I Appreciate Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Mature Cast

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For some time now, I’ve been immersed in “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33″ since its debut, and one aspect that particularly grabbed my attention is the mature characters it features. Being an adult myself, I find this a refreshing touch that I value in contemporary games.

In Clair Obscur, the abundance of mature characters is a welcome change, particularly when compared to other RPGs that frequently center around high school characters. It’s far more engaging to follow these characters and their challenges than it is to endure yet another predictable story about teenagers seeking their identity in the world.

Let me clarify, my preference for RPG characters doesn’t imply that games featuring younger characters are inferior. As a matter of fact, I find myself drawn to more mature, fully developed adults, given my age and the appeal of their well-developed frontal lobes over teenagers and their dramas. However, it seems I’ve strayed off topic. Games such as Atlus’ Persona, Konami’s Suikoden, and Game Freak’s Pokémon have youthful casts that are genuinely captivating. That being said, my preference lies with narratives that steer clear of beach episodes and excessive teenage angst. (Similar to Baldur’s Gate 3, Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Disco Elysium.)

With Clair Obscur’s mature cast, the narrative carries a deeper complexity. Since the characters are portrayed as adults, there’s less room for excessive emotional displays or prolonged periods of silence, where characters refuse to communicate. Instead, they engage in open dialogues about their issues, addressing problems promptly rather than letting them simmer until the next plot development.

In many role-playing games, it’s common to encounter a scenario where a character becomes emotional and leaves, forcing players to explore a fresh dungeon before they can be reunited. Thankfully, in the game Clair Obscur , this trope is completely avoided – at least as far as I’ve played so far.

READ: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Final Fantasy Can Co-exist

In a nutshell, “Clair Obscur” is an advanced role-playing game that centers around heavy themes like death and desolation, making it unsuitable for a group of youngsters. Instead, you’ll find characters who are grappling with serious matters, not just their own lives but also the fate of future generations. What sets this game apart is the portrayal of two adult characters, Gustave and Lune, dealing with their past traumas realistically as they embark on their journey. They engage in various activities like playing music or simply sharing stories by the campfire, reminiscing about their past. This feels incredibly authentic.

The game doesn’t feature a young main cast because, within the game’s storyline, aging makes characters more susceptible to the powers of the Paintress. Younger characters are protected until they reach an age where they can undertake “The Expeditions.” The mature characters in the game align well with its themes of time and mortality.

To clarify, there’s one character who stands out with an interesting twist: Maelle. The voice behind her is Jennifer English, known for her role as Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3. At just 16 years old, she plays a significant role in the Expedition, and characters such as Gustave and Lune care for her deeply, viewing her as a daughter and being determined to safeguard her at any cost.

Straightforwardly, Maelle is an unpredictable character, but Sandfall Interactive has done an impressive job with her creation. Unlike the typical damsel-in-distress or overused anime stereotype, Maelle stands out as a formidable combatant. She boasts the highest damage output in the game due to her exceptional stance-switching ability. This makes her a character to be taken seriously and sets a high standard for future RPG characters, especially those designed for younger audiences.

I admire the character approach taken by Clair Obscur, as an adult gamer, I seek characters that resonate with me. Over the years, I’ve found many games where the characters are teenagers, and dealing with them can be quite challenging. However, in Clair Obscur, it’s about being direct and persevering against a world that poses challenges. The game aims to deliver an engaging story with a distinctive, well-developed cast that leaves a lasting impression.

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

READ: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 at $50 Is a Pleasant Surprise

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2025-04-28 12:42