This year has been a standout for debut titles from up-and-coming studios—one prime example being Sandfall Interactive’s highly anticipated RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which has seen massive, resounding success from both gamers and critics since its launch.
But here’s the kicker: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t following the usual modern gaming blueprint. It’s not a first-person shooter catering to Call of Duty fans, nor is it an extraction shooter in the vein of Bungie’s Marathon. It’s a turn-based RPG. Which says a lot about one thing: gamers still have a craving for traditional Western turn-based RPGs.
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+ 3There’s always been a market for Japanese turn-based RPGs like Persona, Final Fantasy, and Octopath Traveler, but when it comes to Western turn-based RPGs, the conversation tends to quiet down. It’s a niche genre that’s taken some odd turns over the years, with titles like the quirky West of Loathing, SteamWorld Heist, and even the brutal Darkest Dungeon putting their own spin on the formula.
That’s not to say it’s a bad thing, but mainstream appeal has been hard to come by. That is, until Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 came along and paved the way for a genre resurgence.
click to enlarge + 3Now, it seems the stars have aligned for Sandfall Interactive. Their debut title has amassed a passionate following, especially among fans of Baldur’s Gate 3 alongside a healthy community of RPG lovers. It’s received above-average scores from reputable critics, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is quickly shaping up to be a strong Game of the Year contender alongside hits like Hazelight Studios’ Split Fiction and Dogubomb’s Blue Prince.
Time and again, ever since the game unveiled its first gameplay teaser, gamers have found themselves hooked on the game’s addictive combat system, where real-time QTEs are woven seamlessly into classic RPG mechanics.
A huge part of Clair Obscur’s success lies not just in its flashy and strategic turn-based combat, but also in its distinctive aesthetic—a surreal blend of fantasy and Parisian flair. The graphics alone are worth the price of admission, but players are staying for its compelling cast and otherworldly story.
click to enlarge + 3It was also a smart move by Sandfall Interactive to cast familiar voices from beloved games. Jennifer English, known for voicing Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3, lends her talent here, as does Ben Starr (Clive Rosfield from Final Fantasy XVI), who not only features prominently in the marketing but plays one of the game’s protagonists. Fans of both franchises will likely find a lot to love. And if that wasn’t enough, Hollywood A-lister Andy Serkis joins the cast as one of the game’s party members.
With Clair Obscur’s success now firmly established, it’s clear that gamers still yearn for a solid Western turn-based RPG that doesn’t need to be a Persona game or a classic Square Enix title. It just needs to be good, with a cast of characters worth journeying alongside. (Plus, you need a very positive word of mouth!)
Even if Baldur’s Gate 3 didn’t exist, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 would still stand a strong chance of breaking the turn-based RPG mold wide open for Western audiences. It’s just that good, especially for a debut title from a new studio. It’s no surprise that it will serve as the new blueprint for modern RPGs in the future. Talk about lightning in a bottle.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Features and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 page.