The renowned video game writer David Gaider has made comparisons between the game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Baldur’s Gate 3, describing them as “love letters” to their respective genres. Gaider highlighted how both titles have managed to attract broader audiences, challenging the belief that the RPG market has a limit on the number of players. According to him, the quality of a game can significantly expand this audience. RPGs are far from being niche video games. Gaider noted the impact that Baldur’s Gate 3 had on the gaming community, becoming […]
The renowned video game writer David Gaider has made comparisons between the game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Baldur’s Gate 3, describing them as “love letters” to their respective genres. Gaider highlighted how both titles have managed to attract broader audiences, challenging the belief that the role-playing game market has a limit on the number of players. According to him, the quality of a game can significantly expand this audience.
RPGs are far from being niche video games
Gaider observed the impact that Baldur’s Gate 3 had on the gaming community, becoming a phenomenon that even caught the attention of those who normally do not play dense RPG titles. In a similar vein, Expedition 33 presents itself as a superior game in the realm of JRPGs, accessible to players who typically do not feel drawn to this style. This ability to resonate across a broader spectrum is due to the quality of its presentations and gameplay.
One of the most relevant points in the conversation was the importance of allowing prolonged development for games. Gaider mentioned that the length of Baldur’s Gate 3’s early access allowed the team to respond to player feedback, a luxury that publishers often limit due to financial pressures. Often, these pressures lead developers to dilute the unique features of their games in search of mass appeal.
Finally, although Gaider expressed his desire to create an RPG in his new company, Summerfall, he emphasized that he is first focusing on a promising roguelike, which serves as “our last hope to keep the studio alive.” This focus highlights the difficult decisions developers face in the competitive environment of the video game industry.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the recent success of Sandfall Interactive, has captured the attention of both players and critics, achieving an impressive milestone of over 500,000 units sold. Despite its launch in a highly competitive market, especially in the shadow of Oblivion: Remastered, the game has received nearly universal acclaim, positioning itself as a strong contender for Game of the Year. The DLC was not planned, but it could very well happen. Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, the lead writer of the game, has shared some updates about the future of the title on Instagram, where she has addressed concerns […]
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the recent success of Sandfall Interactive, has captured the attention of both players and critics, achieving an impressive milestone of over 500,000 units sold. Despite its release in a highly competitive market, especially in the shadow of Oblivion: Remastered, the game has received near-universal acclaim, even positioning itself as a strong contender for the Game of the Year title.
The DLC was not planned, but it could very well happen
Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, the lead writer of the game, has shared some updates about the future of the title on Instagram, where she has addressed players’ concerns about the possibility of downloadable content. Although Svedberg-Yen has made it clear that there are currently no concrete plans for a DLC, she mentioned that Sandfall Interactive’s intention has always been to assess the community’s response before making definitive decisions.
In her messages, Svedberg-Yen expressed: “Nothing concrete that I can say at this moment, honestly, we are still trying to process everything that is happening. We have always said that if there is a strong desire from the players, we would love to do something more, and based on the response so far, I would say the chances are good.” This statement has generated expectations among the game’s fans, who see the potential to expand the experience offered.
The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is not only measured in sales but also in its positive reception, suggesting that the path for a DLC could be more than clear. With the community showing strong interest in the game, the conditions seem favorable for Sandfall Interactive to evaluate future additional content, although, as is common in the industry, the details about what could be included remain uncertain.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is triumphing in an amazing way. With over a million copies sold, it is proving that turn-based role-playing games are far from failing to spark interest among the public. Now, if you think the game is unique, you are very mistaken. That particular mix of turn-based gameplay and action gameplay is something that JRPGs have been doing for years. And we are going to prove it to you with X games that have done it just as well as Expedition 33 itself. The Legend of Dragoon If there is a classic JRPG […]
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is achieving remarkable success. With over a million copies sold, it is proving that turn-based role-playing games are far from losing interest among the public. Now, if you think the game is unique, you are very mistaken. That particular blend of turn-based gameplay and action gameplay is something that JRPGs have been doing for years. And we are going to demonstrate this with X games that have done it just as well as Expedition 33 itself.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a premium role-playing game that immerses you in a quest to stop the threatening Painter from wreaking havoc with her deadly art. Set in a beautifully designed world, you will explore captivating locations such as the Island of Faces and the Forgotten Battlefield.
If there is a classic JRPG that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws from, it is The Legend of Dragoon. The tone is equally dark and apocalyptic, and moreover, its combat system is just as unique. To deal more damage with each attack, we must perform combos by following specific button patterns on screen at the right moment. This makes it a beloved classic from the original PlayStation, not far from what that French game you mentioned does.
Speaking of hitting at the right moment, that’s exactly what we had to do in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. All our attacks dealt more damage if we pressed the button at the exact moment we hit the enemy, and the damage we received from our enemies was reduced if we pressed it at the exact moment they hit us. Basically what Expedition 33 does, just with less existential angst and more turtle races.
The Last Remnant is surely the most complex and least played game on this list. It is also likely the best in terms of pure mechanical design. With a morality system that defines all actions, a list of when each of the characters we can manipulate will act based on our actions, and the ability to increase the damage of our attacks by pressing the right button at the right moment, we haven’t even touched on how all this affects skills and equipment. But you should play The Last Remnant.
Probably the most famous JRPG for the peculiarity of its combat system, also the most imitated. Each battle in Earthbound has its own song, and if we want to maximize the damage we deal, we must press the attack button to the rhythm of the song. If we don’t, we won’t perform combos, and the battle will be much longer and more brutal. This adds to the originality of an exceptional game that is a cult title for very good reasons.
One of the most special JRPGs on the Xbox 360 is also one that shares a lot with Clair OBscur: Expedition 33. Both have a dark and melancholic tone and both feature a dynamic turn-based combat system. In the case of Lost Odyssey, we had to overlap rings to maximize the damage of our attacks, forcing us to stay alert to make our attacks as powerful as possible. This shows that there is much to draw from in this regard.
If we haven’t been blunt when talking about The Last Remnant, it’s because Resonance of Fate exists. A turn-based JRPG where the position of each character in combat, how we move, and the actions we take during movement will radically change every turn of combat. Not to mention the absurd level of equipment customization or the specialization of the skills. Because Expedition 33 not only hasn’t invented anything, but it also isn’t even remotely the most complex game of its kind.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a premium role-playing game that immerses you in a quest to stop the threatening Painter from wreaking havoc with her deadly art. Set in a beautifully designed world, you will explore captivating locations such as the Island of Faces and the Forgotten Battlefield.
The next title from Atlus, Metaphor: ReFantazio, has taken a different direction in its combat system, following extensive analysis during playtesting. Originally, the game included a brutal battle system inspired by the Japanese role-playing game Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne, where randomness played a crucial role in deciding which character attacked first in a battle. This approach provoked negative reactions among players, who described this mechanic as “irrational” and “not fun.” Players were not prepared for a mechanic from 20 years ago Kenichi Goto, the main battle planner […]
Atlus’s upcoming title, Metaphor: ReFantazio, has taken a different direction in its combat system, following extensive analysis during playtesting. Originally, the game included a brutal battle system inspired by the Japanese role-playing game Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne, where randomness played a crucial role in deciding which character attacked first in a battle. This approach elicited negative reactions from players, who described this mechanic as “irrational” and “not fun”.
The players were not prepared for a mechanic from 20 years ago
Kenichi Goto, principal battle planner of Metaphor: ReFantazio and veteran combat planner of previous Atlus titles, detailed that in the initial design, there was a 30% chance that enemies would get the first turn, regardless of who initiated the combat. However, player feedback led Atlus to reconsider this aspect. Goto mentioned that whether the player or the enemies initiated the battle, the randomness created a sense of unfairness that affected the gaming experience.
As a result, the development team decided to implement a significant change: the player will always get the first turn if they initiate combat. This decision aims to eliminate the frustration caused by the random mechanics and provide a more logical and enjoyable experience during combat.
Additionally, Atlus is trying to solve the grinding problem that has plagued many JRPGs, seeking a balance that allows for a more dynamic and less repetitive gameplay. With these modifications, Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out as a promising addition to the genre, aligning with the trend of developers prioritizing the player experience over elements of arbitrary difficulty.
Time passes for everyone. Even for the JRPGs that have marked entire generations and have defined video games in a way that most can hardly even dream of. This has been the case with Chrono Trigger, one of the most important games of the SNES and one of the most legendary JRPGs in history, which has just turned 30 years old. Something that, of course, Square Enix has already announced it plans to celebrate as it deserves. How that celebration will be is what remains unclear. They have said they plan to celebrate it, but not how. […]
Time passes for everyone. Even for the JRPGs that have marked entire generations and have defined video games in a way that most can hardly even dream of. This has been the case with Chrono Trigger, one of the most important games on the SNES and one of the most legendary JRPGs in history, which has just turned 30 years old. Something that, of course, Square Enix has already announced it plans to celebrate as it deserves.
How is that celebration going to be? That is what remains unclear. They have said that they plan to celebrate it, but not how. That’s why we can only speculate and dream, knowing that they will have to do something. And in the meantime, we prefer to remember and above all, explain something that perhaps many people do not know: why Chrono Trigger is important. And that is what this article is about. The reasons why this thirty anniversary should be your excuse to replay a legendary game. Or to play it for the first time.
Chrono Trigger is a classic role-playing video game developed by Square, in which a group of young adventurers travel through different eras to save the planet from a future disaster.
The biography of Chrono Trigger
Published on March 11, 1995 for Super Nintendo, it wouldn’t reach the US until August 11 of that same year. And Europe and Australia? I’m afraid we would have to wait until February 2009 for a remaster to be released for Nintendo DS. This does not mean that the game was not played outside of Japan and the US until then.
Because Chrono Trigger is one of those games that was highly imported at the time. Although it was sold at completely outrageous prices outside of North America, it was also sold in English outside the US. And over time since the Super Nintendo, its legend continued to grow, partly thanks to a re-release on PlayStation that was published in 1999 in Japan and in 2001 in the US, which would further cement its cult status. This led to the fact that over the years and with the rise of emulation, anyone interested in JRPGs not only had heard of Chrono Trigger but could also play it, even if it never legally reached their territory.
A game created by a dream team
Why did the game cause such a stir? Probably because it was designed from the beginning to do so. Chrono Trigger was developed by what Square conceived as a dream team of three designers who had just created indisputable masterpieces: Hironobu Sakaguchi, creator of Final Fantasy; Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest; and Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball. Together, they conceived the entire foundation of the game, from the visuals to the mechanics, resulting in the most idiosyncratic JRPG of its generation.
But it is not a dream team just because of its dream trio. It is also because of the excellent team that accompanied them. Takashi Tokita, director of Live A Live and Parasite Eve, would be co-director and co-writer of the game. Kazuhiko Aoki, director of Final Fantasy IV and Final Fantasy Chronicles, would be producer. And Masato Kato, writer of Final Fantasy VII, would be the other co-writer. Creating an absolutely dream team for the game.
An incredible story, magical designs, and unforgettable characters
But what is the game about? Basically, in the year 1000AD, Crono and Marle see how Lucca and her father demonstrate how their teleportation works at the fair of the Kingdom of Guardia. Due to an accident, they are teleported back in time 400 years, which leads them on an adventure of time travel, time paradoxes, and also a fight against a mad scientist who wants to end the world, which unfolds through different eras of the same world.
All of this, moreover, with seven tremendously charismatic characters that we can recruit in different time periods. Traveling from prehistory to the distant future, we will have all kinds of allies to fight against the evil Magus and the consequences of his actions, first trying to solve the disaster of our time travels, and then trying to prevent The End of Times with one of the most unforgettable castings of all time. Let’s remember, all designed by Akira Toriyama.
Although it remains a classic JRPG in terms of gameplay, the game would feature the Active Time Battle system, which would allow rivals to take actions while we make decisions in the menus. And surely the most striking aspect is the existence of cooperative skills, for which two or more characters will need to be in our party to perform a particularly powerful ability together. As long as the enemies are in the right position, as they can move during combat.
A game with many versions
With versions for SNES, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, mobile, and PC, it has undergone small changes over time. That said, there is no definitive version of the game. Although many people recommend the Nintendo DS version for having extra content and being relatively more accessible, it is generally accepted that the best version is the original. The SNES version remains the best-adjusted version, with fewer compromises and, while it shows its age, for many people this is not a problem but a plus: it has all the beauty of a game from its era.
What will Square Enix do to celebrate the 30th anniversary? While we would settle for a better port than the one we currently have for PCs, it wouldn’t hurt to have a good remaster. They will probably hold concerts, some kind of art exhibition in Japan, and everything else they do aside from that should be considered a bonus. Unfortunately, Chrono Trigger, as beloved as it is, doesn’t seem to be a priority like Final Fantasy is. Therefore, while we hope for at least the announcement of a series of ports, a Pixel Remaster-style version, or a remaster or remake, everything is still uncertain. But until we know, we can always return to this immortal game that hasn’t aged a single day since March 11, 1995.
Chrono Trigger is a classic role-playing video game developed by Square, in which a group of young adventurers travel through different eras to save the planet from a future disaster.
NetEase has been going through a tumultuous period, carrying out mass layoffs in its studios over the past few months. The situation recently culminated in the closure of the Ouka studio, a decision that came just one day after the release of the JRPG remake, Visions of Mana. This abrupt move has raised concerns among developers about job stability and management within the video game industry. Following the events, Kenji Ozawa, former director of Ouka and co-director of Visions of Mana, has decided to found his own studio, Studio Sasanqua. In an interview with Automaton, […]
NetEase has been going through a tumultuous period, carrying out mass layoffs in its studios over the past few months. The situation recently culminated in the closure of the Ouka studio, a decision that came just one day after the release of the JRPG remake, Visions of Mana. This abrupt measure has raised concerns among developers about job stability and management within the video game industry.
After what happened, Kenji Ozawa, former director of Ouka and co-director of Visions of Mana, has decided to found his own studio, Studio Sasanqua. In an interview with Automaton, Ozawa expressed his desire to create an environment that values game creators, after facing years of insecurity and ineffective management decisions in his career. For him, Sasanqua’s mission is not only to provide a safe space for developers but also to take professional and financial responsibility for any management mistakes that may arise in the future.
A study that seeks, above all, to be sustainable
Ozawa emphasizes that the industry faces serious problems, such as psychological pressure on developers and a culture of unjustified layoffs in response to poor corporate decisions. In his statements, he indicates that it is essential to protect video game creators from these harmful expectations that permeate the sector.
Despite the adverse context and recent restructuring, NetEase has confirmed its commitment to the development of Marvel Rivals, stating that, although teams have been reduced in other areas, more is being invested in the evolution and growth of this particular game. This strategy suggests that, despite the layoffs, the company is focused on its future in the competitive video game market.
The video game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a French JRPG that pays homage to classics like Final Fantasy and the Tales series, is preparing to make the leap to the big screen. The film adaptation is being developed by Sandfall Interactive in collaboration with Story Kitchen, while Kepler Interactive will handle the publication of the title, which will be released on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on April 24, 2024. Clair Obscur is the first project from the Sandfall studio and is set in a fantasy world inspired by the French Belle Époque. The narrative revolves […]
The video game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a French JRPG that pays homage to classics like Final Fantasy and the Tales series, is preparing to make the leap to the big screen. The film adaptation is being developed by Sandfall Interactive in collaboration with Story Kitchen, while Kepler Interactive will handle the publication of the title, which will be released on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC platforms on April 24, 2024.
Clair Obscur is the first project from the Sandfall studio, and it is set in a fantasy world inspired by the French Belle Époque. The narrative revolves around a figure known as the Painter, who annually selects people of a certain age to make them disappear. This premise creates a sense of urgency that could translate into an intriguing cinematic experience. The story has been well received for its depth and complexity, key elements that Story Kitchen founders Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg consider essential to captivate both gamers and film enthusiasts.
A Very Promising Adaptation
“We are excited to collaborate with Sandfall Interactive to bring the rich and immersive world of Expedition 33 to the cinema,” commented the founders of Story Kitchen. “The captivating story and complex characters provide a solid foundation for a cinematic experience that will resonate with different audiences”.
Despite the excitement surrounding the project, a release date for the movie has not yet been announced. However, anticipation for the video game continues to grow, especially with its release approaching. Fans hope that the film adaptation will not only capture the essence of the game but also expand its universe in innovative and exciting ways.
In January 2025, Sega renewed the trademarks for Skies of Arcadia and Eternal Arcadia, which has sparked optimism among fans of this beloved JRPG. Although trademark renewals in the past have not always led to new games or remasters, Sega’s current interest in reviving forgotten franchises has renewed hope that Skies of Arcadia might receive similar attention. Originally released for the Dreamcast in the year 2000, Skies of Arcadia follows a group of sky pirates in an aerial world. Despite being acclaimed for its narrative, system […]
In January 2025, Sega renewed the trademarks for Skies of Arcadia and Eternal Arcadia, which has sparked optimism among fans of this beloved JRPG. Although trademark renewals in the past have not always led to new games or remasters, Sega’s current interest in reviving forgotten franchises has renewed hope that Skies of Arcadia might receive similar attention.
Originally released for Dreamcast in the year 2000, Skies of Arcadia follows a group of sky pirates in an aerial world. Despite being acclaimed for its narrative, combat system, and endearing characters, it did not achieve the commercial success that would have justified a sequel. However, in 2003, an enhanced version was released for GameCube titled Skies of Arcadia Legends, which became a cult classic but has since not seen a return on more recent platforms.
Sega is in the process of reviving its old franchises
The situation of other Sega franchises, such as Jet Set Radio and Crazy Taxi, has also strengthened the idea that titles like Skies of Arcadia could receive a second chance. With games from so many past communities resurfacing, fans are more hopeful than ever. Brand renewals, although they do not guarantee the development of a new game, are often an indication that something is on the developer’s mind.
Additionally, Sega is considering the creation of a subscription service similar to Xbox Game Pass, which could include popular titles like Sonic, Persona, and Yakuza. This suggests that the company is aware of the value of its catalog, and it would not be surprising if it explored new ways to present its classics, like Skies of Arcadia, to new audiences.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the highly anticipated RPG developed by Sandfall Interactive, will be released on April 24th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. One of the most notable news is that it will also be available from day one through Xbox Game Pass, which represents an excellent opportunity for subscribers of this service. During the recent Xbox Developer Direct, the game showed significant advancements that have generated very positive expectations among fans of the genre. In terms of gameplay, Clair Obscur stands out as a turn-based RPG with intense combat that incorporates […]
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the highly anticipated RPG developed by Sandfall Interactive, will be released on April 24th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. One of the most notable news is that it will also be available from day one through Xbox Game Pass, which represents an excellent opportunity for subscribers of this service. During the recent Xbox Developer Direct, the game showcased significant advancements that have generated very positive expectations among fans of the genre.
In terms of gameplay, Clair Obscur stands out as a turn-based RPG with intense battles that incorporate real-time actions, such as dodging and blocking enemy attacks. This mechanic will require constant attention, ensuring that players do not let their guard down in the middle of combat. Each character in the game will offer a unique play style, allowing for a diversified experience through different skill trees. The developers have confirmed that there will be a total of 20 selectable skills and hundreds of passive skills, adding a level of depth and strategy to the gameplay.
A challenge for novices and veterans alike
Players will also find various difficulty levels, which will influence the time available to perform dodges and blocks. The higher the difficulty, the more severe the penalties for failures in actions during combat will be. This promises an attractive challenge for veterans of the genre. In addition to pure action, Clair Obscur will feature an extensive 3D world to explore, with hidden bosses and secrets scattered throughout the map. There will also be moments of rest in camps, where merchants and other surprises can be found, thus enriching the gaming experience.
As Sandfall Interactive finalizes the last details of this ambitious project, the gaming community remains attentive and eager for the release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, promising an epic adventure full of discoveries and challenges.
Making a video game is a very hard task. Many things can go wrong or deviate from the initial plans. That is why, among developers, it is always said that every video game that is released to the market is a miracle. The idea of finishing a video game is a miracle in itself. This is no less true when we talk about mobile games, such as the now-defunct Jujutsu Kaisen mobile game. Two years ago, Toho Games and Sumzap revealed that they were working on the mobile video game adaptation of the popular […]
Making a video game is very hard work. Many things can go wrong or deviate from the initial plans. That is why, among developers, it is always said that every video game released to the market is a miracle. The idea of finishing a video game is a miracle in itself. This is no less true when we talk about mobile games, such as the now-defunct Jujutsu Kaisen mobile game.
Two years ago, Toho Games and Sumzap revealed that they were working on the mobile video game adaptation of the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen. Named Jujutsu Kaisen Phantom Parade, the title has faced numerous issues during its development. Although we do not know the specific problems, we do know that it has suffered several delays, which have caused its release date to be postponed over time. Until now.
For the first time, both companies offer us a glimpse of the gameplay of this Jujutsu Kaisen Phantom Parade. Although the anime is known for its intense fights, the game is a fairly classic-style JRPG, albeit with spectacular animations that have little to envy from the anime. This could also explain the reason for all the delays. Resulting in a much more ambitious and different experience than what we are used to seeing in the mobile market.
Phantom Parade will be a mix of scenes inspired by the first season of the series and its own story, which will take place on the Fukuoka Campus, expanding the lore of Jujutsu Kaisen. So it will be an experience that no Jujutsu Kaisen fan will want to miss.
If you are interested, Jujutsu Kaisen Phantom Parade has just opened its pre-registration for free both on the Apple App Store and on Google Play for Android. As is customary in these situations, those who pre-register will have access to numerous rewards when the game is released, on a yet unspecified date, including a ticket that guarantees an SSR character. So, if you are interested, now is the time to jump into the pre-registration for this exciting adventure.
Jujutsu Kaisen Phantom Parade is a free role-playing game that captures the captivating world of the hit TV anime, Jujutsu Kaisen. It meticulously reproduces the anime's storyline, providing fans with an authentic experience that's all the more enhanced by full voice acting from the official voice actors, including Junya Enoki, Yuuma Uchida, Yuichi Nakamura, and Kenjiro Tsuda.
