The highly anticipated title from the emerging French studio Sandfall Interactive, known as Clair Obscur, is already turning heads in the gaming community with its early evaluations. Critics are lauding the game for its profound storytelling, mature themes, and exhilarating combat mechanics, drawing comparisons to the revered Final Fantasy series.
RPG Gamer's reviewer was astounded by how Clair Obscur, the debut project of these young developers, delivered an experience rivaling that of seasoned studios within just a couple of hours. They expressed confidence that if this level of quality is sustained, Expedition 33 stands a strong chance of clinching an award at The Game Awards 2025.
An IGN journalist found themselves eager to delve deeper into the game's universe and engage in more combat after the demo session concluded. They were particularly impressed by the remarkable achievements of such a youthful development team.
Kotaku's writer went as far as to forecast that Clair Obscur might ascend to the status of a turn-based classic, likening it to a modern Final Fantasy. They were particularly taken by the innovative integration of Quick Time Events (QTEs) into the traditional turn-based battle system, adding a fresh layer to the gameplay.
Across the board, reviewers have praised the game's striking visual style and the mature narrative tone, enhancing the overall immersive experience.
Clair Obscur is slated for release on April 24, 2025, and will be available on next-gen consoles, including PS5 and Xbox Series, as well as on PC via Steam. Gamers worldwide are eagerly awaiting the chance to explore this promising new world crafted by Sandfall Interactive.