Summary
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws inspiration from classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy 10 for its high-stakes plot.
- The game's stylish interface is reminiscent of Persona 5, showcasing the importance of presentation in turn-based RPGs.
- Like The Legend of Dragoon, Clair Obscur features QTE-heavy combat that adds urgency without overwhelming players.
The renaissance of the turn-based RPG genre has been a treat for fans who witnessed these kinds of games stagnate during the sixth and seventh generations of gaming. This genre has become more relevant than ever before, and the success of games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 proves this.
The stylish interface, QTE-heavy combat, and epic story all feel original, while taking inspiration from the genre's rich and historied past. With this game turning into one of 2025's biggest hits despite the unfortunate timing of Oblivion Remastered's shadow drop, it's only fair to highlight some of the most notable JRPGs that inspired this small French dev team to do something truly special with their debut title.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - 7 Best Early Pictos
Pictos provide handy passive abilities to the party in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Here's which ones are best early on in the game.
7 Final Fantasy 10
A Plot Revolving Around A Tragic Cycle
Final Fantasy 10
- Released
- December 17, 2001
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
The plot of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 revolves around a hunt to defeat the Paintress in a race against time. If the heroes fail to stop her, then the entire population above a certain age will perish. It's an annual cycle that people want to stop to give humanity a chance. It's a plot with high stakes in the same vein as Final Fantasy 10, which also dealt with a similar recurring apocalyptic event that left its world in a permanent state of fear. It's easy to see why Guillaume Broche, the game's director, cited this title as one of its inspirations.
6 Persona 5
The Stylish UI Is Reminiscent Of Atlus's JRPG
Persona 5
- Released
- September 15, 2016
- ESRB
- m
Persona 5 is one of the greatest JRPGs ever made, and is hailed by many as a return to form for this genre. The amazing art style and snappy combat proved once and for all that turn-based RPGs never needed to fade out of relevance in the first place.
7 Beginner Tips For Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Get started in this beautifully dark RPG right with some safe guidelines and helpful early-game pointers to follow in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
One look at Clair Obscur's UI will make its inspirations clear as day. Presentation has become a critical part of most turn-based RPGs, and Clair Obscur got the memo in this department.
5 The Legend Of Dragoon
QTEs Are Rife In This Game
The Legend of Dragoon
- Released
- June 14, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Animated Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
JRPGs like The Legend of Dragoon tried to make attacks more exciting by integrating quick-time events, which gave players an urgency to be more involved in combat. This is something that Clair Obscur decided to emulate with splendid results.
While some players feel that Expedition 33's combat is too QTE-heavy, the game's runtime isn't so bloated that players will be fatigued by the combat. If anything, there are so many things to keep track of that even the most meticulous strategists will enjoy how chaotic some combat scenarios can get.
4 Final Fantasy 8
Showing Off Big-Budget Visuals For A Turn-Based Game
Final Fantasy 8
- Released
- February 11, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Final Fantasy 8 built upon the success of its predecessor, making its 3D models consistent in both exploration and combat. It was a small change that enhanced the visual presentation considerably, which helped it stand out as one of the most beautiful Final Fantasy games ever made.
Clair Obscur's graphics are incredible and add a ton of depth to the presentation of this title in a similar manner. In addition, players will find the reliance on QTEs in this modern title somewhat similar to Squall's regular attack in Final Fantasy 8 (where players needed to press in time with his swing to boost damage) and the Boost mechanic, where players mashed Square to enhance the damage of Guardian Forces.
3 Super Mario RPG
Quirky Quick-Time Events To Both Dish Out And Avoid Damage
Super Mario RPG
- Released
- November 17, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Clair Obscur lets players take action in real time after executing actions, aiming to enhance damage and enjoy other bonuses by nailing quick-time events. This applies to defensive actions too, with players being encouraged to dodge or parry attacks to minimize damage.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - 8 Best Early Skills
Much like its RPG inspirations, characters in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have unique skill trees, with these early-game skills being critical unlocks
Such is the case in Super Mario RPG as well, which many fans loved for its involving combat system. It helped that the challenge wasn't sacrificed in the process, which is yet another statement that applies to Clair Obscur, too.
2 Chrono Trigger
Almost Every JRPG-esque Title Has Been Inspired By This Masterpiece
Chrono Trigger
- Released
- March 11, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Chrono Trigger's influence on the video game industry can't be stated enough. It was one of the first games in the genre to discard random encounters and battle screens, while also adding unique elements like multiple endings and a New Game+ mode.
Even if it may not be stated outright, it's downright impossible that Chrono Trigger isn't an inspiration for a modern game inspired by classic JRPGs. It was a game ahead of its time that is still held as the golden standard for the genre, and Clair Obscur does a great job of honoring its legacy.
1 Final Fantasy 9
The Peak Of The PS1 Final Fantasy Era
Final Fantasy 9
- Released
- July 7, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Violence, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Final Fantasy had some big hitters on the PlayStation, so the fact that Final Fantasy 9 is considered the best one of the lot is hefty praise indeed. The game celebrated both the modern developments in the series at the time and its rich history to make for a delightful concoction. The charm and quality writing of Final Fantasy 9 was appreciated by many JRPG veterans, which is why Broche mentioned it as a clear-cut inspiration for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- April 24, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Sandfall Interactive
- Publisher(s)
- Kepler Interactive
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based RPG, JRPG, Fantasy
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty