Discover how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws inspiration from various titles, including JRPGs, and get a glimpse of its first character trailer.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: A Journey Towards Release
Embracing the Legacy of JRPGs
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an eagerly anticipated turn-based RPG that introduces unique real-time mechanics, enhancing player immersion and interaction. Rooted deeply in the tradition of JRPGs, the game echoes the spirit of classics like Final Fantasy, particularly the iconic titles from the PlayStation era such as Final Fantasy 7, 8, 9, and 10. At the 2025 Game Developers Conference, GamesRadar+ had the opportunity to discuss the game's inspirations with François Meurisse, the producer of Expedition 33.
Meurisse shared that the game's director, Guillaume Broche, drew significant inspiration from his childhood favorites. "Those are big childhood games for Guillaume, our game director," Meurisse noted. "He wanted to capture the essence that he imagined would persist in modern Final Fantasy-like games, had they continued with turn-based mechanics. However, he also blended in various other influences. While Final Fantasy and JRPGs form the cornerstone of our gameplay heritage, we've strived to create something uniquely ours."
In terms of art style, Meurisse emphasized a departure from typical Japanese aesthetics. "We didn't want to simply mimic Japanese games with manga-like or anime-like graphics," he explained. "Instead, we aimed to craft an art direction inspired by our own influences. This led us to the early 20th century Belle Époque style, infused with art deco elements and high fantasy. We went through several iterations to carve out our unique visual identity, which has significantly contributed to setting our game apart."
Diverse Inspirations
Beyond JRPGs, Expedition 33 also incorporates elements from souls-like games, notably Sekiro, in its defense mechanics. "The defense system is more inspired by Sekiro and From Software games," Meurisse stated. "It introduces a rhythmic element and a more real-time component, making it more skill-based."
Additionally, the game borrows mechanics from deckbuilding games for its battle sequences. "For instance, the concept of using action points for skills in battles is more influenced by deckbuilding games than the traditional magic points or mana systems found in RPGs," Meurisse elaborated.
Unveiling the First Character Trailer
As Expedition 33 gears up for its release, the game will introduce new characters weekly. On March 13, the official Twitter (X) account of Expedition 33 released a trailer featuring Gustave, a resourceful and dedicated engineer from Lumière. Gustave is poised to lead Expedition 33 in their mission to stop the Paintress from painting death once more.
The trailer showcases Gustave wielding a sword and pistol as his primary combat weapons. In the overworld, he is seen navigating and leaping across various terrains. Combat footage reveals Gustave's ability to deal significant damage to enemies, showcasing a variety of skills. However, details about character roles and specific mechanics remain undisclosed by the developers.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is scheduled for release on April 24, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest news by clicking on our article below!
