Summary:

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 initially seemed like another turn-based RPG, but it turned out to be a captivating experience that exceeded expectations. Despite initial doubts, the game’s immersive world, engaging characters, stunning visuals, and remarkable score made it a standout. Even for those skeptical of turn-based games, it offers a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Just finished playing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Before the hype, the title really made it seem to me like an obscure (no pun intended) turn based RPG. I have spent many hours in both Divinity Original Sin 2 and Baldur's Gate 3 before the turn based combat wore me out.

So when I saw the game was available on Game Pass and when more than one person recommended that I try it out, I figured I would give it a shot. The first hour or so was strange to say the least and I surely thought I was going to give up before the credits rolled.

A few days after I started the credits finally rolled across my screen today. The game was a sublime experience. I haven't felt this way about a game in so many years now. The hype was fully warranted. I finally saw a turn based game through to the end and enjoyed it.

Like the best games I have played it's not one thing that elevates it to greatness for me. The world, its cast of characters, the visuals and the incredible score all support the gameplay so perfectly. In the end I almost forgot that this was a turn based game at all.

For anyone like me who has a negative visceral reaction to turn based games I highly recommend you give Clair Obscur a shot. The combat without attaching any genre labels to it is quite simply fun. Embrace it and you will be rewarded with all of the other things I mentioned above