A New Contender for Game of the Year
In a gaming landscape crowded with sequels and remakes, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” has emerged as something rare: an original RPG that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in the traditions of the genre. Since its release in April, Sandfall Interactive’s debut title has sold over half a million copies and earned near-universal acclaim from critics. Now, UK players have additional incentive to experience this dark fantasy adventure, with a limited-time 20% discount across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms.
A World Worth Saving
The game transports players to an alternate version of Belle Époque France, where art and death intertwine in disturbing ways. At the center of this world stands the Paintress, a mysterious figure whose annual portraits condemn people of a certain age to die. As members of Expedition 33, players must unravel the secrets behind this curse while navigating a society where beauty masks terrible truths.
What sets the narrative apart is its willingness to explore mature themes without losing sight of the human stories at its core. “This isn’t just another save-the-world fantasy,” notes IGN’s review. “It’s about ordinary people confronting an extraordinary threat, and the choices they make along the way.”
Gameplay That Rewards Strategy
“Clair Obscur” revitalizes turn-based combat with several innovative mechanics:
- Active Defense: Unlike traditional RPGs where attacks automatically hit, players can dodge or parry incoming strikes in real-time
- Combo Potential: Well-timed moves chain together for devastating effects
- Team Synergy: Each character’s abilities complement others, encouraging thoughtful party composition
The system manages to feel strategic without becoming sluggish, striking a balance that both veteran RPG fans and newcomers can appreciate. As PCGamesN observed in their review: “It’s the kind of combat that makes you pause to plan your next move, but never makes you wish you were playing something faster-paced.”
A Cast That Brings the Story to Life
The game benefits tremendously from its voice cast, which includes several familiar names:
| Actor | Role | Notable Previous Work |
|---|---|---|
| Charlie Cox | Gustave | Daredevil |
| Jennifer English | Maelle | Baldur’s Gate 3 |
| Andy Serkis | Renoir | The Lord of the Rings |
Their performances add layers of nuance to characters who could have been simple archetypes in less capable hands. Ben Starr’s portrayal of Verso, in particular, has been singled out for its emotional depth.
Pricing and Platform Options
For UK gamers considering the plunge, the current discount makes this critically acclaimed title more accessible:
- PlayStation 5/Xbox Series X|S: £39.99 (down from £49.99)
- PC: £34.59 via CDKeys
- Xbox Game Pass: Available at no additional cost for subscribers
The Deluxe Edition, which includes cosmetic extras and a digital artbook, is also discounted but remains a harder sell given the strength of the base game.
Why Critics Are Raving
The game’s 97% recommendation rate on OpenCritic reflects near-unanimous praise across several areas:
- Visual Design: The Belle Époque setting allows for stunning architecture and costume design
- Narrative Depth: Multiple endings and meaningful choices give weight to player decisions
- Accessibility: Difficulty options and clear tutorials welcome less experienced players
As Polygon noted in their review: “For a debut title, ‘Expedition 33’ demonstrates a level of polish and ambition that puts many established studios to shame.”
Is It Worth Your Time?
For RPG enthusiasts, the answer is an easy yes. “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” delivers the kind of rich, thoughtful experience that reminds players why they fell in love with the genre. The current UK discount simply sweetens the deal.
More casual gamers might find the dark themes and strategic combat intimidating at first, but the game’s accessibility options and compelling story provide ample reward for those willing to engage with its systems.
Final Verdict: A standout RPG that justifies the hype, now at its most affordable price point yet.
