The PlayStation 5 library has welcomed many groundbreaking titles, but none have soared to such acclaim recently as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, this turn-based RPG has captured the imagination of players and critics alike, earning it the status of the highest-rated original IP on the PlayStation Store.
Record-Breaking User Ratings on the PlayStation Store
As of May 2, 2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 holds a stunning 4.92 out of 5 stars based on over 11,000 player reviews. This score places it ahead of fan-favorite titles like Omori and Vampire Survivors, marking a significant milestone for a debut IP.
The overwhelmingly positive reception from the player community highlights both the game’s innovative mechanics and its artistic storytelling, which have clearly resonated with a broad audience.
Critical Acclaim and High Metacritic Score
The praise doesn’t stop with users. The game has also impressed critics, earning a 92 Metacritic score based on 66 reviews. Such critical acclaim cements Expedition 33 not only as a commercial success but also as a creatively rich and polished title.
Many reviewers have commended the game’s balance of traditional turn-based combat and real-time interaction, alongside its emotionally evocative narrative and art direction.
A French Masterpiece with National Recognition
One of the most striking aspects of Clair Obscur’s success is its cultural and national significance. The game was developed by Sandfall Interactive, a French studio based in Montpellier, and its setting draws inspiration from France’s Belle Époque period—a time of elegance, art, and innovation.
In recognition of this achievement, French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the developers, writing on social media:
“A million copies and to this day one of the best-rated games in history: and yes, it’s French.”
This national shoutout highlights the increasing relevance of French game development on the global stage.
Unique Gameplay: A Fusion of Genres
At its core, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 blends classical RPG mechanics with modern gameplay twists. Players experience:
Turn-based strategy with depth and customization Real-time elements during battles to keep the experience dynamic A deep narrative wrapped in a hauntingly beautiful, artistic world Themes exploring memory, mortality, and resistance
The game places players in a world where a mysterious Painter rewrites reality each year, erasing lives as they approach the age of 33. The player joins a defiant expedition to stop the cycle—a premise that fuels both story and gameplay tension.
What Sets It Apart from Other RPGs
While RPGs are a crowded genre, Expedition 33 distinguishes itself through:
Tactical combat innovation: Each move can be influenced by timing and decision-making Visual storytelling: Inspired by oil painting aesthetics, its world feels alive and dreamlike Narrative design: Choices matter, and dialogue is nuanced, offering replay value
Combined, these features have helped the game build a passionate fanbase almost overnight.
A Promising Future for Sandfall Interactive
With Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 already surpassing a million copies sold and gaining both critical and popular acclaim, Sandfall Interactive now finds itself at the forefront of next-gen RPG development. Industry watchers are eagerly anticipating what the studio will create next.
Whether you’re an RPG enthusiast, a lover of French art and culture, or simply curious about the next big thing in gaming, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is quickly becoming a must-play title on PlayStation 5.
