Clair Obscur: FF and Persona Influences Shine in Expedition 33

Sandfall Interactive's upcoming turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is making waves with its unique blend of classic and modern RPG elements. Following a successful preview, the game's director has shed light on its key inspirations.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: A Nostalgic Journey with Modern Flair

Turn-Based Combat Meets Real-Time Challenges

Set against the backdrop of Belle Epoque France, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 masterfully combines turn-based strategy with real-time action. Drawing heavily from the legacy of Final Fantasy and Persona, the game aims to establish a distinctive identity within the genre.

Following a positive reception at SGF, creative director Guillaume Broche discussed the game's influences with Eurogamer. He revealed a deep-seated passion for turn-based gameplay, a driving force behind the game's high-fidelity visuals. He cited Atlus' Persona and Square Enix's Octopath Traveler as stylistic inspirations, stating, "If nobody wants to do it, I will do it. That's how it started."

Expedition 33's narrative centers on preventing the enigmatic Paintress from unleashing death once more. The game boasts unique environments, such as the gravity-defying Flying Waters, promising an equally captivating world.

Combat demands quick reflexes. While actions are input in a turn-based manner, players must react swiftly to enemy attacks to effectively defend. This dynamic approach echoes the combat systems found in Persona, Final Fantasy, and Sea of Stars.

Broche expressed surprise at the overwhelmingly positive response, stating, "It was very overwhelming... I wasn't expecting this community to be that excited actually."

While acknowledging Persona's influence, Broche clarified to PC Gamer that the Final Fantasy series, specifically the FFVIII, FF IX, and FFX era, had a more profound impact on the game's development. He emphasized that the game is an homage, reflecting his personal tastes shaped by these classics, rather than a direct imitation.

"The game is more like what I grew up with... we take a lot of influence from them but not directly trying to pick things from them," he explained. Regarding Persona, he highlighted the influence on camera movement, menus, and dynamic presentation, while stressing their commitment to a unique art style and overall vision.

The open world of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 offers complete player control. Players can seamlessly switch between party members and utilize unique traversal abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Broche expressed a desire for players to experiment with character builds, playfully encouraging them to "break the game with crazy builds and stupid combinations."

The development team's PlayStation blog post encapsulates their ambition: "Our dream is to make a game that will profoundly touch players as much as the classics impacted our lives."

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox in 2025.