SPOILERS | Expedition 33: A GOTY Contender Delivering A Profound Experience
GamingNews June 28, 2025 Neal Errol Bulawan 0
There are lots of video games we enjoy playing and replaying. Some enjoy the FPS genre or mobile games. Others go for MMORPGs of all shapes and colors. Turn-based RPGs have indeed fallen on the wayside in terms of popular genres, until Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 came along.
Before we go further, this is not a game review – it’s full of spoilers! This is more of my experience with the game, and the realizations I had to put on (digital) paper. Hopefully, my insights resonate with you and might even make you see aspects of the game you haven’t realized before.
Expedition 33 burst onto the scene, unbidden and unprepared for by many, yet it has undeniably left a massive impact on the gaming community. From its opening moments, the game confronts players with death and the raw grief of loss, immediately signaling its emotional depth. As a player, you’re instantly hooked by its striking visuals and captivating gameplay. Turn-based RPGs usually lock the player into waiting for the chance to act, but the game’s Parry and Dodge system offers an addictive layer of engagement that keeps you coming back for more. Another standout element is the soundtrack, which is so compelling that it’s enjoyable even outside the game.
Expedition 33’s Exceptional Soundtrack
The musical score of Expedition 33 is truly a masterpiece. Composed with a beautiful blend of orchestral and metal elements, it’s a testament to the composer’s genius. The soundtrack’s immersive quality makes it perfect for standalone listening. The music is tied so deeply to the game that the English translations of lyrics refer to experiences in the game. The track Une vie à t’aimer stands out as a fan favorite, perfectly encapsulating Renoir’s love for Aline and his plea for her to stop painting, contrasted with Aline’s unwavering love for Verso and her refusal to let go.
A Story That Challenges Perceptions
As you delve deeper into Expedition 33’s narrative, your initial understanding of the story will be shattered. Is it merely about defeating The Paintress? Is it all about saving Lumiere from its impending doom? These questions barely scratch the surface. The game masterfully unveils major reveals one after another, dismantling everything you thought you knew about the world of Lumiere the more you play. The revelation of Verso being Renoir’s son is just the beginning, even overshadowing the subtle reveal that Maelle is Alicia.
The writers subtly embed clues that hint at the true nature of their reality. As one fan aptly noted, lines like “Back in the day, when there was nothing in the world except the four of us, flying around on ADVENTURES,” indicate that players are being teased the profound truth: Lumiere is a canvas caught in an unending cycle of grief perpetuated by the Dessendre Family. This intricate storytelling highlights the writers’ brilliance.
The core motifs of grief and death are pervasive, from the very beginning to the poignant end. The game eloquently explores the process of mourning: Alicia’s desire to remain within the canvas, even if it means forcing Verso into an eternal cycle of painting, creates a powerful tension. Verso, on the other hand, yearns for his own death, illustrating the two contrasting aspects of grief seen in Alicia and Aline, and with Renoir. Alicia and Aline cling to every memory of Verso, refusing to let go. Alicia becomes an empty shell, desperately seeking joy and a reason to live, burdened by regret and guilt. She’s willing to sacrifice herself for even fleeting moments of happiness, both as Maelle and Alicia.
Conversely, Renoir embodies acceptance and the willingness to move forward. He mourned, but he chose to embrace reality, to let go, and to understand that life continues even after loss. This sentiment is echoed in Lune’s powerful statement to Gustave in Act 1: “When one falls, We continue.” This quote underscores the necessity of accepting death and moving on. The game beautifully contrasts the refusal to move on (Alicia and Verso as a forced shell) with the desire for acceptance (Renoir). The emotional weight of their plights is immense, leading to a pivotal choice between Alicia and Verso. While Verso’s ending offers a morally resonant conclusion—one that emphasizes accepting grief and continuing life—Alicia’s ending, despite her momentary happiness, leaves Verso begging for release from his unending task, a plea that will undoubtedly move any player to tears.
Memorable Quotes from Expedition 33
“Who really is the one painting death? And who paints life instead?”
“She paints life and he paints death.”
“When one falls, We continue.”
“Tomorrow comes.”
“For those who come after.”
“The cycle we needed to break wasn’t the Gommage, It’s your family’s cycle of grief.”
Overall, Expedition 33 is a masterful example of what a truly great game can be. With its exceptional writing, compelling soundtrack, and stunning visuals, it more than earns its place as a strong contender for Game of the Year. As gamers and consumers, we deserve experiences like Expedition 33—games that we don’t just consume, but genuinely enjoy long after we’ve put down the controller.
Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 is currently available for digital purchase on Steam.
Neal Errol Bulawan
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