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Fancy French Monsters: Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Review

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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (PlayStation, Xbox, PC, £44.99)

Verdict: Fancy fantasy

Wow, isn’t Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 quite the elegant title? Given its setting in an ornate, fantastical interpretation of Belle Époque France, it’s not surprising that it exudes a touch of elegance. Its graphics and combat system are also quite refined, making it a truly sophisticated game. In essence, it’s a delightful blend of fancy elements.

In this scenario, we’ll address each element one at a time, commencing with the enchanting backdrop – a fantasy realm where everyone is admirably attractive, elegantly attired, and hailing from Gallic origins. Notable voices can be heard here, with famed actors like Andy Serkis lending their talents to the cast.

However, there’s a troubling issue: A wicked villainess named the Paintress has shattered this realm of avenues and private chambers. Each year, she demands a tribute of hundreds of lives. Every year, an exploration team is dispatched, venturing across the sea, only to — thus far — fall short in thwarting her plans. This year, it’s Expedition… 33’s turn who are embarking on this perilous mission.

It’s accurate to conclude that when Expedition 33 reaches the domain of the Paintress, events turn unfavorable. The initial phase of the game finds you, specifically Gustave, reuniting the band to confront this immense evil (alongside its monstrous followers) on her very own ground.

This game is exceptionally charming! Its breathtaking scenery and the intricacies of its character expressions captivate me, as does the detail in its creature designs and vegetation. I find myself constantly yearning to explore further.

The main attraction lies in its unique combat system, which combines the turn-based mechanics reminiscent of Japanese RPGs such as Final Fantasy and Persona, where you take turns with the monsters, and the real-time elements akin to Dark Souls, requiring swift and precise button presses to dodge incoming attacks.

The outcome presents a unique blend of the known and the novel, along with a challenging, positive aspect to it.

They continue to progress, just like Gustave and his team, steadily growing more robust and powerful. Certainly elegant, yet undeniably formidable.

 

Tempest Rising (PC, £34.99) 

Verdict: Copy & Conquer 

Get this quiet, folks! Guess what? Command & Conquer is making a comeback! Remember those long hours you spent strategizing at your old beige computers in the ’90s? Well, it’s been about 15 years since we last heard from this classic real-time strategy series, but now it’s back! Once again, we can construct bases, manufacture troops and vehicles, and move them around to outsmart the enemy. Yahoo!

Why must we speak in hushed tones about it? Because Tempest Rising, despite not being officially Command & Conquer, is quite similar to the original series. It’s often referred to as a tribute or successor spiritually, but it’s so close that it might as well be a replica.

Instead of referring to the conflict as a “technified” battle between the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and the Brotherhood of Nod, let’s call it a high-tech confrontation now occurring between the Global Defence Force (GDF) and the Tempest Empire.

1. On these battlegrounds rich with resources, they continue their fast-paced confrontations against each other. And Frank Klepacki, the skilled composer of the soundtrack, is himself an experienced commander and conquers (C&C) veteran.

2. They still engage in swift conflicts on landscapes brimming with resources. It’s worth noting that Frank Klepacki, known for his captivating soundtracks, has a long history as a battlefield strategist (C&C veteran).

3. In the midst of resource-filled terrains, they persist in their rapid skirmishes. Of interest is the fact that Frank Klepacki, who creates the music for these battles, is a seasoned commander and conqueror (C&C veteran).

Instead of the traditional filmed cutscenes that were popular in Command & Conquer battles, Tempest Rising has opted to use digitally rendered scenes which share a resemblance, even though they still retain the dramatic flair provided by actors like Tim Curry.

All of which might sound like a bad thing. A cheap copy. But it’s not.

Tempest Rising manages to go quite a distance, encompassing its two narrative campaigns, skirmishes, and multiplayer options, all while replicating the Command & Conquer experience that you recall.

Without a doubt, it’s more visually appealing, quicker, and offers a wider range of options for the troops you lead.

In essence, it still feels familiar. However, as long as a fresh, authentic Command & Conquer installment doesn’t arrive, this sense of déjà vu will undoubtedly bring joy to numerous gaming enthusiasts – myself included.

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2025-04-25 02:55

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