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 mechanics. Following a successful demo, the game's director has shed light on its inspirations and design philosophy.

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

Turn-Based Combat with Real-Time Elements

Set against the backdrop of Belle Epoque France, Expedition 33 masterfully combines turn-based strategy with real-time reactions. Drawing heavily from the legacy of Final Fantasy and Persona, the game aims to redefine the genre with its high-fidelity visuals and innovative gameplay.

Creative director Guillaume Broche, in an interview with Eurogamer, revealed his passion for turn-based games as the driving force behind the project. Inspired by the stylish aesthetics of titles like Persona and Octopath Traveler, Broche aimed to create a visually stunning experience that remained true to the turn-based roots.

The game's narrative revolves around preventing a mysterious antagonist, the Paintress, from unleashing death once more. Players will explore unique environments, such as the gravity-defying Flying Waters, and engage in combat that demands both strategic planning and quick reflexes. While turn-based in its core structure, players must react in real-time to enemy attacks, creating a dynamic and engaging experience reminiscent of Persona, Final Fantasy, and Sea of Stars.

Broche expressed his surprise at the overwhelmingly positive reception to the game, noting the enthusiastic response from the turn-based gaming community.

While acknowledging Persona's influence, Broche clarified to PC Gamer that the Final Fantasy series, particularly entries 8, 9, and 10, had a more profound impact on the game's development. He emphasized that Expedition 33 is not a direct imitation, but rather a reflection of his personal experiences and tastes shaped by these classic titles. The team also drew inspiration from Persona's dynamic camera movements and menu design, but ultimately strived to create a unique visual style and gameplay experience.

The open world of Expedition 33 offers players complete control over their party, allowing for seamless character switching and the utilization of unique traversal abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Broche playfully encourages players to experiment with unconventional strategies and character builds, aiming to create a game that's both challenging and rewarding.

The development team, in a PlayStation Blog post, expressed their hope that Expedition 33 will resonate with players in the same way that classic games impacted their lives.

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