I slept on turn-based RPGs until Clair Obscur Expedition 33 turned my apathy into art

Ten years ago, I’d have dismissed turn-based RPGs as too slow and lacking the intensity of real-time combat. That was until Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 came along, showing that my once-despised mechanic can be surprisingly magnificent.

I hesitated to dive into the title, but as a gaming journalist, I try to keep an open mind. And, boy, am I glad I did. One of the first things that shifted my apathy toward its turn-based combat was the handy dodge and parry system. In my past experiences, characters would just stand there and take a beating. Or, at best, you’d sacrifice a move to defend instead of attacking. But Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 lets you dodge and parry freely without burning your AP or actions. You still need the skill to pull off those maneuvers, but at least you have the option.

And when you nail those moves just right, you feel on top of the world, especially when you land a counter, and the whole cast comes together for an epic takedown. While perfecting dodges and parries can be tricky, the turn-based combat is highly user-friendly. Look, I’m no expert, but Expedition 33 strikes the perfect balance, helping beginners like me while still offering a challenge for seasoned RPG players.

For those utterly new to turn-based combat, Story mode is the perfect way to ease into it. The enemies aren’t overwhelming, and dodging and parrying are more forgiving. I know it might seem like a copout to some, but I had to go with this mode to take the pressure off. Thanks to it, I didn’t ragequit like I have with other RPGs, and now I actually look forward to battles. I’ve had my fair share of moments where I’d avoid fights at all costs in other games, but now that I know I stand a better chance, I’m more motivated than ever. I just like being on the winning side, okay?

Meanwhile, veterans who miss the classic turn-based combat can crank up the difficulty with Expeditioner mode. Heck, even the in-game settings say it’s designed for turn-based players, offering a tough challenge. Dodging isn’t required here, so if you’re into the “just stand there and take it” approach I mentioned earlier, this difficulty is for you. What surprised me, though, is how the last and final difficulty, Expert, leans into real-time combat with mandatory parrying and blocking. It’s perfect for players who want a serious test and have no love for turn-based mechanics.

The difficulty and dodging maneuvers aren’t the only inviting aspects of Clair Obscure: Expedition 33’s combat. Its breathtaking visuals are what truly give turn-based mechanics a fresh twist. I instantly fell in love with the UI, which brings every detail to life, from the vibrant colors to the unique patterns. The animations feel alive, shifting the camera and adding in paint-like art. Even something as simple as opening the Items bar becomes mesmerizing with those tiny yet impactful details.

Then everything clicks the moment you land an attack. Every takedown feels like a cinematic action scene ripped straight out of a movie. Watching these characters wipe out enemies never gets old, and it feels like I’m on the sidelines cheering them on. The soundtrack especially elevates that cinematic energy, almost on par with the intense, high-stakes moments of Final Fantasy. The way it all comes together finally won me over to turn-based combat after all these years.

Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 didn’t just change my mind about turn-based RPGs—it kicked down the door, tossed out my old opinions, and redecorated the place. With stylish combat, smart difficulty options, and visuals that make your eyes say “thank you,” it proves the genre still has plenty of life left. And if that doesn’t win you over, well… you can whip out a gun and shoot nightmares in the face. What more could you need?