Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Poetry in Motion and Battle

Visuals

The visuals are striking across the board. Environments are diverse and thoughtfully designed, with a strong sense of place in each zone. Some areas show more polish than others, but overall, the game maintains a high visual standard. Cinematic moments during combat add to the presentation and help elevate the experience beyond typical genre fare.

Gameplay

Combat is a standout feature. While many modern turn-based systems tend to feel stale, this one integrates mechanics like parrying, dodging, jumping, and special counters for unique enemy attacks. The result is a system that feels both fresh and responsive, adding a welcome layer of depth and timing. It manages to remain faithful to classic JRPG conventions while introducing enough modern ideas to keep encounters engaging throughout.

Story and Characters

The story grabs attention early and maintains strong momentum. It’s well-paced, avoiding the slow starts or drawn-out segments that often plague the genre. The cast is another clear strength: each character has a distinct personality and contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative. Dialogue is well-written, and the character arcs are memorable, helping to create emotional investment.

Sound and Atmosphere

The soundtrack is excellent and supports the game’s atmosphere effectively. Many tracks stand out as memorable highlights. However, the overworld theme is an exception. While well composed, its dramatic tone and constant looping become grating over time especially given how much time the player spends in the overworld. It’s a rare misstep in an otherwise strong audio package.

Technical Issues and Design Flaws

There are a few minor problems. In certain battles, the camera can make it difficult to see incoming attacks clearly, which occasionally disrupts the flow of combat.

Verdict
10 out of 10

This is one of the strongest turn-based JRPGs in recent memory. It successfully blends classic genre elements with modern mechanics and delivers an experience that feels both nostalgic and new. With engaging combat, a strong narrative, memorable characters, and excellent presentation, it’s a modern masterpiece and an essential play for fans of the genre.