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 Fusion of Turn-Based and Real-Time Gameplay

Inspired by the Belle Époque and classic JRPGs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 innovatively merges turn-based combat with real-time elements. Heavily influenced by Final Fantasy and Persona, the game aims to establish its own identity within the genre.

Creative director Guillaume Broche, speaking with Eurogamer after a successful SGF showcase, revealed his passion for turn-based games and the desire to create a visually stunning title in this style. He cited Persona (Atlus) and Octopath Traveler (Square Enix) as stylistic inspirations, stating, "If nobody wants to do it, I will do it."

The game features a narrative centered around preventing the "Paintress" from unleashing death, and boasts unique environments, such as the gravity-defying Flying Waters. Combat demands quick reactions; players input commands turn-based, but must also react in real-time to enemy attacks. This system draws comparisons to Persona, Final Fantasy, and Sea of Stars.

Broche expressed surprise at the enthusiastic reception, stating the response was "very overwhelming."

While acknowledging Persona's influence, Broche clarified to PC Gamer that the Final Fantasy series (specifically FFVIII, IX, and X) had a more profound impact on the game's development. He emphasized that the game isn't a direct imitation but rather a reflection of his personal gaming history and tastes. Persona's influence, he noted, was primarily in camera movement, menu design, and dynamic elements.

In the open world, players have full control over their party, switching characters freely and utilizing traversal abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Broche playfully encouraged players to experiment with "crazy builds and stupid combinations."

The development team, in a PlayStation Blog post, expressed their hope that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will resonate with players as deeply as classic RPGs have impacted them.

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