We found it to be the most exciting game showcased at the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2024, and now we know exactly how long we have to wait before getting our hands on it. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is launching on April 24, and it will be available on day one on Game Pass. From Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an RPG featuring turn-based combat combined with real-time elements for dodging and parrying. Since its debut, many have been impressed by the game’s stylish design and visuals, and now the team wants to ensure the gameplay has depth to back up its appearance.
“We didn’t want the game to just be a pretty face,” said Guillaume Broche, CEO and Creative Director. “We wanted it to be like a game that feels like a real game. So every character has their own playstyle and you can really play them in a lot of different ways – but they also feel very different from each other, and they all have their unique mechanics and their unique skill tree.”
During today’s Developer_Direct, Sandfall Interactive shared details on one of the game’s features. Players will have an opportunity to set up Pictos, which are modifiers tied to gear that eventually evolve into passive abilities known as Lumina after four battles. To clarify, the team provided an example featuring Lune, voiced by Kirsty Rider. She has a mechanic where each time she casts a skill, she generates a “Stain,” up to four at a time. Those Stains can be consumed across the battle, amplifying her abilities in all sorts of ways. For players, they’ll have to figure out the right combination for their playstyle. Expect to see a unique mechanic for each character in the game.
As for the real-time elements during the turn-based battles, the goal is to provide a challenge for both the mind and reflexes. Of course, the game will remain accessible since most RPG players may not possess soulslike parrying or dodging skills. There will be difficulty options that affect the parry window and dodge window.
Leading up to launch, we’ll learn more about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, including the game’s camping system and a mechanic where players will battle merchants to unlock additional items for purchase. If you want to learn more, the team will share details in an upcoming episode of The Official Xbox Podcast.
