The much-anticipated title from the emerging French studio Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur, is already making waves in the gaming community with its early evaluations. Critics are lauding the game for its profound narrative, mature themes, and exhilarating combat system, with some drawing comparisons to a modern take on Final Fantasy.
RPG Gamer's reviewer was astounded by the level of polish and depth that Clair Obscur achieved within just a few hours of gameplay. They noted that this debut project from Sandfall Interactive matches the quality of a seasoned studio's work. Should this high standard persist throughout the game, there's a strong possibility that Expedition 33 could be a contender at The Game Awards 2025.
The IGN journalist who experienced the demo was left craving more, eager to delve deeper into the game's universe and engage in further combat. They were particularly impressed by the accomplishments of Sandfall Interactive's youthful team.
Kotaku's author went as far as to predict that Clair Obscur could become a benchmark for turn-based games, potentially earning the status of a new classic akin to Final Fantasy. They specifically praised the innovative integration of Quick Time Events (QTEs) into the traditional turn-based combat, adding a fresh twist to the genre.
The game's visual style and the maturity of its storytelling have also garnered significant praise across various reviews.
Mark your calendars: Clair Obscur is slated for release on April 24, 2025, and will be available on current-generation consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series) as well as PC via Steam.