Sandfall Interactive's creative director, Guillaume Broche, recently unveiled key details about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, revealing its historical inspirations and innovative gameplay mechanics. This article delves into the game's rich tapestry of influences and its unique approach to turn-based RPG combat.

Historical Influences and Gameplay Revolution

Name and Narrative Origins

The game's name, "Clair Obscur," draws inspiration from a 17th and 18th-century French artistic and cultural movement, significantly impacting the game's visual style and overall world-building. "Expedition 33" refers to a series of expeditions led by protagonist Gustave to defeat the Paintress, a being who erases entire ages by painting a number on her monolith – a process Broche calls "Gommage." The reveal trailer depicts the death of Gustave's partner after the Paintress paints the number 33, her current age.

Broche also cites the fantasy novel La Horde du Contrevent as a narrative influence, highlighting its themes of exploration and risk-taking. He further mentions the appeal of stories about venturing into the unknown, drawing parallels to works like Attack on Titan.

Reimagining the Turn-Based RPG

Broche emphasizes the game's commitment to high-fidelity graphics within the turn-based RPG genre, a relatively unexplored territory. While acknowledging past examples like Valkyria Chronicles and Project X Zone, Clair Obscur introduces a reactive turn-based battle system. Players strategize during their turn, but must react in real-time to enemy actions during the opponent's turn, dodging, jumping, or parrying to trigger powerful counterattacks.

The inspiration for this innovative system stems from action games like the Souls series, Devil May Cry, and NieR, aiming to integrate the rewarding gameplay of those titles into a turn-based framework.

Future Outlook

Broche's insights reveal a game deeply rooted in historical influences while pushing the boundaries of turn-based RPG gameplay. The combination of high-fidelity visuals and a reactive battle system promises a fresh and engaging experience. Players will need to plan strategically between turns while simultaneously reacting to real-time enemy attacks.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2025. Despite the release date being some time away, Broche expressed enthusiasm for the positive reception and eagerness to share more in the coming months.