Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - A Masterpiece That Owes Me Therapy

10/10 - Would Cry Again (And Again, And Again…)

Where do I even begin? Expedition 33 didn’t just steal my heart, it ripped it out, juggled it like a circus act, then gently placed it back with a whispered, "Tomorrow comes." This game is art, wrapped in tragedy, dipped in existential dread, and served with a side of "Wait, I'm in my late 30s and can't be playing video games until 3AM?"

The Emotional Damage (In the Best Way Possible)

I went into this thinking, "Oh, a tactical RPG with a cool painterly style, neat!" Little did I know, I was signing an unspoken contract to have my soul tenderized by the narrative equivalent of a sledgehammer. The characters? Flawed, human, and so well-written that I now miss them like real people. The story? A devastatingly beautiful spiral of hope, despair, and "Wait... NO!!! WHY?!?!" moments. I laughed, I gasped, I ugly cried (sometimes all in the same cutscene).

Gameplay That Punishes You (But Fairly, Like a Loving Partner)

The turn-based combat mixed with the QTEs is chef’s kiss - strategic, weighty, and just punishing enough to make victory feel earned. Every mistake hurts and learning the different major boss fights left my mouth watering for more more more!

Visually Stunning

The art style is breathtaking. Every frame looks like a painting come to life, and the animations are so fluid I sometimes forgot to actually play because I was too busy staring at the screen like a mesmerized raccoon. Also, the soundtrack? Hauntingly beautiful. I still get chills hearing certain themes. I wish I had more words to put into how rocked to my core the soundtrack shook me...

Final Verdict: Play It, But Stock Up on Tissues

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t just a game, it’s an experience. It’s the kind of story that lingers in your mind for weeks, making you question life, love, and whether you’ll ever emotionally recover. If you enjoy JRPGs, rich storytelling, or just feeling things, this is a must-play.

Pros:

One of the best narratives in gaming (prepare to be wrecked)
Deep, rewarding tactical combat
Gorgeous art and music
Characters you’ll want to protect at all costs (even when the game says "LOL no")

Cons:

My therapist now has a Clair Obscur surcharge
I will never be the same
I will struggle to find games that fill the void

TL;DR: Play this game. Cry. Scream. Love it. Then join me in the corner, rocking back and forth, waiting for more

(P.S. Devs, I demand emotional compensation.)