Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Receives High Praise from Famitsu

In an exciting turn of events for the gaming world, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has garnered a glowing review in the highly respected Japanese magazine, Famitsu. Developed by French studio Sandfall Interactive, this title has stirred discussions about what it means to be a JRPG, despite not being created in Japan.

Acclaim from Famitsu

The anticipation surrounding how a game like Clair Obscur would be received in Japan was palpable, especially given its classification as a JRPG. Famitsu scored the game an impressive 36 out of 40, with each of its four reviewers giving it a solid 9 out of 10. This review highlights the game’s exceptional music, vivid presentation, and well-paced plot, while also praising its difficulty adjustments. One particularly noteworthy aspect is its map design, described as “miraculous,” allowing players to navigate without confusion even in complex environments. Additionally, the review recommended the game to fans of classics like Final Fantasy 6 and Final Fantasy 16, signaling its high-quality production and storytelling.

Not Quite a Perfect Score

While the score of 36/40 from Famitsu is impressive, it’s important to note that it falls short of the coveted ‘Famitsu 40.’ Only 30 games have ever achieved such a perfect score, a benchmark that is exceedingly rare. Moreover, Clair Obscur has also scored a 10 from Edge magazine, joining a select group of just 28 titles that have reached this milestone. Notably, only six games have ever received both accolades: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Bayonetta, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Grand Theft Auto V, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

A Love Letter to JRPGs

Ahead of the official review, Famitsu published an extensive write-up expressing its impressions of Clair Obscur, calling it “the best love letter from France to Japanese RPGs.” The review highlights the artistry behind the game, noting its visual quality and its ability to rival the most significant titles in the genre.

The report elaborates on a nuanced perspective of what defines a JRPG, stating, “I don’t intend to delve too deeply into the definition of JRPG here, but personally, I think the key difference lies in the fact that Western RPGs often focus on ‘role-playing’ within a given world, while Japanese RPGs prioritize the characters created by the developers driving the story forward.” This observation encapsulates the blend of influences that make Clair Obscur unique—retaining the core essence of Japanese RPGs while infusing it with French culture and artistry.

Critical Success After Launch

Launched on April 24, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been a commercial success as well, with a Metacritic score of 93 for Xbox Series X/S, 92 for PS5, and 90 for PC. It sold over 2 million units within its first 12 days on the market, a testament to the overwhelming excitement and interest from gamers worldwide.

As the gaming community celebrates Clair Obscur, the dialogue surrounding its JRPG status and international influences continues to evolve, shining a light on the ever-blurring lines between genres and cultural influences in video game development. For fans looking for something that pays homage to classic JRPGs while introducing fresh elements, this title might just be the perfect fit.

Discover more about the evolution of JRPGs and the impact of global gaming culture in our articles on JRPG History, Game Developments, and Game Reviews.