Sandfall Interactive's founder and creative director shed light on the fascinating inspirations behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, revealing a blend of historical influences and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Real-World Influences and Gameplay Innovation
The Name and Narrative: A Journey Through Time and Art
In a recent interview (July 29th), Guillaume Broche, founder and creative director of Sandfall Interactive, delved into the rich tapestry of real-world inspirations woven into *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*'s title and narrative.The game's name, "Clair Obscur," directly references the 17th and 18th-century French artistic and cultural movement, significantly impacting the game's art style and overarching world. "Expedition 33" refers to a series of expeditions led by protagonist Gustave, each aiming to defeat the Paintress, a mysterious figure who uses a monolith to erase entire ages through a process Broche calls "the Gommage." The tragic death of Gustave's partner after the Paintress marks age 33 is a key plot point revealed in the game's trailer.
Broche also cited the fantasy novel La Horde du Contrevent as a narrative influence, highlighting its themes of exploration and risk-taking. He further acknowledged the enduring appeal of stories about venturing into the unknown, drawing parallels to works like Attack on Titan.
Reimagining the Turn-Based RPG
Broche highlighted the game's commitment to high-fidelity graphics within the turn-based RPG genre, a relatively unexplored space. While acknowledging predecessors like Valkyria Chronicles and Project X Zone, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 introduces a reactive turn-based battle system. This innovative system allows for strategic planning during your turn, but demands real-time reactions to dodge, jump, or parry enemy attacks, opening the door to powerful counterattacks.
The inspiration for this unique blend of strategy and action? Action games such as the Souls series, Devil May Cry, and NieR, whose rewarding gameplay loops served as a template for this innovative turn-based approach.
A Look Ahead
Broche's insights reveal a game deeply rooted in historical and literary influences, yet boldly forging new paths in gameplay design. The combination of high-fidelity visuals and the reactive turn-based combat system promises a fresh and engaging experience. Players will need to balance careful planning with quick reflexes to survive.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is slated for release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2025. While the wait continues, Broche expressed his excitement for the game's positive reception and the team's eagerness to share more in the coming months.
