Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has emerged as a prominent game in 2025, reminiscent of classic PlayStation 1 JRPGs. Its developers, recently engaged with Square Enix, infused the game with turn-based mechanics and high graphical quality, creating a nostalgic experience. Players have praised its effective nods to iconic games such as Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VIII. The game's popularity has ignited discussions about how future Final Fantasy titles could benefit from its design philosophy, especially amidst concerns regarding Square Enix's bold shifts in gaming trends and gameplay style.
"Guillaume Broche, Francois Meurisse, Tom Guillermin from Sandfall, and Alexis Garavaryan from Kepler-creators of Expedition 33-visited the Square Enix office for a creatively rich exchange of visions and ideas," Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi wrote on social media on Thursday.
While Final Fantasy has moved toward big open worlds and action-based combat, Clair Obscur features high graphical fidelity but old-school mechanics like turn-based combat (albeit with some rhythm based parries and dodges).
The game’s developers have also not been shy about how much of the game is a tribute to their own love of older Square Enix games. There are nods to Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VIII, and more all within the first hour of the game.
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