FF and Persona-inspired RPG Clair Obscur Unveiled

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

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Inspired by JRPG Legends and Belle Epoque France

A Fusion of Turn-Based Strategy and Real-Time Action

Drawing inspiration from the Belle Epoque era of France and iconic JRPGs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 innovatively blends turn-based combat with real-time elements. Heavily influenced by the Final Fantasy and Persona series, the game aims to create a fresh and engaging experience within the genre.

Creative director Guillaume Broche, speaking with Eurogamer after a successful SGF demo, revealed his passion for turn-based games and the desire to create a title with high-fidelity graphics. He cited Persona (Atlus) and Octopath Traveler (Square Enix) as stylistic inspirations, stating, "If nobody wants to do it, I will do it. That's how it started."

The game's narrative centers on preventing the mysterious Paintress from unleashing death once more, set against unique environments such as the gravity-defying Flying Waters.

Combat demands quick reactions. While commands are input in a turn-based system, players must also react in real-time to enemy attacks. This dynamic approach echoes elements seen in Persona, Final Fantasy, and Sea of Stars.

Broche expressed surprise at the positive reception, stating, "It was very overwhelming... I wasn't expecting this community to be that excited."

While acknowledging Persona's influence, Broche clarified to PC Gamer that the Final Fantasy series (specifically FFVIII, IX, and X) had a more profound impact on the game's development. He emphasized that the game is not a direct imitation but rather a reflection of his personal experiences with these classics. "The game is more like what I grew up with...we take a lot of influence from them but not directly trying to pick things from them," he explained. He also highlighted Persona's influence on camera movements, menus, and dynamic presentation, while maintaining a distinct art style.

In the open world, players have complete control over their party, seamlessly switching characters and utilizing unique traversal abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Broche expressed a desire for players to experiment with character builds, stating to GamesRadar, "Our dream is to make a game that will profoundly touch players as much as the classics impacted our lives."

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