Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – First Impressions: A Dream in Light and Shadow
NOTE: Minor story elements and possible spoilers from the first 4–5 hours are included.
Ever since I first saw the teaser trailer for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in 2024, I was captivated: the striking visuals, the mysterious world, and - most of all - the combat system that featured timed elements instantly reminded me of some of my favorite franchises of yesteryear like Legend of Dragoon and Shadow Hearts. I knew immediately that this would be a game I had to play. Now that Clair Obscur has finally arrived, published by Kepler Interactive and developed by the ambitious Sandfall Interactive studio, I'm thrilled to experience it firsthand.
As of this writing, I'm about four hours into the story, and I fully plan on sinking dozens more into this world. Its vibrant environments, memorable characters, and addictive combat have completely sunk their teeth into me.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s rewind for those unfamiliar with the premise.
A City Lost Between Worlds
Sixty-seven years ago, an event known as The Fracture lifted the city of Lumière and deposited it into a strange, liminal realm. Looming over this strange place is a colossal monolith, where a mysterious figure called The Paintress etches a number every year - and every person of that age instantly fades from existence. In a desperate attempt to save the future generations, expeditions have been sent across the sea to The Continent to find and eliminate the Paintress.
None have returned.
You play as Gustave, voiced by the immensely talented Charlie Cox (best known for his iconic portrayal of Matt Murdock in Netflix’s Daredevil), who prepares to lead Expedition 33 into the unknown.
When I learned about the premise of the game, I remember thinking that it seemed pretty bleak, but actually setting out on the journey, I was not expected for just how dark Clair Obscur would get...and in pretty short order too! Gustave begins the game as an idealist - certain that the Expedition will help pave the path forward to a better future. However, as the great Mike Tyson once said: "Everyone's got a plan until they get punched in the mouth." Indeed, after the Expedition's arrival goes horrifically wrong, we witness Gustave's dramatic transformation in real time. After a particularly shocking scene after Gustave believes himself to be the only survivor, I began to appreciate the title of the game properly.
The term Clair Obscur - French for "light-dark" - is an artistic technique akin to chiaroscuro, where stark contrasts between light and shadow evoke drama and tension. The game’s world is full of both breathtaking beauty and heartbreaking tragedy, and Gustave’s journey seems to perfectly embody that contrast in the early hours. No doubt we will see this parallel in other characters, and even the world of The Continent itself, before the tale is done.
A Feast for the Eyes and Ears
The first thing that grabs you about Clair Obscur is its stunning aesthetic. From the haunting, decayed elegance of Lumière’s cityscape to the eerie, dreamlike vistas of the Continent, the game consistently impresses. Every location feels alive, dense with storytelling through its design.
The soundtrack, composed by Lorien Testard, is equally powerful. Atmospheric piano pieces, swelling orchestral themes, and haunting choral tracks paint a melancholy soundscape that sticks with you.
While there are occasional performance hiccups - a bit of frame stuttering in open areas, and some minor pre-rendered cutscene glitches - the art direction shines so brightly that they barely detract from the experience.
A Cast That Elevates the Story
In addition to the strong worldbuilding, the performances from the English voice cast deserve special praise. Sandfall didn’t just secure talent - they found world-class actors who deeply embody their characters:
Charlie Cox (Gustave) – Fresh off his Daredevil resurgence and appearances in Echo, Cox brings a grounded intensity to Gustave. His ability to balance hope, despair, and bitter determination gives the character real soul.
Jennifer English (Maelle) – You may recognize English from her stellar work as Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3. Here, she portrays Maelle: a cunning and fiercely loyal duelist, and Gustave’s personal charge, possessing a sardonic wit that immediately made her a standout in my party.
Kirsty Rider (Lune) – Having impressed audiences as Lady Macduff in The Tragedy of Macbeth (Apple TV+) and as Renna in The Wheel of Time series, Rider gives Lune a (mostly) stoic but quietly emotional presence. Her control over elemental forces mirrors her restrained, layered performance.
Shala Nyx (Sciel) – Known for her roles in indie titles like Signs of the Sojourner, Nyx’s voice work infuses Sciel with a playful yet mysterious energy. Even early on, you get the sense that there's far more to Sciel than she lets on.
Rich Keeble (Monoco) – Keeble, a veteran of both video games (Diablo IV) and animation, brings much-needed comic relief and warmth to Monoco, the group’s engineer. His lightness balances out the heavier emotional beats.
Ben Starr (Verso) – Starr delivered one of gaming’s standout performances last year as Clive Rosfield in Final Fantasy XVI. Here, he lends his formidable presence to Verso, imbuing the character with a world-weariness that hints at deep scars yet to be revealed.
Andy Serkis (Renoir) – Yes, the Andy Serkis. Best known for bringing Gollum, Caesar (Planet of the Apes), and Ulysses Klaue (Black Panther) to life, Serkis portrays Renoir, a shifty and charismatic figure whose allegiances are unclear. His gravitas lends immense credibility to the story’s darker twists.
Maxence Cazorla (Equie) – A rising star in French voice acting circles, Cazorla gives Equie a heartfelt sincerity that immediately makes him likable - a rarity in a setting so tinged with tragedy.
Together, this cast makes every dialogue exchange feel vital and natural. Whether you're exploring the overworld or caught up in a cinematic cutscene, the performances make it easy to stay immersed.
Turn-Based Brilliance
But what about the combat?
In a word: superb.
At its core, Clair Obscur features classic turn-based encounters. However, it innovates brilliantly by adding timed button inputs to maximize attacks and defenses. Fans of Super Mario RPG or Legend of Dragoon will feel instantly at home - but even newcomers will find it intuitive after a few battles.
Defense isn’t passive either. You can dodge, parry, and even jump over attacks with carefully timed inputs, making battles dynamic and thrilling. Enemies aren’t one-note, either. They mix up fast, regular, and slow attacks, forcing you to stay on your toes.
Each character's kit encourages strategic synergy:
Gustave builds charge counters for devastating finishers.
Lune weaves together elemental energies to empower spells, like a magical puzzle.
Maelle switches between offensive and defensive stances based on her skills, encouraging variation in usage to maximize her potential.
New recruits (whom I haven’t met yet) are rumored to add even deeper layers to the party system.
Final First Impressions
Even with some launch roughness, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is shaping up to be something truly special. It’s a game that takes the DNA of beloved RPGs, refines it, and coats it in a surreal, heart-wrenching story that already feels unforgettable.
There's a reason chatter about it landing on Game of the Year lists has already started. Frankly, based on what I’ve seen, that conversation is absolutely warranted.
I’ll be back with a full review once I finish Gustave’s journey, but until then, if you have any love for RPGs, stunning worldbuilding, or unforgettable combat, go buy Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Now.
