Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Characters Are Why I Love Adult Casts in RPGs

by

Since the release of “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33″, I’ve been immersed in it, and one aspect that particularly caught my attention is how refreshing it is that Sandfall Interactive’s outstanding RPG doesn’t rely on a dubious ensemble of young characters.

It caught me off guard to see the game costing approximately $50, given its quality, I truly believe they should be charging even more for it.

Moving off topic, I appreciate the abundance of adult characters in “Clair Obscur,” which stands out notably against the intricate character selections made by game developers such as ATLUS’ Persona, Konami’s Suikoden, or Game Freak’s Pokémon. Although there’s nothing inherently wrong with featuring younger characters, it can sometimes attract unwanted attention that borders on inappropriate behavior. Just to clarify, I understand these games are typically set within a high school environment.

In Clair Obscur, the mature cast lends depth to the narrative, as there are no over-the-top characters or excessive romantic gestures. Instead, the game presents a gritty, adult role-playing experience, focusing on heavy themes such as death and despair. It’s evident that this isn’t a setting for young adventurers, as the characters’ lives hang in the balance, and they struggle not only for their own survival but also for the sake of future generations.

In this game’s storyline, it makes sense that fewer young characters appear – as I’ve learned, growing older makes us more susceptible to the Paintress’ powers. The younger ones are protected until they reach maturity and are prepared for “The Expeditions.” I find this intriguing!

In simpler terms, Gustave, our primary protagonist in the game, is a thoughtful individual with an extraordinary intellect. On the other hand, I find Lune particularly fascinating as she possesses remarkable magical abilities. From what I’ve gathered from the game’s promotional content and press releases, all of the characters seem to be mature adults, but I haven’t had the chance to interact with them yet.

To clarify, an exception worth mentioning is Maelle. This character, lent voice by Jennifer English, who played Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3, is just sixteen years old. Her presence in The Expedition serves as a significant plot point, and characters such as Gustave and Lune view her almost like a daughter, showing a strong desire to shield her from any harm at all times.

In a different phrasing, it could be said: Maelle is an unpredictable character, but Sandfall Interactive has done an excellent job with her narrative. Unlike the typical damsel-in-distress or stereotypical anime character waiting for a beach episode, Maelle is a strong combatant who can inflict the most damage in the game due to her distinctive stance-switching ability. She’s someone to be respected and acknowledged for all the right reasons.

That’s why I admire the character development in Clair Obscur, as they are not created to cater to hardcore anime fans or controversial fanbases. Instead, the game focuses on delivering an exceptional narrative with a distinctive and skillfully crafted ensemble of characters.

This method isn’t limited to just Clair Obscur; other games like ATLUS, known for their recurring high school protagonists, are also experimenting with change, as demonstrated by Metaphor: ReFantazio, which boasts an adult cast of diverse characters. The Yakuza series from RGG Studio is another example, showcasing a fully grown-up cast, even though it can occasionally get quite intense.

It’s refreshing to witness innovative games such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 making their way into the market and thriving. I must say, I’m genuinely pleased that Sandfall Interactive chose this path for this game.

Read More

2025-04-25 18:42