Is the JRPG Genre Having a ‘Baldur’s Gate 3 Moment’?
Every now and then, a game comes along that doesn’t just succeed; it elevates its entire genre. Last year, Baldur’s Gate 3 did that for classic computer RPGs. Now, it looks like the ‘Japanese-style RPG’ is having a similar moment, but the game leading the charge isn’t from Japan at all. It’s from France, and it’s called Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Released in April 2025, this stunning turn-based RPG from developer Sandfall Interactive has achieved universal acclaim, sold over 5 million copies in its first five months, and has been praised by industry legends. It’s a beautiful, polished, and emotionally resonant experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. It’s a game so good, it’s making everyone ask: are JRPGs back? The truth is, they never left, but Expedition 33 has raised the bar to a whole new level.
A Beautiful, Doomed World
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set in a dark fantasy world with a Belle Époque aesthetic, a beautiful but tragic place called Lumiere. Every year, a mysterious being called the Paintress appears and erases everyone of a certain age from existence. The age ticks down year by year, and humanity is on a steady march toward extinction. Your quest is to lead Expedition 33, the latest in a long line of doomed missions to find and destroy the Paintress.
The premise is heavy, hanging a sense of melancholy over the entire journey. Knowing that you’re on a potential suicide mission makes every success feel earned and every loss sting. The developers at Sandfall Interactive, a team formed during the pandemic, were inspired by the JRPGs of their youth like the Final Fantasy series, and it shows in the game’s heartfelt storytelling and grand, emotional scope.
Familiar Combat with a Modern Twist
At its core, Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG, but it’s far from static. The combat system brilliantly blends traditional menu-based commands with real-time actions. During your turn, you can perform attacks and skills, but during the enemy’s turn, you must actively dodge, parry, or jump to avoid taking damage. A perfectly timed parry not only negates damage but also builds up Ability Points for powerful counterattacks.
The system borrows ideas from some of the best. The active defense feels reminiscent of the Mario & Luigi RPGs, while the enemy health bars and bonfire-like rest spots (flags of previous expeditions) are clear nods to the Souls series. This mix of mechanics keeps you constantly engaged. You’re not just selecting options from a menu; you’re in a dynamic, rhythmic dance of offense and defense where every button press matters.
The ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ Comparison
The game has earned such high praise that David Gaider, the creator of the Dragon Age series, took to social media to give his thoughts. He stated, “it’s kind of to JRPGs what Baldur’s Gate 3 was to CRPGs. It’s beautiful and polished and well-written, and the turn-based combat is so fun!”
This is a powerful statement. Like BG3, Expedition 33 is a AAA-quality, high-fidelity experience in a genre that AAA studios have sometimes neglected. It takes a classic formula and executes it with modern polish and ambition. It proves that there’s a massive audience for deep, narrative-driven, turn-based RPGs, and you don’t need to be a Japanese studio to create a masterpiece in the genre.
FAQs About Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- What kind of game is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
It’s a turn-based RPG with real-time combat elements, set in a dark fantasy world with a French-inspired aesthetic. - Is it a JRPG if it was made in France?
Technically no, but it is heavily inspired by classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Persona. It’s a great example of how the genre’s style has become a global influence. - What platforms is the game on?
It was released for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows. It was also available on Game Pass at launch. - Is the combat difficult?
It can be challenging due to the real-time dodging and parrying. However, the game includes multiple difficulty levels and accessibility options to help players who struggle with the timing. - How long is the game?
Players report that the main story takes around 50-60 hours to complete, with plenty of side content to explore beyond that. - Did the game have any post-launch updates?
Yes, the developers have been responsive, releasing patches that added a much-requested ‘Battle Retry’ option and fixed bugs, including an amusing one that could grant players immortality.
Conclusion
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is more than just a great game; it’s a statement. It’s a love letter to a beloved genre, crafted with a level of passion and polish that is impossible to ignore. It proves that the spirit of the ‘JRPG’ is not confined to one country and that turn-based combat can be as thrilling and engaging as any action game. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the genre or a newcomer curious about all the hype, Expedition 33 is a beautiful, unforgettable journey that is setting a new standard for RPGs everywhere.