Sandfall Interactive is developing the game, with Guillaume Broche as the creative director and François Meurisse as the producer/COO.

Development started in 2019 as Broche’s passion project because he was “starving for new turn-based RPG games.” Following Persona 5’s success, he believed there was a market for more JRPG-style games.

The game features a mix of turn-based combat with action elements, including:

• A parry system for defence
• Free-aim mechanics for ranged weapons to hit enemy weak points

While the gameplay might remind some players of Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi RPGs, Broche’s actual inspirations came from:

• Software games (especially Sekiro’s parrying)
• Final Fantasy
• Lost Odyssey

Meurisse noted that while the game doesn’t necessarily innovate with brand-new mechanics, it combines existing elements “in a unique and clever way.”

The article also discusses the increasing diversity in JRPG storytelling and aesthetics, mentioning examples like Like a Dragon, Undertale, Persona 5, and indie titles such as Hylics, Felvidek, and Fear and Hunger.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Detailed Review

Based on the information provided, I can offer a comprehensive analysis of what we know about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. I should note that this isn’t a full review as the game hasn’t been released yet (scheduled for April 23, 2025).

Concept & Development

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emerged from creative director Guillaume Broche’s personal desire for more turn-based RPGs around 2019, following Persona 5’s success. The development approach seems similar to Larian Studios with Divinity: Original Sin or New Blood’s genre revival efforts – passionate developers creating games they want to play.

Gameplay Mechanics

The game appears to blend traditional JRPG turn-based combat with action-oriented elements:

• Combat System: Turn-based foundation with timing-based mechanics
• Defensive Mechanics: A parry system inspired by Sekiro (not Paper Mario as initially assumed)
• Offensive Options: Free-aiming capabilities for ranged weapons to target enemy weak points
• Strategic Depth: Combines elements from multiple JRPG traditions

According to Meurisse, the game doesn’t necessarily introduce revolutionary mechanics. Instead, it combines existing elements “uniquely and cleverly” – similar to how Baldur’s Gate 3 succeeded by expertly integrating features from various CRPGs.

Aesthetic & Storytelling

While specific details about the story aren’t mentioned, the article positions Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 within a growing trend of diverse JRPG storytelling. The game’s name “Clair Obscur” refers to the artistic technique of contrasting light and dark (chiaroscuro), suggesting potential thematic elements involving contrast or duality.

The “Expedition 33” subtitle implies an exploration-focused narrative, possibly with scientific or archaeological themes.

Influences & Inspiration

The creative team draws from diverse inspirations:

• Broche: Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, FromSoftware games (especially Sekiro)
• Meurisse: Paper Mario, EarthBound

This combination of Japanese RPG traditions with Western action game elements suggests a potentially unique creative vision.

Development Team

Sandfall Interactive appears to be a smaller studio with passionate leadership:

• Guillaume Broche: Founder and Creative Director
• François Meurisse: COO and Producer

Market Positioning

The game seems positioned to appeal to:

• Traditional JRPG fans looking for modern turn-based experiences
• Action RPG players who appreciate timing-based combat mechanics
• Players interested in games with unique aesthetic approaches

What We Don’t Know Yet

The article doesn’t provide details on:

• The whole narrative premise and setting
• Character progression systems
• Game length and structure
• Visual style and art direction specifics
• Music and sound design

Release Information

• Release Date: April 23, 2025
• Platforms: PC confirmed (available for wishlisting on Steam), other platforms unclear
• Developer: Sandfall Interactive

Based on the information available, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 appears to be a thoughtfully crafted blend of traditional and modern RPG elements from a passionate development team. The full experience will become clearer when the game releases next month.