Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Tale of Unsung Heroes and Asynchronous Cooperation

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the turn-based RPG that launched on April 25th, isn't just about individual heroism; it's a poignant story about collective effort, the weight of history, and asynchronous cooperation. Creative director Guillaume Broche's previous work, "We Lost", foreshadowed the overall mood of this title, where failure looms large, and success hinges on the sacrifices of past expeditions.

Expedition 33's motto, "We lay the trail for those who come after," encapsulates this sentiment. Players discover journals left by previous expeditions, detailing their actions, discoveries, and ultimately, their defeats. These journals aren't mere lore dumps; they're crucial intel, providing insights into enemy weaknesses, stat allocation strategies, and the very environment itself.

The environments themselves bear witness to these sacrifices. Explorers rely on handholds and grapple points built by Expeditions 69 and 70 to traverse treacherous terrain. One particularly gruesome example highlights how Expedition 35, in their final moments, used their bodies to create a bridge over an unnavigable crevasse.

"So that’s what it means to lay the trail," reads Expedition 35’s journal. "They used their bodies to create a bridge for those who come after. Expedition 35 is over but tomorrow comes." These words underscore the game's central theme: the collective effort required to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

Even seemingly trivial details, like the wisdom not to eat defeated monsters (Expedition 59) or poisonous mushrooms (Expedition 66), demonstrate the value of shared knowledge. Expedition 40 heroically, and perhaps foolishly, discovered the Paintress' forcefield by flying hang gliders into it. This illustrates the often-painful process of acquiring vital information.

Perhaps the most memorable entry belongs to Expedition 60, who eschewed the Lumina Converter, broke through the monolith's barrier through sheer strength and nudity. "They mocked us when we said the human body is the strongest of them all," their journal boasts. "Bare naked muscles will save the world!" This unconventional approach highlights the different paths one can take.

The game also features strong performances, most notably from Charlie Cox as Gustave, grounding the fantastical setting with human emotion. The natural dialogue and character interactions, showcasing exceptional editing skills, add authenticity to the narrative.

Ultimately, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 challenges the notion of the singular hero, arguing that progress is a collective endeavor built upon the contributions—and sacrifices—of many. The game asks, much like Bertolt Brecht's poem, whether history truly belongs to individual heroes or the countless unsung contributors who paved the way for their success. It's a question worth pondering as you embark on your own expedition.

What are your thoughts on the importance of teamwork and sacrifice in video games? Share your opinions in the comments below!

• Charlie Cox
• Clair Obscur
• RPG