Behind closed doors at Gamescom, we met with two members of Sandfall Interactive, the studio responsible for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Here are our impressions of what may be one of the major video game highlights of 2025.
The story is set in France at the early 20th century. Each year, a mysterious priestess, known as the “Paintress,” records humanity’s life expectancy on a monolith. At the beginning of the adventure, the priestess is about to inscribe the number 33. You will assume the role of Gustave, Lune, and Maelle, members of an elite team assigned to locate the priestess and put an end to her ominous ritual.
A visually stunning universe
The initial environments showcased reveal a remarkable artistic direction. The dreamlike and organic ambiance is enhanced by a soundtrack that perfectly complements the visuals. The richly detailed settings shift between macabre and soothing atmospheres, creating a compelling contrast.
Unique gameplay
You will engage with the game through a third-person perspective, exploring vast worlds. Similar to God of War, the levels will be linear yet packed with secrets and hidden paths. Exploration will yield upgrades, new outfits, entire sections of levels, and even concealed bosses!
The combat system is intriguing with its turn-based mechanics, but it includes an active element: when attacking, you need to strike the keys at the right moment to maximize damage. Likewise, precise timing for defense will enable you to mitigate damage, dodge, or counterattack. The attention to animation is evident: the attacks are spectacular and provide a genuine sense of power when executed effectively. The camera angles are reminiscent of the best scenes from Hollywood action films.
The game is set to release in 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, and will be available at launch on Xbox Game Pass, as announced during the June Xbox Showcase.
We eagerly anticipate discovering more and will keep you updated on future news regarding the game.
Behind closed doors during Gamescom, we had the opportunity to meet two members of Sandfall Interactive, the studio behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Here are our thoughts on what could well be one of the big video game revelations of 2025.
Plot and Characters
The plot takes place in France at the beginning of the 20th century. Every year, a mysterious priestess, nicknamed “Paintress,” inscribes humanity’s life expectancy on a monolith. When you begin the adventure, the priestess is about to write the number 33. You will play as Gustave, Lune, and Maelle, members of an elite corps tasked with finding the priestess to put an end to her sinister ritual.
A Visual Universe of Great Beauty
The first environments revealed display impressive artistic direction. The dreamlike and organic atmosphere is magnified by a soundtrack that perfectly complements the setting. The settings, rich in detail, oscillate between macabre and soothing atmospheres, offering a fascinating contrast.
An Original Gameplay Experience
In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you will engage with the game from a third-person perspective, exploring vast worlds reminiscent of God of War. The levels will be linear, but filled with secrets and hidden passages. Exploration will reward players with upgrades, new outfits, entire sections of levels, and even hidden bosses!
The combat system surprises with its turn-based approach, including an active dimension. When attacking, you will need to press the keys at the right time to maximize damage. Similarly, precise timing during defense allows you to reduce damage, dodge, or even counterattack.
The effort put into the animation is palpable: the attacks are spectacular and provide a real feeling of power when executed effectively. The camera angles resemble the best Hollywood action movie scenes.
Release Information
The game is expected in 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It will also be available upon release on Xbox Game Pass, as announced during the Xbox Showcase in June.
Unique Features of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Engaging Narrative: The game features a captivating story that involves finding the enigmatic priestess and unraveling deep-seated mysteries.
- Stunning Visuals: The art style is breathtaking, combining bleak and beautiful aesthetics that enhance the gaming experience.
- Dynamic Combat System: The turn-based mechanics with real-time elements create a unique gameplay experience.
- Exploration Rewards: Players are encouraged to explore, with plenty of hidden secrets and lore waiting to be uncovered.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Players
Gameplay Tips
- Embrace Exploration: Take your time exploring each level to find upgrades and secrets that will enhance your gameplay.
- Master Timing: Work on your timing for attacks and defenses to maximize your combat effectiveness against enemies.
- Utilize Environmental Elements: Use the environments to your advantage during battles, as different settings may influence fight strategy.
First-Hand Experience: An Impressive Debut
During our session at Gamescom, the gameplay felt fluid and engaging. The blend of storytelling, artistic depth, and unique mechanics immediately captured our attention. Various strategies could be employed depending on play style, making the game accessible to a wide range of players.
Case Study: Anticipated Reception
| Aspect | Prediction | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Art Design | Highly Positive | Unique and captivating visual style setting it apart from competitors. |
| Gameplay Mechanics | Expected to Innovate | Combining turn-based and real-time strategies may attract diverse player demographics. |
| Narrative Depth | Strong Engagement | Rich backdrop with deep narrative elements is likely to resonate with players. |
