Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Receives First Early Impressions from Journalists

Sandfall Interactive, a young French studio, is generating significant buzz with their upcoming title, Expedition 33. Early reviews from gaming media are overwhelmingly positive, praising its immersive narrative, mature themes, and thrilling combat. Some critics even compare it to a modern Final Fantasy.

RPG Gamer was particularly impressed by the depth of experience delivered in just a few hours of gameplay, a feat usually associated with established studios boasting decades of experience. If this level of quality is maintained throughout, Expedition 33 stands a strong chance of contending for awards like The Game Awards 2025.

IGN's journalist, captivated by the demo, expressed a desire for more, highlighting their astonishment at the young team's accomplishments. The immersive world and engaging battles left a lasting impression.

Kotaku's review goes even further, predicting Expedition 33 will achieve classic turn-based status, echoing the Final Fantasy comparison and praising the innovative integration of QTE mechanics into traditional turn-based combat.

Reviewers consistently highlight the game's stunning visuals and mature storytelling.

Expedition 33 is slated for release on April 24, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.