The gaming world is buzzing this week as leaked reviews for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the highly anticipated RPG from developer Sandfall Interactive, have surfaced online—and the early impressions are glowing. The news arrives just as Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remaster gains traction, setting up an unexpected showdown between a bold new franchise and a remastered classic, both poised to debut on Xbox Game Pass.
According to a Reddit post that quickly went viral, the first hands-on review of Expedition 33 praises its “innovative combat system” and “hauntingly beautiful art direction.” The leak, shared on the game’s dedicated subreddit (see the full post here), claims the game blends turn-based strategy with real-time environmental interactions, creating a fresh hybrid style that “feels like Final Fantasy meets Dark Souls in a painterly world.” The anonymous reviewer also highlighted the game’s narrative depth, calling its protagonist-driven story “emotionally charged” and “full of morally gray choices that linger long after the credits roll.”
Meanwhile, Bethesda’s Oblivion remaster, announced earlier this year, has reignited passion for the 2006 classic. Fans of Tamriel are eager to revisit Cyrodiil with modernized visuals, revamped AI, and quality-of-life improvements. While Oblivion leans on nostalgia, Expedition 33 is carving its own path as an original IP—a risky move in an industry dominated by sequels and reboots. Yet early buzz suggests Sandfall’s gamble is paying off.
What makes this rivalry unique is its Game Pass dimension. Both titles will launch day-one on Microsoft’s subscription service, giving players immediate access without extra cost. This unprecedented pairing—a beloved remaster versus a daring new RPG—could redefine how studios approach Game Pass strategies. “It’s a win-win for players,” said industry analyst Liam Carter. “Xbox is leveraging its catalog to cater to both nostalgia and innovation, and it’s working.”
While Expedition 33’s leak has sparked excitement, some questions remain. The Reddit post notes occasional performance hiccups on Xbox Series S, though the reviewer emphasized that day-one patches could address these issues. Bethesda, meanwhile, has stayed quiet on whether its Oblivion remaster will include cut content or expanded questlines.
For RPG fans, 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark year. Whether you’re drawn to the mysterious, monochrome-touched landscapes of Clair Obscur or the lush, familiar forests of Cyrodiil, Game Pass is ensuring neither adventure will break the bank. As one Reddit user quipped, “Why choose? I’m clearing my calendar for both.”
Stay tuned for official reviews ahead of Expedition 33’s rumored September release—and keep your potions ready.
