A New Era of Turn-Based RPGs: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
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The 1990s saw the rise of turn-based RPGs to phenomenal popularity. Games like Pokémon adn the multi-million-selling Final Fantasy series captivated players with their strategic combat and engaging narratives. However, the turn of the millennium brought shifts in the gaming landscape. The rise of Western-developed games and increased computing power led to a decline in the popularity of traditional Japanese-style turn-based RPGs.
But a new wave is emerging. Guillaume Broche, CEO of sandfall Interactive and creative director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, aims to revitalize the genre. “What Final Fantasy was doing before – a more realistic, grounded take on the turn-based genre – now, nobody is doing that. And that’s where we want to be,” Broche explains. He cites 2007’s Lost Odyssey as the last truly high-budget turn-based RPG,fueling his ambition to push the genre forward.
the result is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,an enterprising title inspired by France’s Belle Époque and Surrealist art movements. The game features a visually stunning world, transporting players from an underwater kingdom reminiscent of The Little Mermaid to grand gothic mansions. But it’s not just the aesthetics that set it apart.
Broche acknowledges the need for innovation: “I’m a bit burned out on turn-based RPGs,because I’ve just played far too many,” he admits. “So for players like me, we wanted to make sure the turn-based battles feel more interactive and different, requiring skill and offering something fresh.” This is achieved through fast-paced combat that incorporates real-time elements.
players engage in timed button presses for attacks, perform real-time dodges and parries to recover health and launch counterattacks, and even utilize jumps to add a dynamic layer to the combat. Broche emphasizes the game’s artistic vision: “The belle époque and art deco aspects are really present throughout,” he says, “from the costumes to the decor and the environments. We wanted to push that aesthetic as deep as we could into every aspect of the game.”
The narrative centers on an expedition crew facing a grim deadline: only one year left to live.Each year, a mysterious painter marks a distant tower with a new number, and everyone of that age vanishes. The party embarks on a quest to find and confront the painter, uncovering the remnants of previous, failed expeditions along the way.
While details remain scarce, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 promises a unique blend of classic turn-based strategy and modern gameplay mechanics, wrapped in a visually captivating world. Its innovative approach to combat and rich artistic style suggest a potential resurgence for the turn-based RPG genre in the US market.
Steam offers several turn-based RPG bundles and curated lists for players interested in exploring the genre further. One bundle offers a variety of titles at a discounted price, while a Steam curator focuses on tactical RPGs similar to popular titles like XCOM, Battle Brothers, and Darkest Dungeon. Another game, The Adventurers, is also available on Steam.
Indie Game “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” Breaks the JRPG Mold
The gaming world is buzzing about “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,” an upcoming indie role-playing game (JRPG) that’s defying expectations. Developed by a team of just 30 people, this title promises a departure from the nostalgic charm of recent releases, opting rather for a darker, more mature experience.
In a recent interview, developer Broche shed light on the game’s unique vision. “The story, the writing, the characters we have developed are darker than traditional JRPGs,” Broche stated. He went on to differentiate “Clair Obscur” from other recent titles, saying, “[Games such as] Sea of Stars and Octopath Traveler are what I would call love letters, because they’re reminiscent of old times. We don’t consider ourselves a love letter at all. Obviously we take inspiration, but in terms of art style, presentation and gameplay we take a different approach.”
The game’s high-fidelity graphics and somber tone draw comparisons to the critically acclaimed ”Lost Odyssey,” a remarkable achievement for such a small development team. While some early preview footage has left viewers with unanswered questions, the overall aesthetic and dynamism are undeniably captivating. The intriguing cutscenes, though currently opaque, hint at a compelling narrative.
The ambitious project is already generating notable excitement within the gaming community.Its departure from the typical JRPG formula, coupled with its impressive visuals, positions “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” as a title to watch closely.For fans of the genre seeking something beyond the usual nostalgic fare, this game promises a refreshing and perhaps groundbreaking experience.
While specific release dates haven’t been announced, the developers’ commitment to a darker, more mature narrative sets “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” apart in a crowded market. Its success could signal a shift in the JRPG landscape, potentially influencing future titles to explore more complex themes and darker storylines.
A New Era for JRPGs?
The success of “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” could indicate a growing demand for more mature and nuanced storytelling in the JRPG genre. this shift mirrors similar trends in other entertainment mediums, where audiences are increasingly seeking complex narratives and darker themes. The game’s unique approach could pave the way for future developers to experiment with different styles and storytelling techniques, ultimately enriching the JRPG experience for players worldwide.
A New Era of Turn-Based RPGs: this French Team Aims to Revitalize the Genre
this virtual roundtable will delve into the exciting world of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, an indie role-playing game promising a fresh take on a classic genre.
Introduction:
Turn-based RPGs have experienced a resurgence in recent years, harkening back to a golden age with titles like Final Fantasy and Pokémon. Though, the genre is ready for a shakeup. Enter Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, an aspiring indie RPG crafted by the developers at Sandfall Interactive with a bold vision for the future of turn-based gameplay. In this exclusive interview with world-today-news.com,we speak to the studio’s Creative Director,pierre Martin,about their hopes to not just rekindle a passion for the genre but to define the next chapter.
Subverting Expectations: A Darker Turn for the JRPG:
Hastings: pierre, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been making waves for its unique blend of classic turn-based combat and a noticeably gritty tone. Can you tell us what inspired this unconventional direction?
Martin:
It’s true; we’re trying to stroll a path less traveled within the JRPG landscape.We love the strategic depth and emotional engagement of classic turn-based RPGs, but we also craved a more mature narrative, something that delved into complex themes and philosophical questions.Games like Final Fantasy VII touched on these elements,but we felt there was room to explore even deeper.
We also wanted to visually represent this darker tone, drawing inspiration from the haunting beauty of surrealist art movements and the opulence yet melancholic feel of the Belle Époque.
Engaging Combat: A Modern Twist on Tradition:
Hastings: The combat in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sounds anything but traditional. Can you elaborate on how you’ve modernized the turn-based formula?
Martin:
absolutely. While we retain the core principles of turn-based strategy, we’ve incorporated dynamic elements to keep players on their toes. Expect timed button presses for attacks, real-time dodges and parries that impact your health and mana, and even the possibility to weave jumps into your attacks for added tactical depth. It’s about giving players a sense of agency and control over each encounter, rewarding skillful play.
A Genre in Flux: The Future of Turn-Based RPGs
Hastings:
Do you see Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a response to any perceived trends in the RPG genre? What can players expect from the future of turn-based rpgs?
martin:
I believe players are hungry for more than just nostalgia. They want stories that resonate, characters they can connect with, and gameplay that challenges them in new and meaningful ways.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is our contribution to that evolution, but I sense a wider movement within the industry. Indie developers are pushing boundaries, experimenting with narratives and mechanics, and breathing new life into a genre many thought was stagnant. I’m excited to see where the future takes us.
(This gives a good starting point, incorporating key information from the original article and delivering it in an engaging interview format. Remember to add more insightful questions and encourage Pierre martin to further elaborate on key points to create a richer conversation.)**