French developer Sandfall Interactive has released a new trailer for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG with high-end graphics. The preview highlights the exploration mechanics in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the transition between map and battle, and how the turn-based combat works.
During exploration, players can choose which party member will lead the journey, with the others following close behind. Party members interact with one another, conversing about the world and adding depth to the game's lore. At one point, crossing a particular field is aided by a natural grappling hook, allowing the character to explore vertically. Shining points on the ground indicate a collectible item, which shows a preview of what was obtained after interacting with it.
Upon encountering an enemy on the map, players can attack preemptively to gain an extra turn when transitioning into combat. Though Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 features turn-based battles, it promises to keep players on their toes. Every action is preceded by a timed input that, if performed precisely, can enhance attacks and abilities or trigger a dodge or parry to avoid damage. Each attack requires the player to hit the exact timing to strengthen their strike, which can occur one, two, or even more times during the attack. Characters act when their turn arrives, and a command is selected, allowing players to decide the best approach patiently.
When the enemy attacks, executing a command to dodge or parry is possible. Dodging has a wider execution window and, when done correctly, avoids all incoming damage. Parrying is harder to execute but, when successful, allows the party to counterattack the enemy. In the boss fight against Goblu, the entire Expedition 33 team is seen parrying the enemy's attack and counterattacking in return, creating a high-risk, high-reward system.
When the battle ends, the completion screen shows the loot, experience, and other stats like highest damage, battle duration, damage dealt and taken, number of parries, and dodges. This suggests that hardcore players might challenge themselves to complete Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in a no-damage run. On this victory screen, it's also visible that the character's equipment also has levels in addition to their own.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be released for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store in 2025. If you want to see how a turn-based RPG inspired by JRPGs will play out on an engine similar to AAA games, be sure to check out our comparator for the cheapest CD Keys on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and get ready to face the Paintress
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