"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" is an upcoming role-playing game (RPG) developed by Sandfall Interactive, set to be released in 2025. The game was announced as a surprise during the Xbox Games Showcase, capturing attention with its unique blend of turn-based RPG mechanics and real-time action elements. The narrative centers around a group known as Expedition 33, embarking on a mission to destroy the Paintress, a being who annually paints a cursed number that causes individuals of that age to vanish. The game’s setting is inspired by Belle Époque France, offering players a world filled with enchanting landscapes and surreal adversaries.
The gameplay of "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" introduces a novel approach to combat by combining traditional turn-based systems with real-time actions, such as dodging, parrying, and countering. This hybrid system aims to make battles more immersive and strategic. Players can craft unique builds for their characters, utilizing gear, stats, skills, and synergies to fit their playstyle. The game promises a rich story, character development, and exploration of a hauntingly beautiful world, all realized in Unreal Engine 5, which is expected to deliver stunning graphics and an evocative soundtrack.