Sandfall Interactive's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to launch April 24th, 2025, as revealed during Xbox's Developer Direct. This Belle Epoque-inspired fantasy RPG boasts innovative turn-based combat and a diverse cast of characters. Let's delve into the details.

Release Date and Availability:

The game arrives on April 24th, 2025, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass day one. Pre-orders are open: $44.99 for the standard edition and $59.99 for the Deluxe Edition on the Xbox Store. Steam and PS5 offer a 10% discount ($44.99 and $53.99 respectively), though the Steam discount ends May 2nd, and the PS5 discount (requiring PlayStation Plus) lasts until release. Epic Games Store listings are currently limited to wishlisting.

New Characters: Monoco and Esquie

Joining the previously announced cast (Gustave, Lune, Maelle, Sciel, Renoir, and Verso), are two intriguing new characters:

• Monoco: A Gestral – a combat-loving being capable of transforming into defeated enemies, gaining their powers. Gestrals are uniquely immune to the Paintress's influence.
• Esquie: A legendary, powerful being who focuses on exploration. He grants access to new areas and abilities through the collection of his special stones.

Innovative Turn-Based Combat and Deep Customization:

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 reinvents classic turn-based combat with a reactive system. Players can time parries and dodges for increased damage or defense, with difficulty settings adjusting the timing window for accessibility. This adds a real-time element to the strategic depth.

Character customization is extensive. Each character possesses unique mechanics and skill trees. For instance, Lune utilizes "Stain" to power her abilities. "Pictos," equipment modifiers, evolve into permanent Luminas (passive effects) after four battles, offering numerous build possibilities.

This combination of strategic turn-based combat and deep character customization promises a richly rewarding RPG experience. The game's unique blend of classic and innovative mechanics, coupled with its intriguing characters and setting, makes Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 a title worth watching.