While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 looks like a modern game, its roots are that of classical JRPGs. Don’t expect the game to feature one staple of the genre, and it’s not because of any technical reason, but an intentional gameplay design.
I’m referring to a mini map, which developer Sandfall Interactive has confirmed won’t be featured in the game.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Won’t Have a Mini Map And Sandfall Explains Why
Why won’t Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 feature a mini map? Producer and COO Francois Meurisse explained this in a chat withEurogamerat an Xbox event held during the Game Developer’s Conference (GDC).
Meurisse explains, “There won’t be mini maps in the levels. When there’s a mini map, you may end up relying on it. And we want players to discover the world as the expedition does it. They don’t have a map because every previous expedition failed. So yes, sometimes it can be difficult to find their way.”
However, players won’t be left groping in the dark, as Meurisse confirms they added a compass to help players. “What we added on the world map that wasn’t in the preview demo is just a compass, so you may find north easily and get your direction more easily,” the producer notes. At the very least, the RPG will feature an overview map of the entire game world, though it remains to be seen whether this will focus on the area you’re in or just the game world all the time.
Aside from the game not featuring a mini map, expect it to be a bit challenging as well. Sandfall has mentioned before that not only is the game inspired by classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy 7, FF8 and the like,but even FromSoftware’s Sekiroplayed a role in inspiring the game.
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FromSoftware is brilliant at making you believe you’ve finally won when, in reality, the worst is yet to come.
Some of the parallels to the Souls-like to Sandfall’s turn-based RPGs include having a successful parry by which the player will have the camera zoom in for a big slow-motion hit and weapon attribute scaling based on character stats. Even the level design has some heavy influences to Souls-likes. While Clair Obscur is more linear than FromSoftware’s games, it draws inspiration; it still has that sense of a player getting lost in a dangerous world.
Meurisse explained, “The design approach has some links with FromSoftware games, where it’s very linear levels but really intense ones. We don’t have the mastery of ideas that they have, but it was part of the inspiration.” The slant to include Souls-like influence comes from the game’s director, Guillaume Broche, who’s not just a big fan of FromSoftware’s games but was even a Sekiro speedrunner.
Meurisse hopes they get some good feedback from the Souls community with Clair Obscur, and he can’t wait to see some “no damage runs,” because “technically it’s achievable.” Given how insanely skilled Souls-like speedrunners are, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this feat pulled off within the game’s first three months. I mean, some Elden Ring players manage to get through the game without getting hit; surely they can do that in an RPG, right?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Has Quickly Become My Most Anticipated Game
The beautiful era of France marred by a genocidal omniscient artist.
If you’re curious about the RPG, gocheck out our hands-on previewand see why we’re excited to get our hands on this JRPG from a French development team.
While this is from a small studio, don’t expect a delay to be part of the equation, as Sandfall revealed this weekend thatwork has finished, and they are just polishing the game now leading up to its April 24 release on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a ground-breaking turn-based RPG with unique real-time mechanics, making battles more immersive and addictive than ever. Explore a fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France in which you battle devastating enemies.In this evolution of JRPGs, real-time actions enhance the heart of turn-based combat. Craft unique builds for your Expeditioners that fit your playstyle via gear, stats, skills, and character synergies. Open an active dimension in combat - dodge, parry, and counter in real time, chain combos by mastering attack rhythms, and target enemy weak points using a free aim system.With only one year left to live, join Gustave, Maelle, and their fellow Expeditioners as they embark upon a desperate quest to break the Paintress’ cycle of death. Follow the trail of previous expeditions and discover their fate. Get to know the members of Expedition 33 as they learn to work together against impossible odds.Explore an enchanting realm populated by surreal adversaries. Wander through breathtaking landscapes, from the Island of Visages to the Forgotten Battlefield, discovering secrets and hidden quests along the way. Find allies of fortune in creatures of legend and recruit special companions, access new travel methods and discover secret areas in the World Map.
