Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review (PS5)
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ll be real—when I first saw Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 popping up on TikTok and Twitch, I scrolled past like, “Nah, turn-based ain’t for me.” I’ve never really vibed with the traditional turn-based combat style. But the algorithm did its thing (as always), and before I knew it, I was knee-deep in gameplay clips, fan theories, and character breakdowns. Curiosity got the better of me—and I’m glad it did.
From Skeptic to Superfan
I decided to give it a shot. I mean, the visuals looked 🔥, and everyone was raving about the story. Plus, I read about the dev team’s vision and the personal story behind the game’s creation, and that kinda pulled me in even deeper.
The beginning was a bit of a learning curve—I didn’t fully get the mechanics or pacing. But after watching some Twitch streamers break down their playthroughs, things started to click. And once it clicked? I was hooked.
Gameplay, Graphics & Grit
Let’s talk aesthetics first: this game is stunning. The art direction is unique, the characters are beautifully designed, and the casting? Perfect. Every voice actor felt like they were born to play their roles—accents, tone, attitude… all on point.
Combat-wise, it’s not your average turn-based setup. It blends real-time tension with strategy and style. I still miss the occasional parry or dodge, and yeah, it’s frustrating—but that’s part of the git gud journey, right?
A Story That Stays With You
The emotional core of the game hit hard. Maelle and Verso’s journey, the lore, and the different regions of the map—every piece felt like it had purpose. One thing I found super refreshing? No fast travel between continents. Instead, you gotta swim, fly, and actually explore. And trust me, the random mini-bosses and side quests along the way are worth it.
Then came that ending… SPOILER (not really): You’re forced to choose between two characters, and man, it’s not an easy decision. I literally paused and sat there for a while. Even went to Reddit to see what other players chose (don’t judge me). My final choice? You can read it here.
Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t just a game—it’s a full-on cultural experience in a beautifully strange dimension. It challenged my expectations, surprised me at every corner, and left a mark.
I’m going for the platinum on this one. No cap.
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