"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Success reignites Turn-Based Game Debates"

The debate over turn-based versus action-oriented gameplay in RPGs is a perennial topic in gaming communities, and the recent release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has reignited these discussions. This game, which launched last week, has been widely praised by IGN and other reviewers for its excellence as a role-playing game. It proudly showcases its inspirations, featuring a turn order, Pictos to equip and master, zoned-out "dungeons" to explore, and an overworld map.

In an interview with RPGsite, producer Francois Meurisse shared that Clair Obscur was designed as a turn-based game from the outset, drawing inspiration from classics like Final Fantasy VIII, IX, and X. Additionally, it incorporates elements from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, blending FromSoftware's style with quick-time events for attacks and parrying/dodging for defense, reminiscent of games like Mario & Luigi. This hybrid approach creates a gameplay experience that shifts between traditional turn-based strategy and more dynamic action sequences, sparking significant interest and debate among players.

On social media, fans have used Clair Obscur's success to challenge criticisms of turn-based systems, particularly in the context of the Final Fantasy series. Naoki Yoshida, while promoting Final Fantasy XVI, discussed the shift towards action-based mechanics, noting a growing sentiment among younger audiences who find command-based RPGs less appealing. This perspective has influenced the direction of recent Final Fantasy titles like XV, XVI, and the VII remake series, each of which has its own set of fans and critics.

However, the narrative around turn-based games is more nuanced than a simple call for Final Fantasy to revert to its roots. Square Enix has continued to support turn-based RPGs, as evidenced by the success of Octopath Traveler 2 and the upcoming releases like SaGa Emerald Beyond and the Bravely Default remaster for Switch 2. While Final Fantasy may have embraced action elements, it hasn't abandoned turn-based gameplay entirely.

The question of whether Final Fantasy should follow Clair Obscur's model is met with a firm "no" by many. Final Fantasy has its own unique aesthetic and iconography that cannot be simply replaced. While comparisons to Clair Obscur are inevitable, they also highlight the distinct qualities that make each game special. Reducing Clair Obscur to a mere imitation of Final Fantasy overlooks its innovative combat systems, compelling soundtrack, and rich world-building.

Historically, similar debates have surrounded other RPGs like Lost Odyssey and comparisons between Final Fantasy VII and VI. These discussions often overlook the commercial realities that drive game development, as Yoshida pointed out when discussing the sales expectations for Final Fantasy XVI. He did not rule out future use of command systems, indicating that the choice of gameplay style is influenced by multiple factors, including anticipated sales.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has achieved remarkable success, selling 1 million copies in just three days, a testament to its appeal. However, the expectations for Final Fantasy titles are typically higher. The success of other turn-based RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Metaphor: ReFantazio suggests that there is still a strong market for these games.

Ultimately, Clair Obscur's success is a victory for its creators, signaling a potential resurgence of mid-budget RPGs. Whether it will inspire a broader shift in the industry remains to be seen, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity in game development. As Swen Vincke of Larian Studios emphasized, creating a game that the team is passionate about can lead to significant success, offering a constructive path forward for the industry.