It has been one month since the release of Clair Obscur Expedition 33. You might feel our game review is a bit late, but we wanted to experience the game and its story fully till the end before we presented our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review.
Robin Bhuyan
If you’re looking for just another RPG to play, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 might surprise you, because it is going to give you an experience you never had. From the moment you start playing, it feels like a story unfolding in a world that’s utterly mysterious and strange. You start playing as Gustavo, who, along with his friends, is on an expedition to stop the Paintress, an entity that is causing the “Gommage” causing every person above a certain age to die every year. And this number keeps on decreasing every year!
This game sneaks up on you — what begins as a straightforward adventure quickly turns into something much deeper, more emotional, and way more mind-bending. Whether it’s the visuals that make you stop and stare, the story that pulls you in deeper with every act, or the characters who feel so real you’ll remember them for years, Expedition 33 is one of those games you just can’t forget. Expedition 33 is getting a lot of praise from both critics and players. And it does deserve it! Read our full Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review to know why this game deserves our time and love.
Visuals: A breathtaking fantasy world that feels like a living, breathing painting
From the start, the Expedition 33 visuals grab you like a stunning painting come to life. The game doesn’t try to be hyper-realistic, and this is why many folks might complain that the visuals aren’t “real” enough. But here’s the thing — these Expedition 33 visuals perfectly match the game’s mood and world. The colors, the lighting, and the artistic style build a fantasy that feels alive and unique. You’ll notice how every scene is carefully crafted to draw you into this mysterious world. The Expedition 33 visuals really make sense when you reach Act III, where the whole look and feel of the world take on a deeper meaning. If you’re the kind who cares only about realistic visuals, this game might not be for you. But if you’re someone who loves a world built on imagination and atmosphere, then the Expedition 33 visuals will blow your mind. They’re rich, colorful, and full of life — a perfect fit for the story the game tells. Honestly, it deserves a perfect 10/10 just for the sheer beauty and mood it creates.
Story: It surprises you, grows on you and stays with you
(Mild spoilers ahead)
The Expedition 33 story is one of the most talked-about parts of the game on the internet. It starts out as a straightforward mission, a real adventure with real stakes. But don’t get too comfortable — as you dive deeper into the Expedition 33 story, especially by Act III, things change drastically. The game flips the narrative entirely, taking you into a place where reality and fantasy blur. Some players might find this turn in the Expedition 33 story a little shocking or even frustrating. You might think, “Wait, what just happened?” But stick with it, and you’ll see how beautifully everything ties together by the end. It’s a risky story move, but it works. The emotional beats, the surprises, and the way the Expedition 33 story connects all its threads is something rare in RPGs these days. For that, the story deserves a solid 9/10, because it may not be perfect for everyone, but it’s undeniably powerful.
If you completed the game, and the story has got you shocked or confused, we have got the Expedition 33 story explained here in detail.
Characters: Strong, real, and refreshingly likable
Now, let’s talk about the heart and soul of Expedition 33: the Expedition 33 characters. Every character you meet feels real, layered, and important to the narrative. There’s no bland or forgettable NPC here — everyone has a story that adds weight to the overall journey. What really stands out about the Expedition 33 characters is how the game handles its strong female leads. They’re written with care and respect. You get strong women who are neither insufferable nor feel forced. It doesn’t feel the makers were trying to tick some political box while creating these characters. The Expedition 33 characters prove you can have female characters who are powerful, smart, and likable without turning them into one-dimensional or annoying figures. This game shows us how to do it right, and that’s refreshing in today’s gaming world. The depth and charm of the Expedition 33 characters make this section an easy 10/10 for our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review.
Turn-based combat that’s intense, smart, and far from boring.
If you’ve ever thought turn-based combat was boring or becoming old-fashioned, the Expedition 33 combat system will change your mind fast. This game proves that turn-based combat can be thrilling, tense, along with being super strategic. Every battle with the Expedition 33 combat system feels like a puzzle you have to solve, not just button mashing. You have to think about your moves, your team’s abilities. You will need to analyze your enemies’ patterns. The Expedition 33 combat system keeps you on your toes, making each fight exciting and rewarding. It’s a reminder that turn-based RPGs aren’t dead; they’re just waiting for the right game to show how good they can be. For fans of strategy and challenge, the Expedition 33 combat system is a standout feature that earns a full 10/10. But before you jump into the game, we have to warn you that the combat is a bit challenging, although not extremely difficult. Almost every boss fight feels impossible in the first try, but as you recognize their patterns, or just improve the abilities of your characters, it starts to feel quite easy.
Gameplay: Exploration with moments of wonder- just don’t get lost
Next part of our Expedition 33 review will discuss the gameplay. The Expedition 33 gameplay overall is strong but not without its flaws. Exploring the huge world is mostly fun, but sometimes it can get a bit confusing or even boring. The openness of the world means you might find yourself wandering, unsure of where to go next, which can feel tedious. The Expedition 33 gameplay encourages exploration, but at times the world feels empty or directionless. That said, the quests and main story keep you engaged, and the beautiful world makes up for those moments of uncertainty. The Expedition 33 gameplay might not be perfect, but it’s enjoyable enough to keep you hooked. We would give it an 8/10 because the fun and immersion outweigh the minor annoyances.
A soundtrack that perfectly sets the mood and stays with you long after playing
Final Thoughts
Clair Obscure Expedition 33 overall stands on our list 10 Best Video Games 2025 Has Delivered (So Far) at no 1! We conclude this Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review by saying that the game is a rare gem not just among turn-based RPGs, but in the entire RPG genre. It stands out because it gave us a beautiful experience that many big-budget games have not been able to. The stunning visuals alone make it worth playing, but the deep and surprising story, characters, and intense combat system make it unforgettable. While the Expedition 33 gameplay has a few bumps, the overall experience is deeply satisfying, and the music further complements every step of the journey. If you love games that challenge your mind and heart, Expedition 33 is an adventure you don’t want to miss.
Final score: 9.5/10
If you liked our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review, read more of our reviews of other RPGs such as Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
You can also go through our list of the best turn-based RPGs that you should consider playing.
Read our article about the Omen Gaming Laptop, if you are looking for an affordable laptop under $1500
Author Bio:
Robin Bhuyan is the Editor-in-Chief of Enigmatic Horizon. He’s a passionate gamer who loves getting lost in immersive stories and open worlds. When he’s not playing or writing about games, he’s working toward his dream of becoming a filmmaker. For him, Enigmatic Horizon is a space to share his passion and connect with others who love gaming and storytelling just as much.
Connect with him at: enigmatichorizon2023@gmail.com
