"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Mixes FF & Persona Styles"

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Sandfall Interactive's upcoming turn-based RPG, is creating excitement with its fresh take on the genre. Following a successful preview event, the game's director has shared deeper insights into its creative influences.

A Fusion of Classic JRPG Heritage and Modern Innovation

Drawing from France's Belle Epoque period and legendary JRPG traditions, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 blends traditional turn-based mechanics with contemporary real-time elements. While paying homage to iconic franchises like Final Fantasy and Persona, the developers aim to establish their own distinct identity within the genre.

After presenting a hands-off demo at Summer Game Fest, creative director Guillaume Broche discussed the game's foundations with Eurogamer. "As a passionate fan of turn-based RPGs, I felt the absence of visually stunning entries in the genre," Broche explained, citing Persona and Octopath Traveler as inspirations that demonstrated how nostalgia could merge with modern aesthetics.

The game unfolds in a world where players must stop the mysterious Paintress from continuing her deadly artwork. Locations like the gravity-defying Flying Waters showcase the game's imaginative worldbuilding.

Expedition 33 introduces a hybrid combat system where players plan actions traditionally but must react swiftly during enemy attacks. This innovative approach invites comparisons to genre benchmarks like Persona and Sea of Stars while maintaining its unique identity.

Broche expressed surprise at the enthusiastic reception: "We anticipated some interest from turn-based fans, but the level of excitement exceeded all expectations."

Creative Inspirations and Original Vision

While acknowledging Persona's influence on cinematic presentation, Broche told PC Gamer that Final Fantasy's golden era (8-10) proved more foundational. "Those games shaped my creative sensibilities," he noted, emphasizing they sought inspiration rather than imitation.

"We studied Persona's dynamic menus and camera work but adapted these elements to suit our distinct art direction," Broche added.

The game encourages creative exploration, allowing players to switch characters dynamically and use special abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Broche humorously told GamesRadar he hopes players will "discover game-breaking builds and absurd combos."

In a PlayStation Blog post, the development team shared their aspirations: "We dream of creating experiences as impactful as the classics that shaped us - and even if we fall short, we'll pave the way for future creators."

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 launches in 2025 for PC, PS5, and Xbox platforms.