Clair Obscur: FF & Persona Influences Surface in Expedition 33

Sandfall Interactive's upcoming turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is making waves with its unique blend of classic and modern RPG elements. Following a successful demo, the game's director has shed light on its key inspirations.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Fusion of Turn-Based and Real-Time Gameplay

Set against the backdrop of Belle Epoque France, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 masterfully combines turn-based strategy with real-time action. Heavily influenced by Final Fantasy and Persona, the game aims to create a fresh, distinctive experience within the genre.

Creative director Guillaume Broche, speaking with Eurogamer, revealed his passion for turn-based combat and the desire to create a visually stunning title in this style. He cited Atlus' Persona and Square Enix's Octopath Traveler as inspirational examples of stylish, nostalgic RPGs. "If nobody wants to do it, I will do it," Broche stated, explaining his drive to develop the game.

Expedition 33's narrative centers on preventing the enigmatic Paintress from unleashing death once more. The game boasts unique environments, such as the gravity-defying Flying Waters, promising a captivating journey.

Combat involves real-time reactions within a turn-based framework. Players select actions, but must also react swiftly to enemy attacks. This dynamic system echoes the combat in Persona, Final Fantasy, and Sea of Stars.

Broche expressed surprise at the overwhelmingly positive reception to the game, stating he anticipated interest from turn-based fans but not the level of excitement the game generated.

While acknowledging Persona's influence, Broche clarified to PC Gamer that the Final Fantasy series, specifically the FF VIII, IX, and X era, had a more profound impact on the game's development. He emphasized that the game is an homage, a reflection of his formative gaming experiences, not a direct copy.

"The game is more like what I grew up with," Broche explained, "We take a lot of influence from them but not directly trying to pick things from them." He further noted that Persona inspired aspects of the camera movement, menus, and dynamic presentation, but the overall art style and execution remain uniquely their own.

Expedition 33's open world allows for complete player control. Players can freely switch party members and utilize unique traversal abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Broche even encourages players to experiment with unconventional strategies, stating his hope that players will "break the game with crazy builds."

The development team, in a PlayStation Blog post, expressed their ambition to create a game as impactful as the classics that inspired them.

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