfall Interactive saw an opportunity to not only pay homage to the beloved JRPGs they grew up with, but help grow and reinvigorate the stagnating genre. Enter Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, an utterly remarkable turn-based RPG that sees that promise through.
Set in a surreal, dystopian version of Europe, Expedition 33 follows a group of adventurers who set out to put an end to The Paintress, a larger-than-life being who is methodically killing off all of mankind during an annual event known as the Gommage. What ensues is a journey equal parts tragic and beautiful, in which no party member is ever truly safe and the world is far from what it seems.
As its name suggests, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a game of contrasts. Alongside its immersive, cinematic presentation is a turn-based, menu-heavy combat system that some perceive as intrusive and dated. Tucked within that is a parry system that initially seems at odds with the slow and strategic combat for which turn-based games are known.
Its world map might be fairly sizable, yet it shies away from Western RPG standards and retains a focus on linearity; and while this can sometimes lead to RPGs providing a slower-paced experience rife with exposition, Expedition 33 finds a way to avoid that, too.
Though much of its music is perfectly suited to its Belle Époque setting–ethereal, operatic, and rich–Expedition 33 is punctuated by high-energy jazz and explosive, synthetic sounds. Ruins based on real-world locations lie next to abstract spectacles, and its highly grounded and mature tone often gives way to whimsy and laugh-out-loud humor.
Despite being a celebration of art and the catharsis it brings, Expedition 33 is also deeply concerned with how that art can can lead to isolation, obsession, and escapism; and despite being a game about humanity, hope, legacy, and collective action, all of these ideas are nestled against much darker topics, such as grief, despair, mortality, individualism, and entropy.
All of this duality–all of this careful juxtaposition–works triumphantly and is what defines Expedition 33. Each part serves as a way to highlight and celebrate the other, seemingly disparate side, creating a work of art that is not just somehow harmonic, but is truly elevated, making it not only one of 2025’s greatest games, but one of the best RPGs, period. — Jessica Cogswell
- Security Camera Installation – indoor/outdoor IP CCTV systems & video analytics
- Access Control Installation – key card, fob, biometric & cloud‑based door entry
- Business Security Systems – integrated alarms, surveillance & access control
- Structured Cabling Services – voice, data & fiber infrastructure for new or existing builds
- Video Monitoring Services – 24/7 remote surveillance and analytics monitoring
Author: 360 Technology Group
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