Summary
We were given our best look yet atClair Obscur: Expedition 33during today’s Xbox Developer Direct and also told when Sandfall Interactive’s game will be here, and it’s sooner than you might think.
During Clair Obscur’s section of the Developer Direct, its creators took us deeper into the game’s story and the motivation’s of those embarking on Expedition 33. We were also introduced to some of the game’s more colorful characters having only been shown its darker side until now.
After also showing off its very detailed 3D world map, we were finally told when exactly we will be able to play Clair Obscur, and it’s not a long wait at all. You will be able to embark on Expedition 33 and attempt to take down the Paintress from June 01, 2025, and those who have Game Pass will be able to start playing on day one.
The Paintress Paints Again
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s setting is a dark fantasy version of Belle Époque. The premise involves an omniscient ‘Paintress’ who paints a number in the sky annually, causing every one of that age to die. The main cast comprises Expedition 33 (named for the next age the Paintress will paint), a group of volunteers determined to stop the Paintress from killing again.
Clair Obscur’s ensemble cast features Gustave (Charlie Cox), Maelle (Jennifer English), Lune (Kirsty Rider), Sciel (Shala Nyx), Renoir (Andy Serkis), and Verso (Ben Starr).
Sandfall Interactive’s objective with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is to create a “high-fidelity turn-based RPG,” which the studio feels is a subgenre that’s been neglected by triple-A studios in favour of more dynamic action games. From looking at the game’s user interface and menu elements, the Persona inspiration is observable.
Clair Obscur is Sandfall Interactive’s debut title and is being published by Kepler Interactive. The team consists of approximately 30 developers, led by former Ubisoft developers. According to the studio’s website, the team is kept intentionally small to foster agility and creativity.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
WHERE TO PLAY
Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an RPG that blends real-time and turn-based elements. Inspired by Belle Époque France, the story follows Expedition 33 as they try to stop the Paintress, an entity that paints a number that causes everyone who is that age to die.
