I finally used that free Xbox Game pass trial that came with my new(ish?) gaming laptop and spend hours enjoying Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This game is an absolute masterpiece and is definitely a Game of the Year contender. Last month my pal Aaron and I, early in our respective playthroughs spent time talking about the game in our podcast (which I haven’t officially announced here yet). Streaming the game on my Twitch channel is also the most fun I’ve had streaming this year.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Story
In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you lead the members of Expedition 33 on their quest to destroy the Paintress so that she can never paint death again. The player explores a world of wonders inspired by Belle Époque France and battle unique enemies in a turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics.
Best Battle System since Sekiro
Clair Obscur has the best battle system in a game since Sekiro. Yes, different genres but comparable. It teaches you the battle system with increasingly difficult battles, it’s very flashy and satisfying to counter and dodge, and the player feels more and more of a badass as you learn your character(s) and take on bigger and bigger enemies. After a while, you feel almost synced with the battle system.
Immersive and Emotive Story
Clair Obscur has a top tier story with great writing, pacing and emotions. I am invested in the expedition and hate the Paintress, that old guy and these damn Nevrons (monsters). It is comparative to other big video game story heavy hitters like Elden Ring and Ghost of Tsushima with no fluff or real world insertions. So Immersive and emotive.
The Price is right for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
This game is also a fair price. I am playing it on Gamepass, but at $50 I might still pick it up on steam. Clair Obscur is a full, complete game with no day one locked content. Really love the game? Get the limited collector’s edition with amazing, unique, high quality stuff. Love the music? Buy the soundtrack. Wanna cosplay as Maelle or Lune or Gustave? Check out the cosplay guides on the site.
No Major Technical Issues
Finally, Clair Obscur has no major technical issues. Many games these days arrive broken or running like garbage. Even some of my favs that show up my bias like MH Wilds on PC. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is beautiful beautiful game, lighting effects, graphics, sound comes together with no glitches on my gaming laptop. I love this game so much, I am invested in the story and I hope to see more and more content in this franchise for many years to come.
