The impact of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 goes beyond awards and critical acclaim—it’s even influencing classic gaming tastes. Many players are now pointing out that the story structure, atmosphere, and music in Expedition 33 strongly remind them of one of the best JRPGs of all time, Final Fantasy X, prompting some to replay it or try it for the first time.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Sparks Memories of Final Fantasy X
As Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 gains widespread popularity captivating players and topping TheGamer’s Game of the Year list fans are increasingly discussing the game’s roots and inspirations. One clear influence is the JRPG genre, particularly the Final Fantasy series. Sandfall Interactive, the game’s developer, has openly acknowledged drawing inspiration from these classics. On the Expedition 33 Reddit community, user UCA_Cash_Flow_Bro posted a side-by-side comparison between Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Final Fantasy X, calling the tenth installment of Final Fantasy a “must-play” for fans of Expedition 33. They even suggested that, despite its age, Final Fantasy X might be “slightly better” overall and dubbed the new game “the modern-day Final Fantasy X.”
Other player comments echo this sentiment. Redditor Kaze950 said that reaching the Monolith scene in Expedition 33 immediately reminded them of their first trip to Zanarkand in Final Fantasy X, noting the similar storytelling structure and journey. Music in both games evokes comparable emotions, while Anghellik highlighted the shared melancholic tone rarely seen in other games. TheIncredibleHork further emphasized that themes of loss, death, and moving forward resonate strongly in both titles.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 reigniting interest in Final Fantasy X demonstrates that the charm of classic JRPGs remains undiminished. When modern games successfully capture the spirit of these legends, both veteran and new players connect through shared experiences. The real question now isn’t which game is better, but how future JRPGs will draw inspiration from these timeless classics.
About Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a real-time turn-based RPG where players control a group of travelers tasked with tracking down The Paintress, a villain known for assigning an age number each year to eliminate anyone of that age. This year’s number is 33, and the team must work together to stop her and prevent further tragedy. Combat involves issuing commands while simultaneously moving, dodging, and executing combo attacks in real time.
Source: TheGamer
