The upcoming title from the young French studio Sandfall Interactive, known as *Clair Obscur*, has started to receive early evaluations from gaming media, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Critics are lauding the game for its deep narrative, mature tone, and thrilling combat mechanics, with some even drawing comparisons to a modern *Final Fantasy*.
RPG Gamer's reviewer was particularly impressed by the debut project from these young developers, noting that *Clair Obscur* delivers the same level of experience in just a couple of hours as a game from a studio with decades of experience. If this impressive pace is sustained throughout the game, *Expedition 33*—as the game is also known—stands a strong chance of winning accolades at The Game Awards 2025.
The enthusiasm was echoed by an IGN journalist who, after experiencing the demo gameplay session, was eager to delve deeper into the game's world and engage in more battles. They were astounded by the accomplishments of such a youthful development team.
Kotaku's author went as far as to predict that *Clair Obscur* will achieve the status of a turn-based classic, likening it to a new *Final Fantasy*. They specifically praised the innovative integration of Quick Time Events (QTE) mechanics into traditional turn-based battles, showcasing a unique approach to gameplay.
In addition to the gameplay, many reviewers have highlighted the game's excellent visual style and the mature tone of its narrative, further elevating its appeal.
Mark your calendars, as *Clair Obscur* is slated for release on April 24, 2025, and will be available on current-gen consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series) as well as PC (Steam).
