Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Sandfall Interactive's upcoming turn-based RPG, is making waves with its fresh take on the genre. After a standout showcase, the game's director has shared deeper insights into its creative influences.
How Final Fantasy, Persona & Classic JRPGs Shaped Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Innovative Fusion of Turn-Based Strategy and Real-Time Action
Drawing inspiration from France's Belle Epoque period and legendary JRPG franchises, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 introduces a novel hybrid combat system that merges traditional turn-based mechanics with dynamic real-time elements. The game wears its Final Fantasy and Persona influences proudly while forging its own identity in the RPG landscape.
Following its successful debut at SGF, creative director Guillaume Broche revealed more about the game's development journey. Speaking with Eurogamer, Broche described his passion for turn-based RPGs and determination to elevate the genre. "As a lifelong fan of turn-based games, I wanted to create something with top-tier visuals," Broche explained, citing Persona and Octopath Traveler as key inspirations. His philosophy was simple: "If no one's making the game I want to play, I'll make it myself."
Set in a world where players must stop the mysterious Paintress from bringing death through her art, Expedition 33 features bizarre landscapes like the gravity-defying Flying Waters that complement its surreal narrative.
The combat system blends strategic decision-making with reflex-based mechanics—players plan actions in turns but must react instantly to enemy attacks. This innovative approach recalls elements from Persona, Final Fantasy, and the acclaimed Sea of Stars.
Broche expressed surprise at the enthusiastic reception: "The response has been incredible. I hoped turn-based fans would appreciate it, but this level of excitement was unexpected."
While acknowledging Persona's influence, Broche told PC Gamer that Final Fantasy's golden era (particularly VIII, IX and X) left a deeper mark. "Those games shaped my creative DNA," he explained. Expedition 33 isn't derivative—it reinterprets these inspirations through a modern lens while maintaining a distinct visual identity. The team analyzed Persona's cinematic presentation but developed their own dynamic style.
Outside combat, players freely explore Expedition 33's world, swapping characters to utilize their unique traversal skills for environmental puzzles. Broche encourages creative experimentation, telling GamesRadar he wants players to "discover ridiculous combos that break the game in fun ways."
In a PlayStation Blog post, the team expressed their ambitions: "We aim to create something that resonates as deeply with players as the classics influenced us—and if we fail, we'll at least pave the way for future developers."
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 arrives on PC, PS5 and Xbox in 2025.
