Behind the Scenes: Expedition 33 Dev Team Shares Insights on Creative Journey

A Glimpse into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

From the moment we laid eyes on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 during last June’s XBOX Games Showcase, it was clear we were in for something extraordinary. Each new teaser from Sandfall Interactive has only stoked the flames of excitement among RPG enthusiasts. So, when the opportunity arose to attend the latest Developer_Direct, I jumped at the chance to meet the talented team behind this highly anticipated title, nestled in a charming manor in Montpellier, France.

Unpacking the Layers of Expedition 33

During our chat, the developers peeled back the layers of their intricately designed RPG, revealing a wealth of information about its emotional narrative, unique world, and innovative gameplay that pays homage to the genre’s classics. Oh, and did I mention the release date? Mark your calendars for April 24! You can pre-order now and dive in on day one with Game Pass.

I recently had the pleasure of catching up with a couple of team members for an upcoming episode of the Official Xbox Podcast. They were eager to share more about what we’ve seen so far, and trust me, it’s a lot!

Combat That Dazzles and Engages

From that initial reveal, the depth of Expedition 33’s turn-based combat caught my attention. The blend of real-time elements—think dodging and parrying—with a variety of moves and stylish visual effects creates a combat system that’s as engaging as it is beautiful. But it’s not just about looking good; the team wanted to ensure that the gameplay had the depth to back it up.

“We didn’t want the game to just be a pretty face,” said Guillaume Broche, CEO and Creative Director. “We aimed for a game that feels like a real game. Each character has their unique playstyle, mechanics, and skill trees, making them feel separate and allowing for diverse strategies.”

Customizing Your Adventure

One standout feature is the game’s innovative customization system. Before heading into battle, players can set up their characters with Pictos, modifiers tied to gear that evolve into passive abilities known as Lumina after four battles. For instance, one character, Lune, generates “Stains” with each skill cast, which she can then consume for various buffs during combat. The real magic lies in finding the right combination that suits your playstyle.

Broche elaborated, “As you progress, you’ll change your equipment frequently and gain more Lumina. By the end, you’ll have a full list of passives to activate or deactivate, opening up some wild build opportunities. We want players to experiment and, frankly, break the game if they can!”

Balancing Challenge and Accessibility

While the strategic options are plentiful, it’s the visceral real-time elements of the battle system that really stand out. Broche reassured players that those of us who might not have the reflexes of a Sekiro master will still find a way to enjoy the game. “You’re not supposed to parry everything; that would be too difficult. We offer different difficulty levels that adjust the parry and dodge Windows, making it accessible for everyone.”

A World Inspired by Art Deco

The game’s stunning aesthetics are inspired by the Art Deco style of France’s Belle Époque era. Art Director Nicholas Maxson-Francombe shared his vision of creating something original, steering clear of the typical sci-fi and zombie tropes that dominate the landscape. “I wanted to explore new textures and shapes, drawing inspiration from ceramics to create unique enemies and vibrant environments,” he said.

Exploration Awaits

Another exciting reveal during Developer_Direct was the navigable world map, a nod to classic JRPGs that Broche has been passionate about since day one. “I wanted to bring back the sense of travel that made old-school JRPGs so special. It’s all about feeling like you’re on a grand expedition,” he explained.

And trust me, the world of Expedition 33 is vast, filled with hidden bosses and secrets that promise to make exploration feel rewarding. “In the beginning, it seems overwhelmingly big, and it truly is. There are levels and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered,” Broche added.

What’s Next for Expedition 33?

As much as we’ve learned, there’s still plenty more to uncover about Expedition 33, including a camping system and a mechanic where you battle merchants to unlock more of their wares. It’s ambitious for a relatively small team, but each revelation leaves us more impressed with what they’re crafting.

Expedition 33 may be inspired by the giants of the RPG genre, but it’s shaping up to be a landmark title in its own right. Stay tuned for more insights in the upcoming episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, where the Sandfall Interactive team will share even more behind-the-scenes details, including a new gameplay video.