2025 has been shaping up to be quite an exciting year for the games industry, andClair Obscur: Expedition 33is among the annum’s most significant releases, much to the surprise of many. The French JRPG is a breakout smash-hit from newfound studio Sandfall Interactive, and it’s far more than just a respectable debut: it’s a strongcandidate for Game of the Year.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33has a number of strengths worth gushing about, from its striking art style to its captivating narrative, but its combat arguably steals the show. Indeed,Clair Obscur’s novel turn-based system is proof that the once-ubiquitous approach of older RPGs is far from obsolete, and with any luck, it will encourage other studios to experiment with turn-based fundamentals. It might seem like a bit of a left-field suggestion—and in some ways, it certainly is—but the ever-relevantStar Warsproperty might actually have some use forClair Obscur’s more effective combat mechanics down the road. WithStar Warsclearly attempting to expand its reach in the gaming sphere, branching into different genres for a diverse portfolio, a turn-based RPG makes a lot of sense, andClair Obscurseems like as good an inspiration as any.
A Future Star Wars RPG Could Find Easy Inspiration in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Combat Is an Oddly Great Template for Star Wars To Follow
ConsideringStar Wars' push into a wide range of genres, including soulslike and strategy, it seems like only a matter of time until the franchise dips its toes back into the realm of RPGs. Of course,Star Warswas the backdrop for several prominent RPGs many years ago, with theKnights of the Old Republicduology being the most notable examples of this foray. But those BioWare-developed games are decidedly western, and certainly relics of their era. In the modern age, an ambitious, cinematic RPG seems more fitting, and it could stand out from other action-orientedStar Warsgames by being turn-based.
Clair Obscurproves that turn-based combatdoesn’t need to be a restriction; it can actually be just as deep and expressive as the best real-time combat sandboxes. Crucially,Clair Obscurtakes a lot of leaps with its turn-based system, incorporating real-time mechanics like dodges and parries, which makes the experience far more complex, rewarding, and multifaceted. But beyond that, the game’s unique approach to character-specific abilities and classes makes for a decidedly varied experience, which would translate nicely to aStar Warsgame.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Class System Would Work Wonders in a Star Wars RPG
Each playable character inClair Obscurhas a unique set of abilities, which is to be expected, but the game takes an extra step by giving them each unique long-term mechanics. For example,Sciel can inflict Foretellon enemies, which will enhance the effects of her other powers, while Maelle can switch stances, thereby augmenting her next move. This makes each character feel genuinely distinct from one another to a degree rarely seen in turn-based systems, and this diversity could be a boon when paired with theStar Warsmythos.
Consider aStar WarsRPGwith a cast of playable Jedi, bounty hunters, gunslingers, and the like. Borrowing fromClair Obscur’s character-specific mechanics could allow each character to function in a fundamentally unique way, furthering their personality both inside and outside of gameplay. Maybe a Han Solo-esque gunslinger could rack up critical hits through blaster shots, or a master Jedi could charge up powerful Force attacks through repeated lightsaber maneuvers. However the specifics would shake out, such a combat framework feels like an easy match for theStar Warsuniverse, and might be worth considering as the IP continues to grow.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
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Once a year, the Paintress wakes and paints upon her monolith. Paints her cursed number. And everyone of that age turns to smoke and fades away. Year by year, that number ticks down and more of us are erased. Tomorrow she’ll wake and paint “33.” And tomorrow we depart on our final mission - Destroy the Paintress, so she can never paint death again.We are Expedition 33.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a ground-breaking turn-based RPG with unique real-time mechanics, making battles more immersive and addictive than ever. Explore a fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France in which you battle devastating enemies.
