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 generating significant excitement. Drawing inspiration from the Belle Epoque era of France and classic JRPGs, the game uniquely blends turn-based combat with real-time elements. The developers have openly acknowledged the influence of iconic titles like Final Fantasy and Persona.

The game's director, Guillaume Broche, recently discussed the inspirations behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. He highlighted a personal desire to create a high-fidelity turn-based RPG, citing a lack of similar titles in the market. He specifically mentioned Atlus' Persona and Square Enix's Octopath Traveler as stylistic and nostalgic influences that shaped the vision.

The gameplay features a compelling narrative centered around preventing a mysterious Paintress from unleashing death. The game world includes unique environments, such as the gravity-defying Flying Waters. Combat demands real-time reactions within a turn-based framework, requiring players to react swiftly to enemy attacks while strategically inputting commands. This system has drawn comparisons to titles like Persona, Final Fantasy, and Sea of Stars.

Broche emphasized the significant impact of the Final Fantasy series (particularly FFVIII, IX, and X) on the game's development, while acknowledging Persona's influence on camera movement, menus, and dynamic presentation. However, he clarified that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is not a direct imitation but rather a reflection of his personal experiences and creative tastes shaped by these classics.

The open world allows for seamless character switching and the use of unique traversal abilities to solve environmental puzzles. The developers aim to create a game that resonates with players in the same way classic titles impacted their lives, even encouraging players to experiment with unconventional strategies and character builds.

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