Clair Obscur: A Look Ahead at Expedition 33 via Xbox Wire

A Fresh Take on Classic JRPGs

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the gaming world, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This upcoming title feels like a breath of fresh air for fans of the classic JRPG genre. With its flashy, turn-based combat, expansive overworld, and customizable weapon sets, it’s hard not to draw comparisons to legendary games like Persona and Final Fantasy. Add to that a gripping race-against-the-clock storyline and stunning Belle Époque-inspired visuals, and you’ve got all the makings of a potential sleeper hit. Mark your calendars for April 24, 2025, when it drops on XBOX Series X|S, Playstation 5, and Windows PC as an Xbox Play Anywhere title—oh, and it will be available on day one with Game Pass!

Diving into the Dark Fantastical World

I recently had the chance to dive into Expedition 33 with an extended hands-on demo, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride. Right from the start, the game pulls you into a world that feels both familiar and eerily different. Picture this: a towering figure known as the Paintress awakens once a year, painting a number on a monolith that signifies the age of those who will vanish into smoke. This year, she painted the ominous number 33. A small band of adventurers sets out to do what no one has accomplished before—stop the Paintress and save countless souls from fading away.

But, as it often goes in RPGs, things don’t start smoothly. Just as our team lands on the shores of The Continent, they’re ambushed by otherworldly foes, leaving only a handful of survivors to continue the mission. And this is where my experience kicked off—reeling from the chaos and on a quest to find answers and fellow survivors.

Streamlined Exploration and Combat

RPGs are known for their vast worlds and intricate narratives, but Expedition 33 takes a refreshing approach by trimming the excess. The early zones I explored were beautifully crafted and densely packed with detail, yet they guided me along a linear path. I’m all for a game that offers clear direction while still allowing for exploration. It’s like a breath of fresh air to not feel overwhelmed by a sprawling open world. Each step reveals vibrant, sometimes alien foliage, and in the distance, a cracked, foreboding landscape looms—definitely a hint of the challenges that await.

Combat is where Expedition 33 truly shines. Battles load quickly and demand your full attention, with mechanics that require you to parry, dodge, or leap over enemy attacks. Level grinding is a part of the experience, but the beauty and engagement of the battle system made it a joy rather than a chore. Each enemy has its own attack patterns, and figuring them out is key to success. The difficulty can be adjusted, which is a nice touch for those who want a bit of breathing room, but expect to refine your reaction skills if you’re aiming for higher challenges. It’s not quite Elden Ring hard, but it’ll definitely keep you on your toes.

Character Dynamics and Customization

Each character in your party has a separate build that complements the others, and you can customize them further as you collect Pictos (think of them as passive abilities). During my demo, I played as Gustave, a heavy-hitting warrior/engineer wielding lightning and a pistol; Lune, a flame-kicking mage with healing powers; and Maelle, an agile rogue with a deadly blade.

The combat strategy revolves around building up your AP meter (akin to mana in other RPGs) to unleash powerful Skills. You can boost this meter by landing regular attacks or successful parries, which adds a layer of strategy to every encounter. It’s a turn-based system, but when enemies attack, it shifts to a real-time moment that raises the stakes significantly. If you lose focus, you could find your party in a world of hurt. But if you play your cards right, you can turn the tide with powerful counterattacks.

While Gustave and Lune play out as expected for their classes, Maelle brings a unique twist to the table. Her Skills are tied to her Battle Stance, which can switch between three modes: Defensive, Offensive, and Virtuous. This mechanic keeps you engaged and constantly strategizing your next move, ensuring that no encounter is ever dull.

Character Development and Storytelling

Between battles, I got a taste of the character-driven storytelling through the party camp. Here, you can interact with your teammates, allowing their personalities to shine. With voice talent like Charlie Cox from “Daredevil: Born Again” as Gustave, Jennifer English from “Baldur’s Gate III” as Maelle, and Kirsty Rider from “The Sandman” as Lune, the characters come to life in a way that makes you genuinely care about their journeys.

I witnessed character growth even in this short demo. Gustave, initially shaken by the events, begins to find his footing, while Lune becomes more curious about their surroundings. Maelle, the youngest member of the group, starts to tap into her hidden potential. This development left me eager to see how their stories unfold throughout the game.

The Journey Ahead

There’s so much to love about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and I’ve only just scratched the surface. With at least two additional characters to explore, I’m excited to see how they fit into the mix. The game promises an epic narrative, and I can’t wait to unravel it when it launches on April 24, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, Playstation 5, and Windows PC as an Xbox Play Anywhere title, and day one with Game Pass. Are you ready to embark on this adventure? I know I am!