“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,” the debut title from French indie studio Sandfall Interactive, is a turn-based RPG (roleplaying game) with influences from the genre’s classics and high-quality features and graphics. 

We play as a group of “expeditioners” sent to defeat the Paintress, a being who threatens everyone with her sinister annual countdown. She paints a number, and everyone that age disappears. With no one older than 32 left, time is running out to stop the disaster. 

“Expedition 33” is an impressive game. It’s filled with beautiful, surreal landscapes and paired with heartfelt music from a wide range of genres. The battle themes feature intense shredding electric guitar, while the overworld music is a serene piano tune. It’s a joy to listen to, as are the performances from the main cast. The characters are brought to life in such a way that you can’t help but feel invested in their story. 

The combat here is unique. There are so many possibilities. Who’s in your main party? What weapons do they have? Which stats did you boost and what abilities have you unlocked? I thought I’d find something simple that worked early on and stick with it the whole way through, but I found myself changing as I went and enjoying the process. Not to mention that the fights feature flashy attacks and exciting camera work. There’s nothing static or boring about the combat in “Expedition 33.”

While the maps are fun to explore, there aren’t many rewards for exploration. The story also carries some convoluted issues. I was enjoying the plot until it slightly lost me towards the end, where it left the stakes feeling meaningless. There are also hints at a larger narrative outside the scope of the game, which I didn’t like, but it gives me hope for more games in this universe.

 “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is filled with everything you’d hope for from this kind of game — and then some unexpected challenges and surprises. No one will be left disappointed. Even after the game lost me and I rushed through the ending, I was still drawn back in because I cared for these characters more than I expected. Honestly, this is almost a perfect game.