If Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is considered the greatest game of all time, here's the reason why.

      If you check Metacritic for the scores of the newly released Clair Obscure: Expedition 33, you'll notice something notable about its user rating: an impressive 9.7 at the time of writing. Just yesterday, Forbes published an article discussing players' overwhelmingly positive response to the game, which had a score of 9.6 then. This aligns with our own impressions as well: our review highlights the game's emotional and well-crafted narrative, stunning visuals, and enjoyable gameplay. The score has increased in the last 24 hours since the article was published, as over 2,000 additional users have shared their thoughts on the game.

      Why is this noteworthy? It’s not merely a high score; it ranks among the top user scores on Metacritic. The remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion holds only an 8.1, while Metacritic’s highest-rated game (according to critics), The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, has a score of 9.1. With hundreds of games listed, the highest I could find is Heroes of Might and Magic III at 9.3. Clair Obscur may very well have set new records.

      Fans are already considering Clair Obscur a contender for game of the year, with some referring to it as a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy VII. The nods to the classics that shaped the genre are clear, with a member of our team likening its exploration to “PS2-era Final Fantasy, in a good way.” That’s quite a compliment, especially for Sandfall Interactive’s debut title, a small French studio with just over 30 employees, including Monoco, an adorable Spaniel who holds the title of “Happiness Manager.”

      And perhaps therein lies the key to its success. The studio is small, independent, and free to pursue its own vision without the pressure from shareholders. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a AA game, not a AAA, but its beautiful art and immersive, haunting soundtrack would suggest otherwise.

      This independence allowed Sandfall Interactive to take creative risks that a larger, more “established” studio might hesitate to try, which has paid off significantly. Additionally, the game's relatable storyline centers on a group striving to create a better world while facing constant opposition from existing powers. As our reviewer noted, it feels insightful and pertinent to today’s events. The narrative emphasizes a theme of “togetherness,” suggesting that change is only attainable through unity; no one stands alone.

      I won't delve too deeply into the plot. Clair Obscur is best experienced without prior knowledge, but it’s a game that will leave a lasting impression. Most players will take about 30 hours to complete the main story, but with so much more to explore, completionists can anticipate 60 hours or more of gameplay.

      This brings me to another factor that makes the game stand out in a crowded market: its price. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is priced at just $50 for a vast amount of content. With most new games costing at least $70 (and Mario Kart World even at $80), this feels like an incredible deal. It’s also part of Xbox Game Pass, making it accessible to even more players.

      People are more inclined to give the game a shot when it isn’t prohibitively expensive. In an era of economic uncertainty, justifying a $50 purchase is significantly easier than an $80 one.

      Naturally, a game must deliver once players decide to take the plunge, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 does just that by honoring classic JRPGs through its battle and exploration mechanics. The turn-based combat will feel familiar to anyone who has played titles like Final Fantasy X, while the extensive skill tree allows players to create custom builds tailored to their preferences, and it doesn’t stop there.

      Each character is distinct, from their personalities to their fighting styles, ensuring freshness even after spending many hours immersed in the story. Clair Obscur employs quick-time events to keep players engaged and introduces a unique Lumina system to enhance build options.

      With an expansive world map packed with exploration opportunities, players can uncover secrets that provide advantages in battles and face hidden bosses that test their skills. Our review describes it as a “true homage to RPG history,” and I concur. While other JRPGs like Final Fantasy XVI are incorporating more Western-style elements such as real-time combat, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out as a unique and engaging game that employs familiar aspects without relying solely on nostalgia.

      Its success may not be guaranteed, but of the 2,300 user reviews so far, 97% are positive, 1% are mixed, and only 2% — totaling 48 reviews — are negative. The year 2025 has proven to be a strong one for gaming, featuring titles like Avowed and Monster Hunter Worlds, yet Sandfall Interactive has secured its own