Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wears Its FF and Persona Influences on Its Sleeves

Sandfall Interactive's upcoming turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is making waves with its unique blend of classic and modern RPG elements. Following a successful demo, the game's director has shed light on its key inspirations.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Modern Take on Classic JRPGs

Turn-Based Combat with Real-Time Reactions

Set against the backdrop of Belle Epoque France, Expedition 33 masterfully combines turn-based strategy with real-time action. Heavily influenced by Final Fantasy and Persona, the game aims to redefine the genre with its high-fidelity visuals and engaging gameplay.

Creative director Guillaume Broche, in an interview with Eurogamer, revealed his passion for turn-based combat and the lack of visually stunning titles in the genre. He cited Atlus' Persona and Square Enix's Octopath Traveler as stylistic inspirations, stating, "If nobody wants to do it, I will do it."

The game's narrative centers on preventing a mysterious antagonist, the Paintress, from unleashing death once more. Players will explore unique environments, such as the gravity-defying Flying Waters, each as captivating as the storyline itself.

Combat demands both strategic planning and quick reflexes. While players issue commands in a turn-based system, they must also react swiftly to enemy attacks to defend effectively. This dynamic approach draws comparisons to Persona, Final Fantasy, and Sea of Stars.

Broche expressed surprise at the overwhelmingly positive reception, stating, "I wasn't expecting this community to be that excited."

While acknowledging Persona's influence, Broche clarified to PC Gamer that the Final Fantasy series, particularly FF VIII, IX, and X, played a more significant role in shaping the game's development. He emphasized that the game is an homage, not a direct imitation, reflecting his personal gaming history.

"The game is more like what I grew up with," Broche explained, adding that the team took inspiration from Persona's dynamic camera movements and menus, but ultimately created a unique visual style and gameplay experience.

Expedition 33's open world allows for seamless character switching and the use of unique traversal abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Broche expressed a desire for players to experiment with character builds, stating, "Our dream is to make a game that will profoundly touch players as much as the classics impacted our lives."

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox in 2025.