5/5 ★ – hmichels's review of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

You know, I really respect a game with a melodramatic story that takes itself seriously. There’s a lack of sincerity in modern pop-art that cheapens the product more often than not, so I felt completely sucked into this world of sad, young, attractive people on a life or death mission in a scary - but kinda quirky - world. Now I won’t say anything about that story, but those who have beaten it will know: you will not be ready for how insane it gets. But the real kicker here is the gameplay. I have an aversion to anime art styles, so I haven’t played any JRPGs and therefore have barely touched anything with turn-based combat in the past. So as far as I’m concerned, this is a brand new type of game for me. And it rules! From what I understand the real-time dodge / parry system IS a unique creation, and it’s what makes everything feel so well rounded. Load up on the right stats / weapons combo, strategically order attacks, master the enemy attack timing. Those 3 elements complimented each other and made combat far more meaningful than just an obstacle in the way of seeing where the story would go. I did not expect a new game to already be gunning for KCD2’s seat as my number one game of the generation, but Clair Obscure comes very, very close.