Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

So basically I locked in and wrote one of the best reviews of my life so far, but I heavily exceeded Steam's word count so I'm posting a link to my review on Backloggd. Check it out, and thanks for the support! https://backloggd.com/u/Ogi_exe/review/5212740/

This game somehow combines gorgeous art, incredible soundtracks, a genuinely interesting story and turn-based combat that makes you actually pay attention. The combat looks simple until the enemy attacks and suddenly you're playing Sekiro: French Art School Edition. Exploration is rewarding, the characters are memorable, and the story knows exactly when to hit you emotionally. 137 hours later, I can confirm: I still have no idea where the time went. Definitely Recommended.

Works like a charm, plays well and exploration feels really fun. Only downside is the quick time event based combat which I feel is a dumb addition to the game. Would've been a fine turn based game without the QTEs. I mean there is already a lot of strategy involved with all the elements, stunning, AP management and weaknesses/resistances. Being able to read the enemy attack description, choosing the right button (dodge, parry or jump), then wait for their attack to finish and react within a third of a second... I just can't seem to do all that in a reasonable amount of time, so it's just not fun at all. Makes the fights unnecessarily frustrating when I keep getting slapped constantly. I would happily take all that slap damage if there were no QTEs and the game was purely turn based, but constantly failing those free 0 damage parries just feels like an endless barrage of reminders about how much you suck, which reduces a lot of the joy and entertainment I get from the game. BUT! Luckily, there is a great mod on NexusMods that lets you adjust the react time and make the quick time events easier so Slowpokes like myself can enjoy this wonderful game too ❤️ I don't know if I am al…

Chrono trigger WAS my favorite game of all time. I play and enjoy every genre of gaming. FPS, Metroidvanias, Rogue lites, Platformers and so on. Expedition 33 did everything that Chrono trigger didn't, and was just as innovative. Absolute perfection. Story, Writing, Voice Acting, Pacing, Gameplay, Graphics, Soundtrack... ALL 10's. Imagine playing an incredibly fun and challenging game, and reading the greatest book, and watching the best movie... all at the SAME TIME. Brain broken. You owe it to yourself to play this one through.

BEST GAME EVERRRRR!

First time diving into a turn based combat style of a game. I have not had a high this good from a game since Elden Ring. Simply Amazing.