Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (PS5)

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a breathtaking love letter to the golden age of RPGs, wrapped in a bold, modern package. From the moment the game begins, you're drawn into a world where phenomenal music breathes life into every moment — a soaring, atmospheric score that evokes both emotion and wonder, perfectly complementing the game’s themes and story beats.The turn-based combat is sharp, inventive, and refreshingly interactive. Rather than passively watching the enemy’s turn, you're involved in defending and reacting, adding a layer of skill that keeps encounters engaging and dynamic. It’s deeply satisfying and reminiscent of classic systems while introducing its own unique flair.Fans of older RPGs will find plenty of respectful nods to classics like Final Fantasy. From subtle visual cues and thematic echoes to the sense of grand, character-driven storytelling, the influence is clear — yet Expedition 33 never feels derivative. It honours its inspirations while carving out a strong identity of its own.The story is truly exceptional, with well-written characters and twists that come at just the right moments to keep you guessing. It strikes a rare balance between emotional depth and thrilling plot development, ensuring you're hooked right up to the end.Importantly, it’s not a bloated 60-hour grind. Instead, it delivers a tightly woven experience that respects your time while still offering rich replayability.In short, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a modern RPG classic in the making — a game that draws from the past, dazzles in the present, and will be remembered long into the future.

If you love old school turn based rpg with a twist, then this is the game for you. Even if you know nothing about rpgs, this could be the game that invites you into it. For me it was FF8 and I cannot praise this game enough.I can see the passion and love the devs have towards the genre.This should be a good wakeup call for the jrpg genre and a first of a kind coming from the west, where usually jrpg tends to be a niche genre and not as popular.Modern jrpg companies have been catering to the West taste to be less jrpg and more rpg and it is kind of a happy irony that this game came from the West.Really a must for anyone.

I risked buying this game a few days after release after seeing great reviews, which almost felt that AI was pushing out. And I am glad I did.I have now completed the game, and this is what I can say without giving too much away.I was completely drawn into the world created by the developers, there is plenty to explore, and lots of little to explore.I enjoyed the turn based combat that had quick time events - parrying/dodging (which I can appreciate won't be what everyone enjoys)The soundtrack is phenomenal, for game soundtracks, I would put it on par with Nier: Automata, for those who have played that game.The story is well written, and the voice actors do it justice.All in all an amazing game, and would recommend (and have to friends).

The turn based combat has a lot of nuance (builds are very customisable). There is also Sekiro style parry and dodge mechanics that provide a good level of challenge.Amazing soundtrack (still on repeat for me) and a wonderfully creative art style.The characters are well written and performed. You will become invested in their stories, which really go places and put you through the emotional wringer. The real challenge is not ugly crying repeatedly.A game that will stay with you long after you are done playing (like the older JRPGs that are clear inspirations here). Worth every penny.

Great game.Should be game of the year.Final fantasy fans, I recommend this.10/10

Great game back to good old basics. Similar to a final fantasy show down great fun

Plays very much like a earlier Final Fantasy games.Good graphics and original story. The game is Fairly hard in it's battle system as you need precise timing, and it is still fairly challenging in boss battles in story mode.

Amazing storytelling, gripping combat. The dialogue is absolutely phenomenal. Casting was amazing and it was a delight to see so many of the BG3 cast in here (Devora, Jennifer, Aliona) and Ben Starr for the FF16 fans like me! Cried over a dozen times - half the time while simultaneously laughing. 10/10. If you’re thinking about buying it absolutely do.