Sword and Fairy 4 Remake Sparks Controversy Over Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Influences
The remake of the legendary Chinese RPG The Legend of Sword and Fairy 4 has recently become the center of online debate. Some players argue that the game draws too heavily from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, with comparisons pointing to turn-based combat systems, flashy animations, and defensive mechanics, leading to sarcastic nicknames like “Expedition 44.”
The series itself dates back to 1995, with the original fourth installment released in 2007. The remake, developed using Unreal Engine 5, updates graphics, user interface, and combat mechanics, which for Western audiences evokes a visual and mechanical similarity to Clair Obscur. Some criticisms focus on UI elements like screen zoom during command selection or turn order display at the corner, features present in Clair Obscur but absent in the original Sword and Fairy 4.
Digging deeper, both games share foundational influences from classic RPGs, particularly Final Fantasy by Hironobu Sakaguchi. This includes intense storylines, exaggerated spell effects, and numerical damage mechanics. Both Clair Obscur and Sword and Fairy 4 follow this lineage, but their respective styles remain distinct.
Moreover, the blend of action and turn-based systems is a common trend in modern RPGs. Even established series like Final Fantasy continue experimenting with hybrid mechanics, making stylistic overlaps natural rather than evidence of direct copying.
Ultimately, influence is a reality for all game developers. The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 naturally inspires future projects. The Sword and Fairy 4 remake may simply be the first high-profile example to attract scrutiny. Evaluating games within their own context is crucial: borrowing ideas can be a stepping stone to creating a unique identity that distinguishes a game from its inspirations.
This Is Game SEA invites readers to share their thoughts on the debate and discuss the remake’s innovations versus influences.
Origin: polygon
