Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Receives First Early Impressions from Journalists

Sandfall Interactive, a young French studio, is generating significant buzz with their upcoming title, Expedition 33. Early reviews from gaming media are overwhelmingly positive, praising its immersive narrative, mature themes, and exhilarating combat. Some critics are even comparing it to a modern Final Fantasy.

RPG Gamer was particularly impressed by the depth of experience delivered in just a few hours of gameplay, a feat they found remarkable for a debut title from such a young development team. If this quality is sustained throughout the game, Expedition 33 is predicted to be a strong contender at The Game Awards 2025.

IGN's journalist, captivated by the demo, expressed a desire for more, highlighting their astonishment at the team's achievements.

Kotaku's review went so far as to predict Expedition 33 will achieve classic turn-based RPG status, likening it to a new Final Fantasy. The reviewer specifically lauded the innovative integration of QTE mechanics into the traditional turn-based combat system.

Reviewers consistently highlight the game's stunning visuals and mature narrative.

Expedition 33 is slated for release on April 24, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).