As someone who has only ever flirted with the turn-based RPG genre, I am surprised at how much Expedition 33 hooked me in. To set the scene: I am your stereotypical, action-adventure junkie. I am also enthralled by the flashiness of the fight sequences in Arkam Asylum/Spiderman, and the cinematic master pieces of unchartered/Tomb raider. This has always been my preference. So much so, that I was unable to get through four hours of Balders Gate 3, because I, unfortunately, could not get passed its bland combat. I still enjoyed the various possibilities, and dungeons and dragons dice roll mechanics (don’t get me wrong though, it is by no means a terrible game).

I always choked it up to the fact that I was perhaps not a turn-based game connoisseur. But boy was I so wrong. Expedition 33 has showed me that it can be executed in a way that still feels engaging and exciting.

To begin with, it doesn’t beat about the bush in the opening act and quickly brings you up to speed with its fascinating world. The plot has just the right amount of mystery and wonder, to prompt the player to take an interest into trying to figure out ‘whatever is going on’. The ‘Paintress’ makes for an interesting and mysterious antagonist, and serves us ‘the player’ with a whole host of secrets to unveil.

I always choked it up to the fact that I was perhaps not a turn-based game connoisseur. But boy was I so wrong. Expedition 33 has showed me that it can be executed in a way that still feels engaging and exciting.

The game does feel awfully linear, to some degree, and this may pose a challenge to people who have an affinity for game exploration, and the freedom that comes from the open world. However, whatever resources the developers saved from that decision, were certainly poured into the powerful visuals that the game possesses. As a UE5 title, you already know its lighting effects are immaculate. With the implementation of lumen – causing your workhorse of a GPU to run hot in some instances; speaking from experience.

I vividly remember how my jaw dropped as I got to ‘flying water’, a location with beautiful visuals that will have you feeling like a denizen in Bikini Bottom. The last time I was left speechless to that extent was when I descended to Rupture in Bioshock. A scenery full of intrigue, wonder, and secrets lurking in the shadows.

Lastly, the combat, and engaging flair resembling something out of an anime fight sequence; the Devs really showed their talents there.  Starting off relatively easy, you progress while acquiring more moves that all come together like a beautiful and intricate game of chess. Parry and dodge mechanics are also included, and, at times, it had me reading enemy movements like I was playing Dark Souls. The game also incorporates some quick time prompts when executing certain moves that can be deactivated in the settings, if they are not your cup of tea.

In conclusion, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an amazing game; probably designed to cater towards new members of the turn based RPG genre, but I believe there’s still something in there for veterans to enjoy. I give the game a solid 8 out of 10. Despite its linear nature, the story, voice acting, combat, and visuals, all come together to tell a stunning story of resilience, love, friendship and the human will for survival. A definite must play for the year of 2025.