The biggest form of flattery I can give toClair Obscur: Expedition 33right now is how its entire world-building and narrative structure fulfills the dream-like setting I’ve often fantasized about in fictional media as a kid.
The game has one of the most gripping prologue sequences that immediately pulls you in tight for the journey ahead,and the turn-based combat, although simple at first, becomes so addictive to master that you’ll still be peeling new layers off till halfway through the main storyline.
10 Best Games Like Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Looking for more experiences like AC Shadows? Here are 10 games just like it, some even better in certain ways.
So, suppose you’re already brainstorming what game to playafter taking down the Paintresswhich has an equal footing or holds a candle to what Sandfall Interactive has created. In that case, this list of the best games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is sure to entice you.
10NieR: Automata
For the Glory of Mankind
NieR: Automata
I adoreNier: Automatawith all my heart, and most importantly, the connection that binds it with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 relies on a couple of particular traits—the themes of isolation and a dream-like yet ruinous world.
Both games share a bleak and ominous setting, one in which the titular protagonists are the last remnants of hope, fighting and surviving an impending doom that could wipe out their world’s very existence.
Speaking of being the last remnants,both of these games share one of my guilty pleasure feelings, which is rare in a few circumstances, but it’s there. The sense of isolation or loneliness,to be exact. Whether it’s from exploring Clair Obscur’s dreamscape levels or dashing through the derelict city ruins in Nier: Automata, it’s present in both.
Part of what makes that loneliness factor hit so hard is also owed to these two games' masterfully composed soundtracks, creating such a euphoric feeling throughout. If these are enough reasons, then I strongly suggest giving Nier: Automata a shot. Just please try to bear with the vague storytelling and repeated playthrough bits.
9The Legend of Dragoon
Active-Time Dragooning
The Legend of Dragoon
In the discussion of the best PS1 JRPGs,you’ll often seeThe Legend of Dragooncome up. Rightfully so, because this game truly felt transcendent, especially when you paired it against juggernauts like the original FF7 or even Dragon Quest VII.
Besides sharing a similar narrative tone and grittiness,the core trait that makes this game stand out and close to Clair Obscur is theQTE elements infused into the combat, which slowly incorporates more risk and strategy, especially when you factor in your Dragoon form attacks.
Although Legend of Dragoon hasn’t aged that well, you can thankfully play the enhanced PlayStation 1 port on the PS4/PS5 for 10 bucks. Honestly, this is a solid deal since you’re getting some great quality-of-life options like game rewind and quick save, which can make the experience more accessible in modern day.
8Sea of Stars
Inspired By The Classics
Sea of Stars
Clair Obscur is an RPG that takes several elements frombeloved turn-based classicsand puts a unique spin on them, andSea of Starsis in the same vein. Its central inspirations arejuggernauts of the JRPG genre like Chrono Trigger, from the music all the way down to the real-time combat mechanics.
But what truly makes this game unique isn’t just its charming cast of characters orgorgeous pixel graphics,but its hyperactive turn-based combat, which requires you to press inputs promptly in conjunction with your attacksto increase their damage and perform strings with your multi-hit attacks.
Furthermore,the Throes of the Watchmaker free DLCmakes this the perfect time to pick up the game and journey through it, so you can have enough time to enjoy the latest DLC amidst the other revamped changes the game has made throughout its previously released updates.
7Chained Echoes
An Awe-Inspiring One-Man Title
Chained Echoes
You heard that correctly. Chained Echoes is an indie RPG that’s developed by the lonesome efforts of Matthias Linda, who grew up inspired by cult classics in the genre like Suikoden, Xenogears, and a famed entry on this list, The Legend of Dragoon.
Clair Obscur’s combat fundamentals give the game a unique identity compared to today’s RPGs. Chained Echoes incorporates a similar stance; its Overdrive and Overheat mechanisms push you to be vigilant during each battle, since a simple slip-up can ruin the whole flow of the battle.
Although I’ve only completed the game’s first act, the story is also a rich component from when you’re introduced to Glenn and Lenne in the opening segments. Even though it takes a backseat to the pacing, which understandably might irk some people, at least the characters are well-written.
Overall, with such acozy yet ominous atmosphereand an alluring cast of main characters, it’s another game I’d recommend if you enjoyed Expedition 33.Just try to forgive some of its shortcomings, such as the pacing or the (sometimes) annoying RNG elements in combat when the odds are too stacked against you.
6Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Gaming’s Most Beloved Duos
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Mario & Luigi: Brothershipfelt like a rejuvenation in the Nintendo first-party catalog, because it’d been ages since we got a brand-new entry to the Mario and Luigi franchise. And what better way to experience it than on the Nintendo Switch?
Both Brothership and Clair Obscur are turn-based RPG titles made with pure adoration and finesse, displayed from their presentation of the gameplay. The latter speaks volumes because the developers of Brothership are none other than AlphaDream, one of the core teams from the Octopath Traveler titles.
And due to their work on this game, Brothership’s gameplay feels truly special as each turn and action requires your utmost attention—from properly timing the duo attacks of the two brothers to properly countering/dodging incoming enemy attacks.
It works so well that if you’re coming from Clair Obscur, you’ll feel right at home. The best part is how you can feasibly jump right into this game, since you don’t honestly need prior knowledge or experience of the previous Mario & Luigi series' games.
5Baldur’s Gate 3
A Ton of Care & A Whole Lotta Passion
Baldur’s Gate 3
Swen Vincke and his team at Larian Studios' immense hard work really paid off in fruitful novelty.Baldur’s Gate 3was a resounding success, with numerous GOTY 2023 accolades and an overwhelming positive reception from veteran fans and newcomers.
Both Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Baldur’s Gate 3 are prime examples of video games created with unfiltered passion and care from their respective developers,and that’s just one of the main reasons why I decided to pick this game for the list.
Besides that, you’ve got one of the most strategic and real-time turn-based combat systems with Baldur’s Gate 3, with each battle providing a different challenge and adding layers of complexity to manage with your group of party members.
Oh, and did I mention that Maelle’s voice actor in Clair Obscur (who absolutely killed her performance) is also the voice actress for Shadowheart in BG3?That, and you’ve also got a couple of other familiar faces in both games, so if this all seems like good signs, Baldur’s Gate 3 is sure to hook you in for an everlasting journey.
4Metaphor: ReFantazio
Time Marches On…
Suppose you’re already familiar with thePersona games from Atlus. In that case, you’ll probably have an idea of what I’m about to say in high praise forMetaphor: ReFantazio, a game that was an attempt to establish the Persona gameplay formula with a Medieval-Fantasy setting.
And oh man, did that work like a charm. I personally consider Metaphor to be Atlus' crowning IP,one that brilliantly evolves Persona’s Sim gameplay elements and reacquaints players with a more adaptive version of Shin Megami Tensei’s ‘Press Turn’ combat design.
If you loved the grounded yet multi-layered combat design of Clair Obscur, there’s much to appreciate in Metaphor for any newcomer or fan of the turn-based genre.It’s challenging, but finer details like its various Archetypes and understanding the Turn icons make it a recipe for success.
The pacing may become a slog, especially inmid-game dungeons like the Dragon Temple. Still, the payoff is really worth it, since the entire endgame journey with your companions is nothing short of pure whimsy and, at times, poignant. It’s one that closely reminded me of the climactic bits in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
3Lost Odyssey
Laid The Foundation
Lost Odyssey
What transpired from the ex-final fantasy devs at Mistwalker would soon become a cult-favorite title to follow, asLost Odysseyis one of the few notable games that led to the foundations of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
It’s criminal that it never got a remaster or modernized port,because the game feels truly special for its time, from a heart-wrenching story centered on immortality, loss, and hope to one of the most remarkable gameplay elements in the form of the Aim Ring system.
The Aim Ring system introduces a fine depth of tactical challenge to battles, from row positioning on the battlefield to managing your turn order based on the party’s stats and, most importantly, holding down your attacks and releasing them at the precise moment for optimal damage.
Although certain parts haven’t aged as well, in hindsight, Lost Odyssey paved the way for Clair Obscur’s ground-breaking combat fundamentals.So, if you want to show appreciation, consider fancying yourself with Lost Odyssey someday, and you’ll truly understand how both these games are similar in gameplay and tone.
2Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Itchy Ball Kasuga’s Bizarre Adventures
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Reading certain discussions online about how Clair Obscur ‘revitalized’ the turn-based genre seemed incredibly baffling to me, becauseLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth(And Metaphor) was right there in 2024—one of my personal favorite games of that year.
Infinite Wealth doubled down on the turn-based formula introduced with Yakuza 7, taking things to the next level from being able to move during turns, perform back attacks, ricochet, and ping-pong enemies into each other or the environment. RGG really went the extra mile to make this the most creative and engaging turn-based combat system.
Although both games' narrative beats and setting are entirely different, I implore you to try Infinite Wealth if you loved the hyperactive elements in Clair Obscur’s combat.The only hindrance might be that you’ll need toknock out the previous Yakuza gamesand eventually reach Infinite Wealth, but it’s all worth it.
The main cast of this game, from the happy-go-lucky Ichiban to his comrades, is incredibly well-written. For those who’ve stuck with the series since its roots, bidding farewell to the original protagonist, Kiryu Kazuma, is never an easy moment to bear in this game.
1Final Fantasy X
To Zanarkand
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
An emotionally gripping story featuring characters on a voyage they may never return from? Check. A brilliantly designed world where you explore its different sub-regions? Check. A masterful soundtrack and turn-based combat design? Yeah, I wasn’t wrong to jokingly admit how much Clair Obscur reminded me ofFinal Fantasy X.
FFX’s CTB (Conditional Turn-Based) battle system demands strategy and planning, and with a ton of freedom and customization offered by its rich Sphere Grid system for skills,they go hand-in-hand to create the most prolific combat systems in the series, right up there with the Gambit system from Final Fantasy 12.
It’s one of my all-time favorite video games and FF titles, and it has captivated me since I first played it in 2019 during my adolescent years. It’s so heart-wrenching for me that it’s one of those rare pieces of media that I’ve never dared to replay/rewatch,which is a low-key bittersweet feeling.
Clair Obscur’s curtain call segments, whether the mind-blowing twists in Acts 1 and 2’s endings or the penultimate finale, clearly reminded me of the faded scars I once had with FFX and its final moments involving Tidus and Yuna.
So if you’re in the mood for another slightly depressing yet eloquent RPG journey that has made a significant impact on audiences to this day, then Final Fantasy X is really the best game to play if you loved Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s grandiose tale.
10 Best Games Like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Explore beautiful worlds and hunt monsters.
