Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Love Letter to Turn-Based Combat… and a Reality Check for Fans

First things first, can we stop acting like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is some messiah of gaming genres? Starr himself shut that narrative down in a recent interview. Speaking humbly yet truthfully, Starr said, “I’m so lucky to be in a game that celebrates a combat system that’s still alive and well.” And he’s absolutely right. Turn-based combat didn’t need saving; it was simply sitting quietly at the back of the room, biding its time until discerning players walked over.

Take a look at Chained Echoes: a 2D indie RPG that hit us with a heartfelt story and jaw-dropping combat brilliance. Or Octopath Traveler 2, which continues to champion intricate mechanics and polished narratives. Both games stand as proof that the turn-based subgenre’s veins are pumping with life. Clair Obscur isn’t lighting the torch; it’s joining a procession of games that have been carrying it all along.

Why Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Still Deserves the Hype

Despite being another strong player in the genre, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 does what JRPGs do best and then some. Here’s why it’s managed to pull so much buzz:

• A Brutally Beautiful Narrative

The game takes no prisoners when it comes to storytelling. It plunges players into morally gray decisions, painful sacrifices, and a protagonist (Verso) whose dirt-smeared face and bloodstains make you squirm in your seat.

• Combat That Makes You Think Harder than Your Taxes

Every battle feels like a complex game of chess. You’re not just bashing buttons, you’re strategizing for survival. Want brute force? Fine. Prefer defense buffs and traps? Even better. But don’t expect a mindless brawl because this game wants you to sweat for that win screen.

• Turn-Based Without Feeling Tired

Whether you’re slapping enemies with strategic delays or utilizing timely counters, Clair Obscur proves turn-based battles can be intricate without being repetitive.

Playing the Classics? You Should.

If you’re a newbie who’s loving Clair Obscur but unfamiliar with the turn-based RPG space, now’s the time to binge. There’s an undeniably rich well of titles you’ve missed in this genre. Starr himself name-dropped Chained Echoes for its artistic charm and tactical battle sequences that are just a chef’s kiss. And then there’s Octopath Traveler 2, a jaw-dropping display of how modern tech can elevate a retro aesthetic.

These games showcase the diversity available in JRPGs, from sweeping emotional epics to compact indie wonders. It’s worth poking your head out of current-gen and exploring these gems.

But Seriously, What Does Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Say About Nostalgia?

Clair Obscur’s success says as much about turn-based systems as it does about us. Nostalgia is a powerful thing. Gamers love rediscovering mechanics they thought were exclusive to their childhood, only to realize they’ve been hiding in plain sight. Maybe we’re not always looking for something new; maybe we’re just craving something comfortable, done exceptionally well. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 capitalizes on this, but not in a lazy way. It refines what’s familiar into something soulful, challenging, and modern.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Is Still Something Special

Clair Obscur isn’t rewriting the turn-based playbook, but it is reminding the masses of how incredible the genre can be. For seasoned players, it’s another hit to sink their teeth into. For newcomers, it’s a glorious gateway into a world of strategy-riddled, heart-wrenching JRPG magic.

Does it deserve all its flowers? Absolutely. But don’t ignore the incredible roster of turn-based games out there. Grab Clair Obscur, celebrate what it brings to the table, but don’t stop there; explore the genre’s recent hits and be prepared to be amazed.

Because JRPGs right now? They’re probably better than they’ve ever been.