Discover the unique blend of inspirations behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that merges the charm of JRPGs with innovative gameplay mechanics. Dive into the details of its influences and the first character trailer reveal.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Ramping Up Towards Its Release
Building the Heritage of JRPGs
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an eagerly anticipated turn-based RPG that introduces unique real-time mechanics, enhancing player immersion and interaction. This game echoes the spirit of classic JRPGs, particularly drawing from the beloved Final Fantasy series. During the 2025 Game Developers Conference, GamesRadar+ had the opportunity to discuss the game's inspirations with Expedition 33 Producer François Meurisse.
Meurisse revealed that the game draws heavily from Final Fantasy titles like Final Fantasy 10, as well as earlier PlayStation entries such as Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 9. "These are significant childhood games for Guillaume [Broche], our game director," he noted. "He aimed to capture the essence that he felt would be present in modern Final Fantasy games if they had continued with turn-based mechanics. However, he also incorporated a variety of other influences. Final Fantasy and JRPGs are the cornerstone of our gameplay heritage."
While the gameplay is rooted in JRPG traditions, Meurisse stressed the team's desire to create a distinct experience with a unique art style. "We didn't want to simply mimic Japanese games with manga or anime-like graphics," he explained. "Instead, we chose to develop an art direction inspired by our own influences. We settled on a Belle Époque theme from the early 20th century, blending art deco with high fantasy elements. We went through several iterations to ensure our art style was truly unique, helping us carve out our own niche."
Other Inspirations
Beyond JRPGs, Expedition 33 also takes cues from souls-like games, specifically Sekiro, for its defense mechanics. "Our defense system is 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 incorporates elements from deckbuilding games into its battle sequences. "For instance, the concept of using action points for skills in battles is more akin to deckbuilding games than the traditional magic points or mana systems found in RPGs," Meurisse added.
First Character Trailer
As the release date approaches, Expedition 33 is set to unveil its characters weekly. On March 13, the game's official Twitter (X) account released a trailer introducing Gustave, the resourceful and dedicated engineer from Lumière. Gustave appears poised to lead Expedition 33 in their quest to defeat the Paintress, preventing her from painting death again.
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 inflict significant damage on enemies and his diverse skill set. While the developers have yet to fully disclose details about character roles and related mechanics, anticipation for the game continues to build.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is scheduled for release on April 24, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest news and developments by following our coverage below!
