Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review.

 

 Overview

I do not like turn based RPGs usually. But Expedition 33 is one of my favorite games I've ever played. Expedition 33 has an incredible storyline, phenomenal acting, addicting gameplay and is a surefire GOTY winner.

Spoilers ahead!

Plot

Expedition 33 is a master class in storytelling. The story goes through many events over the course of the Expedition. From the disastrous landing on the island, to the dramatic finale, 33 keeps the plot going strong the whole way through. The storyline starts off with the Gommage, and sets the stage for the beginning of the Expedition. 

The game immediately starts off with a very sad beginning.. Nothing seems to go right for Expedition 33 from this point forwards. Expedition 33 takes this time to introduce characters and the setting, and it does a phenomenal job of doing that. Which makes character deaths hit way harder than other games. Expedition 33s story is a rollercoaster of emotions. One moment you defeat what you think is the final boss, next a major character is dead. (Or a minor one)

Most of the story is told through amazingly well done cutscenes. Some even carry over into battles. And in these cutscenes the voice actors knock their roles out of the park. Every characters actor completely destroys the assignment and 33 easily is one of the best acted video games I've ever played. These cutscenes also further the story with each and every one. Sometime it heightens the stakes, Other times it adds just a little bit of Character backstory, but every cutscene has something to add. Its astonishing how much depth is in the story and characters. Expedition 33 has easily one of my favorite stories I've ever played.

Gameplay

Expedition 33's gameplay absolutely sticks the landing. Each of it's systems are easy to understand and approachable for newcomers, and go deep enough so that hardcore RPG fans won't get bored with the systems. Its open world is full of side missions, minigames and special encounters, And its Pictos and Lumina system allows for some crazy pairings. But easily where the game shines is its combat.

Expedition 33's fast paced combat is a great and addicting experience, the combat focuses on dodging, parring and jumping over your adversaries many attacks. Satisfying counter attacks and perfect dodges are extremely important to prevail. Enemies have weak points which can be shot using the ranged free aim attacks, and knowing when to attack, shoot or use a skill can be the difference between a victory, or a crushing defeat. Pairings of characters and special effects play a big difference, and each character has their own special rules. Lune's stains and Verso's perfection and more are all extremely important to win.  

I can safely say I've never played or seen anything like Expedition 33's combat. It's absolutely addicting and will have you coming back for more. Parries, dodging, gradient attacks, skills and all its combat systems and modifiers are all expertly done. 

Verdict

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is undoubtedly a absolute masterpiece. and easily my favorite RPG I've ever played. Everything falls into place perfectly. The graphics are amazing, It runs great, the controls are well done, the story is extremely well written, the soundtrack is very good and the combat is nearly perfect. Here are the scores.

Plot: 95

A nearly perfect plot, but some Act 3 decisions are a little strange.

Gameplay: 100

Incredible and addicting, there's not much else I can say.

Soundtrack: 93

An amazing score with many different styles of music.

Graphics: 100

Expedition 33's graphical style is downright stunning. Each and every area has its own unique style and each and every one of them hits the mark.

Overall: 100 💎

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is without a doubt, one of my favorite games of all time.