In an era when the market feels oversaturated with sequels and remakes, it’s rare to come across a turn-based RPG that strikes out in a bold, original direction—and actually lands the hit. Clare Obscure: Expedition 33 is a surprising and refreshing experience that does exactly that. Developed by a newly formed studio, this game doesn’t merely pay homage to its inspirations—it reshapes them into something with a distinctive identity. From the first moments, it sets the tone with a heavy narrative premise: a world where people systematically age out of existence one year at a time.
That concept alone sets it apart, and what follows is a richly woven story filled with worldbuilding, mystery, and emotional gravity. While the plot deals in themes of mortality and legacy, it never feels overwrought or pretentious, thanks to strong writing and cinematic direction. Combined with standout performances from a seasoned voice cast, the result is a game that manages to feel deeply human, even in its most fantastical moments.
Exploration, Worldbuilding, and Side Content
Clare Obscure makes a confident impression not just through its story, but also in how it delivers that story—through its environments, tone, and pacing. The game takes you across a series of diverse and visually distinctive areas: mysterious caves, magical forests, sunken cities, and more. Each locale presents its own set of challenges and discoveries, often punctuated by handcrafted side content that rewards curiosity.
Even as the story pulls you forward, there’s always something tucked away off the beaten path—an optional boss, a rare upgrade, or just a piece of lore that deepens your understanding of the world. One area where the game stumbles slightly is its use of platforming mechanics. These sections feel clunky and underdeveloped—an odd contrast to the polish found elsewhere.
Combat That Blends Classic and Modern Mechanics
The heart of Clare Obscure lies in its turn-based combat system. Battles begin in a traditional fashion, but are elevated with timing-based mechanics like dodges and parries. This added layer keeps players engaged, demanding both strategy and reflex. Each party member introduces a unique sub-mechanic, such as building meters, elemental stacking, or combat stances, offering deep customization and tactical variety.
It’s not just about choosing the right moves—it’s about setting up chains of attacks, exploiting weaknesses, and reacting in real-time. While the difficulty spikes can be challenging—particularly in boss battles—there are adjustable difficulty levels that accommodate different playstyles. Overall, the system feels polished and rewarding, especially for fans of strategic gameplay.
Character Progression and Customization
Leveling up in Clare Obscure goes beyond basic stat increases. Players can unlock and equip various abilities, spells, and passive perks tailored to their preferred playstyle. The skill tree system allows for flexibility, letting players mix and match builds as the game evolves. Weapons can also be upgraded using elemental materials, and items grant extra effects like bonus attack points or healing.
The free-aim mechanic—letting players target enemy weak spots—adds an extra strategic layer, though it’s underutilized. While the inventory and UI can get cluttered over time, the overall depth of the progression system remains a strong point for the game. There’s room to express your preferences and build a team that fits your strategy.
Soundtrack, Performance, and Final Thoughts
The soundtrack deserves special mention—it’s one of the best in recent memory. The orchestral score, especially its French-themed motifs, helps immerse players even further in the game’s richly textured world. Technically, the game runs well with minimal performance issues. Some minor stutters and visual bugs are present, but nothing detracts significantly from the experience.
With a campaign that spans 30–40 hours, plus New Game+ and substantial replay value, Clare Obscure checks many boxes. It’s a game made with purpose: no microtransactions, no bloated content, and a clear vision. For fans of narrative-heavy, mechanically rich, single-player games, it’s a standout release that feels both familiar and fresh. Clare Obscure: Expedition 33 may not reinvent the genre, but it reinvigorates it with passion, precision, and plenty of heart.