Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is widely praised as a breathtaking and emotionally impactful turn-based JRPG that masterfully blends storytelling, innovative combat, and a stunning artistic vision. Players laud its rich, melancholic narrative, which explores themes of sacrifice, grief, and hope within a beautifully crafted post-apocalyptic fantasy world. The game features a unique combat system combining turn-based mechanics with real-time parrying, dodging, and counterattacks, providing both challenge and engagement. The extensive, atmospheric soundtrack by Lorien Testard is frequently highlighted as one of the best in gaming, enhancing the emotional depth and immersion. Character development is deep and nuanced, with highly expressive animations and voice acting that bring the cast to life. The expansive world encourages exploration, rewarding players with secrets and lore. Despite minor technical issues and some pacing concerns in the late game, the overall experience is considered a masterpiece and a strong Game of the Year contender, especially remarkable for an indie studio's debut RPG.

Highlights

Players overwhelmingly praise the game's innovative turn-based combat that integrates real-time elements like parrying and dodging, making battles dynamic and satisfying. The storyline is celebrated for its emotional depth, complex characters, and memorable narrative twists that stay with players long after completion. The graphics and art style are described as stunning and cinematic, with meticulous attention to detail and expressive character animations. The soundtrack receives near-universal acclaim for its beauty and emotional resonance, often cited as a highlight that elevates the entire experience. Exploration is rewarding, with a richly designed world full of secrets and diverse environments that captivate players throughout their journey.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include technical issues such as occasional frame drops, music stuttering during battles, and locked 30 FPS cutscenes that can disrupt immersion. Some players note lip-sync discrepancies and minor UI quirks like missing selector or lack of chat logs. The late-game pacing and balance can be problematic, with optional content potentially trivializing final bosses or forcing difficult choices on when to tackle side content. The lack of a minimap or quest log makes navigation and tracking side quests challenging, leading to occasional frustration. Some find build management tedious without loadout presets, and backtracking without fast travel can feel tiresome. A few find the story's final act divisive or less engaging compared to earlier parts.