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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – The Unexpected GOTY Contender with a Captivating Soundtrack

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – The Unexpected GOTY Contender with a Captivating Soundtrack

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is taking the gaming world by storm, emerging as a surprising Game of the Year (GOTY) contender. Critics and players alike are praising its unique blend of realistic graphics, turn-based gameplay, and a compelling narrative. But beyond the captivating story and innovative combat, one aspect stands out: its mesmerizing soundtrack.

The game's music, composed by Lorien Testard, is more than just background noise; it's an integral part of the experience, enhancing every emotional beat and action-packed moment. Testard's journey to creating this acclaimed OST is itself a remarkable story, discovered on SoundCloud by the developers at Sandfall Interactive.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Original Soundtrack, music by Lorien Testard
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Original Soundtrack, music by Lorien Testard

From SoundCloud to Game of the Year Buzz

Imagine, a budding composer sharing tracks online, only to be handpicked to create the soundtrack for what could be the year's biggest game. That's precisely what happened to Lorien Testard. His love for iconic franchises like Mario and Zelda fueled his passion for video game music, leading him to share his work on SoundCloud. Guillaume Broche, Game Director at Sandfall Interactive, stumbled upon Testard's creations on a gaming forum and recognized the perfect fit for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

"My dream has always been to craft a universe as immersive as that. When this project came along, it felt like a dream come true," Testard said. This collaboration resulted in a soundtrack boasting eight hours of music across 154 tracks, available on Steam. Each main character has a theme, every area an atmospheric track, and each boss fight its own unique soundscape.

More Than Just Music: Building an Immersive World

The success of Clair Obscur isn't solely due to its soundtrack. The game's narrative, challenging gameplay, and stunning art design all play crucial roles. Critics have praised the game for trusting its audience, refusing to spoon-feed information and allowing players to discover the world and its mysteries organically.

An NPC from Clair Obscur named Raphaël says this line of dialogue: “I dunno, kinda nice in a way, having a ‘deadline.’ Forces you to prioritise. It’s a bit freeing, as we get closer to the end.”
Raphaël: “I dunno, kinda nice in a way, having a ‘deadline.’ Forces you to prioritise. It’s a bit freeing, as we get closer to the end.”

From the chilling dystopia setting where the Paintress dictates humanity's fate, to the mythic grandeur and visceral themes, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 captivates with its layered depth and attention to detail. The debut title from Sandfall Interactive exceeds expectations, proving that a studio can create a game that is "like a lot of games that came before it...and yet, not a lot of games are quite like it."

A Symphony of Praise and a Promising Future

The response to the soundtrack has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans eagerly anticipating a physical vinyl edition. Many believe "Alicia" is the standout track, envisioning it being performed by an orchestra at the Game of the Year Awards. But the nomination is not easy.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. But for now let's see if Sandfall Interactive receives GOTY awards.

What are your thoughts on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and its soundtrack? Share your opinions in the comments below!

Related issues news

How long does it take to complete Expedition 33?

When focusing on the main objectives, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is about 25 Hours in length. If you're a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 57 Hours to obtain 100% completion.

Is Clair Obscur Expedition 33 a JRPG?

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lead writer says 'chances are good' that the JRPG banger gets DLC at some point. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Is Clair Obscur Expedition 33 turn based?

In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, combat maintains a strong turn-based foundation. Players see an upcoming turn order similar to Final Fantasy 10, allowing them to plan carefully. However, real-time elements are layered into this system.

Is Clair Obscur Expedition 33 on Game Pass?

Coming to Game Pass: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Towerborne, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, and More.

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