Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Released: 4/24/2025
Score Breakdown
92.3
Critic Average
13 reviews
96
Steam User Score
251,796 reviews
95
Metacritic User Score
24,181 reviews
Disparity Breakdown
92 vs 96
92 vs 95
Average of both sources
Review Disparities
Each point represents a critic review. Hover for details. Positive = critic higher than users. Negative = critic lower.
5/5/2025
Launch Window“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a beautiful experience that excels in almost every area – the combat and character skill customisation is some of the most intricate I've seen, the storyline is routinely surprising and emotional, characterisation and performances are immaculate, and it both looks and sounds absolutely stunning all the time. It's a stunning accomplishment for Sandfall Interactive's first game, and with a core team of around 30 (with outsourced help). It's sure to be in contention for Game of the Year awards, and anyone not playing it is seriously missing out.”
100
100/100
4/23/2025
Early Review“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's gorgeously realized world is let down by its emphasis on combat, marred by a few fatal stumbles.”
70
70/100
4/23/2025
Early Review“Outstanding artwork and glorious combat bring Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's bold, painterly world to life.”
80
80/100
4/23/2025
Early Review“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a rare RPG that feels mechanically bold, emotionally grounded, and unforgettable long after the credits roll.”
100
100/100
4/23/2025
Early Review“Sandfall Interactive’s debut is a triumph. Everything about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is either a fresh reboot to soothe the traditionalist’s soul or an exciting, bold leap into new territory, and the result is a piece of art that pulled me in and refused to let go.”
100
100/100
4/23/2025
Early Review“The adventure isn’t overlong, and you don’t spend more time than necessary fighting. The world, art, and narrative are unique, but it makes me nostalgic for a game I remember from the past. It’s as though developer Sandfall Interactive managed to make a classic RPG with only the good parts.”
90
90/100
4/23/2025
Early Review“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a phenomenal RPG, telling a heartbreaking tale while incorporating thrilling action into its tactical turn-based combat”
90
90/100
4/23/2025
Early Review“They say art is all about eliciting an emotional reaction; if you can do that, all the effort expended in creating it was worth it. I think Clair Obscur does that with aplomb. If you have ever loved role-playing games, ever, you owe it to yourself to play this. It has the capacity to touch you.”
100
100/100
4/23/2025
Early Review“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a cinematic RPG experience that showcases both visual and audio prowess.”
90
90/100
4/23/2025
Early Review“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has exceeded every one of my expectations. Sandfall Interactive's debut title is one of the greatest accomplishments in gaming, delivering a well-paced, polished, and unforgettable experience.”
100
100/100
4/23/2025
Early Review“Expedition 33 is one of those experiences that redefine your concept of what an RPG can be. What Sandfall Interactive has achieved in their debut is simply astonishing: a narrative that captivates you from the first second with adult characters facing complex moral dilemmas; a revolutionary turn-based combat system that transforms each encounter into a strategic dance full of tension; and a visually stunning world that masterfully blends Belle Époque with dark fantasy. The conversations at the campfires have made me laugh, cry, and reflect on life itself. Its bosses have challenged me like few games manage to do. And its soundtrack continues to resonate in my head weeks after finishing the adventure. More than a game, it's an interactive work of art that will remain in my memory for years. Without exaggeration, one of the best debuts from a studio that I've seen in decades as both a player and critic.”
100
100/100
4/23/2025
Early Review“"Lengthy battles are rewarding, never descending into a mindless grindfest"”
90
90/100
4/22/2025
Early Review“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a story I needed in a world that feels like it’s falling apart. Things are not always what they seem, and there's always hope, no matter the odds. A better world is possible; you just need people willing to fight for it. When one falls, we continue.”
90
90/100
