The reactive turn-based RPG Clair Obscur : Expedition 33 (hereafter Expedition 33) was released on April 24 on the global social platform STOVE.
Developed by the emerging French studio Sandfall Interactive, the game features a combat system inspired by JRPGs and utilizes symbolic French imagery like the Eiffel Tower to create a unique style. In particular, its classic Belle Époque-inspired world, built with Unreal Engine 5 and enhanced by striking contrasts of light and shadow, is considered a major highlight of the game.
First revealed as a dark horse at Gamescom 2024, one of the world’s largest game shows, the title has been drawing attention since last year August. Here are some keywords to help you better enjoy Expedition 33.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Story
Once a year, the Paintress awakens and paints a cursed number on her monolith. Everyone of that age turns into smoke and vanishes. As the years pass, the number decreases, and more and more people disappear. The Paintress will soon write “33.” To stop her from painting another number of death, the Expedition 33 sets off on a perilous journey. The party fights fiercely to confront and defeat the Paintress.
Keyword 1 - Belle Époque
Expedition 33 is set against the emotional backdrop of France’s Belle Époque (“Beautiful Era”). The game showcases Art Nouveau-style architecture and stunning artworks that offer a visually rich experience. However, when the Paintress engraves a “number of death,” the world transforms into a dystopia. The cold and dark imagery starkly contrasts with the sentimental tones of the Belle Époque.
*Belle Époque: A prosperous era in France spanning from the late 19th century to the outbreak of World War I in 1914.
**Art Nouveau: An art movement that began in late 19th-century Europe, focused on depicting subjects as beautifully as possible. Notable figures include Gustav Klimt and Alphonse Mucha.
Keyword 2 - Sandfall Interactive
The French indie studio Sandfall Interactive developed Expedition 33. Upholding a vision of 'creating artistic games,' the studio launched this title as their debut work. CEO and Creative Director Guillaume Broche previously worked at Ubisoft as a writer and producer. He conceived the idea for this game while learning Unreal Engine.
Keyword 3 - Andy Serkis
World-renowned actor Andy Serkis, known for roles such as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and Klaw in Black Panther, voices the character Renoir. Although Renoir appears ruthless on the outside, he suffers deeply from emotional wounds. Aware of the sacrifices required to win, Serkis’s signature grotesque voice draws players into the game’s immersive atmosphere.
Keyword 4 - Turn-Based Combat & Reactive Action
Players can enjoy both the strategy of turn-based combat and the thrill of reactive action. While players must input commands during enemy attacks, they also need to defend in real-time as attacks continue. The combat includes cinematic sequences, perfect parries and dodges, and free-aiming shots, offering both a satisfying sense of control and strategic depth. Each battle feels like a performance of art.
Keyword 5 – Expedition 33
Characters like Gustave, Maelle, Lune, and Monoco each join the expedition with unique backstories. Gustave, a former engineer, is the expedition’s leader, working to unravel the mystery surrounding the Paintress. Monoco, driven by a passion for battle, can absorb enemy abilities and exhibits a dual nature—studious yet fiercely aggressive.
Keyword 6 - The Paintress: Painting Death as Art
Every year, the Paintress awakens to engrave a number onto her monolith. All people of that age vanish. Why does she record death through art? Why must she be stopped? A mix of myth, mystery, and philosophy raises unending questions for players to explore.
Keyword 7 - Gradient Attacks & Counters
As the game progresses, combat difficulty increases. The non-turn-consuming Gradient Attacks and counteracting Gradient Counters dramatically raise the level of challenge. When mastered, they become game-changing moves—but mistiming them could lead to a game over.
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