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It feels like a lot of recent RPGs have tried to put unique spins on traditional turn-based combat. For example, Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth took the original game's classic ATB system and incorporated real-time action, and it's a similar story with Trails through Daybreak and its evolved ambush mechanic. Even upcoming Atlus release Metaphor: ReFantazio has a system where you can utilise hack-and-slash gameplay to wipe out weaker enemies, or get the jump on more powerful foes.
It's an interesting trend, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is arguably taking it to the next level. Just in case you've forgotten, this is that rather stunning RPG that was announced at the Xbox summer showcase last month, from French developer Sandfall Interactive.
The title's debut trailer gained some traction because of its commitment to showcasing turn-based combat — a rarity when it comes to more realistic-looking projects. "There hasn’t really been any attempt at making a turn-based RPG with high-fidelity graphics for a good while," creative director Guillaume Broche concurs, as part of an interview with the PlayStation Blog.
Broche begins: "At Sandfall Interactive we all have a love for JRPGs like Final Fantasy, the Tales series, Lost Odyssey, and Persona with its awesome UI, rhythm, and dynamic camera. We all have a lot of nostalgia and love for these kinds of games, but also want to see something fresh done with the genre.”
But despite the obvious influence of classic Japanese properties, it's actually action games that could inject some real originality into Expedition 33's turn-based combat. "We were inspired by action games like the Souls series, Devil May Cry, and NieR, and their rewarding gameplay was something we wanted to bring into a turn-based setting," Broche explains. "When you play those games, you have to learn the attacks, timings, and weaknesses for each enemy encounter, and we wanted to translate that challenge into a new genre." Sounds promising, doesn't it?
Broche continues: "The battle system is what we call reactive turn-based. You can take time during battles to establish your strategies, but during the enemy’s turn, you will have to react in real-time to dodge, jump, or parry enemies to trigger a powerful counterattack."
"The attack rhythm system is a mix of different inspirations – we wanted to make something fast paced to fit the vision we had for battle. As soon as I finished the first prototype of the defense system, I knew it was something special," he concludes.
So, we've essentially got your typically tactical turn-based system, but with skill-based action layered on top of it. And like Broche alludes, this doesn't seem especially gimmicky — it sounds like it's a foundational part of battle.
Clair Obsur: Expedition 33 is targeting a 2025 release, but what are your thoughts on it so far? How does this hybrid combat system sound to you? Make sure to take your turn in the comments section below.
[source blog.playstation.com]
Comments 20
It’s this gorgeous and turn based too?! Wow, it’s firing in all cylinders for me.
I"m really excited for this one! Hopefully if it pops off, this will get SE to see that there's still a future for turn based combat, FFX will always be my favourite combat style!
This looks brilliant, can't wait to see more!
This looks incredibly promising, can't wait to see how it turns out!
I am 100% going to pre-order this on PSN Day 1. It looks revolutionary!
I definitely want a deep dive into the gameplay mechanics before I get my hopes up super high. But for now I definitely remain interested in it. It looks stunning just from the limited screen shots and trailer released.
Wow yeah that trailer is impressive. I dare say that this is what a turn-based souls-like looks like—those boss fights are classic From. Definitely one to keep on the radar.
This isn't new. Transistor already did this.
One of the best games from the showcase I thought can't wait for this 😎
For sone reason giving me strong ‘The Lost Odyssey’ vibes, maybe we’ll see what that game promised in its opening fully developed.
@JonnyAces Same, evythibg looks fantastic and I'm excited but the Spectrum of The Order 1886 looms is the background of mind so I would like to see more gameplay and get an idea of game length.
All I see is Star Rail with realistic graphics and big bad looking bosses
Rip to those cursed to make this game happen
Imagine if the expedition 33 broke the turn-based at the end to break the fourth wall
A rare western turn-based rpg? I'm in
It's not often at all that I see a trailer for a brand new IP and instantly go "yup, I'm getting this one at launch". Absolutely fantastic-looking game that I can't wait to see more of.
All that being said, I'd argue the kind of combat they're going for is reminiscent of Ichiban's Like a Dragon games, although they might go deeper still with the real time integration aspect.
Off I go to read the full article.
Great game, or so it would seem.
I like their ideas for the game world and story, the graphics, the RPG elements and the turn based strategy elements. I am okay with a little agency on enemy rounds.
This game has my attention although I might forget about it again only to rediscover it again. Was it featured in the gacha- state of play that I initially rated highly but remembered for being gacha-centered and less good than Microsoft's showing?
Word up father
This is one of the few games I’m interested in
@riceNpea Transistor is such a great game!! Though, I am uncertain if their combat system really compares to this? If so, then Dragon Age: Inquisition did the same. You didn't actually take turns attacking in Transistor, you merely had the option to pause action to set up attacks or you could do it in real time. If i recall correctly.
Easily one my most anticipated 2025 games for sure. Looking really promising!
One of my highlights during the games shows looking forward to this much more the dragon age
It looks stunning and what little gameplay we've seen definitely looks promising, but I can't help but feel a little wary when an unknown studio comes up with a triple A looking game like this. I'm keeping my enthusiasm in check until we get a deeper look at it.
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