Sandfall Interactive's debut title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, draws inspiration from diverse sources, resulting in a unique blend of historical influences and innovative gameplay mechanics. Learn more about its development and design philosophy below.

Historical Influences and Gameplay Innovation

Name and Narrative Origins

The game's title, "Clair Obscur," references the 17th and 18th-century French artistic and cultural movement, significantly impacting the game's visual style and overall world-building. "Expedition 33" denotes the protagonist Gustave's mission to defeat the Paintress, with a new expedition launched annually to achieve this goal. The Paintress's act of "Gommage" – painting a number on her monolith to erase individuals of that age – is central to the narrative. The reveal trailer depicts the death of the protagonist's partner after the Paintress paints the number 33, representing her current age.

Broche also cites the fantasy novel La Horde du Contrevent and works like Attack on Titan as narrative inspirations, highlighting the appeal of stories centered on perilous journeys into the unknown.

Reimagining Turn-Based RPGs

Broche emphasizes the game's commitment to high-fidelity graphics within the turn-based RPG genre, a largely unexplored territory. While acknowledging predecessors like Valkyria Chronicles and Project X Zone, Clair Obscur introduces a reactive turn-based combat system. Players strategize during their turn but must react in real-time to enemy actions during the opponent's turn, dodging, jumping, or parrying to execute powerful counterattacks.

This innovative system is inspired by action games such as the Souls series, Devil May Cry, and NieR, aiming to integrate the rewarding gameplay of these titles into a turn-based framework.

Future Outlook

Broche's insights reveal a game deeply rooted in historical influences while pushing the boundaries of the turn-based RPG genre. The combination of high-fidelity visuals and a reactive battle system promises a unique and engaging experience. Players will need to balance strategic planning with real-time reactions during combat.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2025. Despite the anticipated release date, Broche expresses excitement for the game's positive reception and looks forward to sharing more details in the coming year.