Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wears Its FF and Persona Influences on Its Sleeves

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: A Turn-Based RPG Inspired by Classics

Sandfall Interactive's upcoming turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is making waves with its unique blend of turn-based combat and real-time elements. Inspired by the Belle Epoque era of France and classic JRPGs, the game draws heavily from the Final Fantasy and Persona series, while forging its own identity.

The game's creative director, Guillaume Broche, recently discussed the game's inspirations, highlighting a desire to create a high-fidelity turn-based RPG. He cited Atlus' Persona and Square Enix's Octopath Traveler as stylistic influences, stating his ambition to fill a perceived gap in the market.

Expedition 33's combat system uniquely combines turn-based strategy with real-time reactions. Players input commands turn-by-turn but must also react swiftly to enemy attacks. This dynamic approach draws parallels to titles like Persona, Final Fantasy, and Sea of Stars.

Broche emphasized the significant influence of the Final Fantasy VIII, IX, and X era on the game's core design, while acknowledging Persona's impact on camera work, menus, and dynamic presentation. However, he stressed that Expedition 33 is not a direct imitation, but rather a reflection of his personal experiences with these classic games.

The game features an open world where players have complete control over their party, utilizing unique traversal abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Broche expressed a desire for players to experiment with character builds and combinations, encouraging creative gameplay strategies.

The development team aims to create a game that resonates with players in the same way classic titles impacted their lives. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox in 2025.