It's undoubtedly one of the most anticipated indie games of 2025. Clair Obscur Expedition 33 promises a thrilling journey through a France skillfully revisited in a post-apocalyptic style. Yes, yet another post-apo game, you might say. But the announced universe stands out with its look directly inspired by the Belle Époque. Scheduled for release on April 24, Sandfall's new creation is revealing itself more and more. Among the latest details revealed, could please many players.
Chiaroscuro will not hold your hand
The release of Chiaroscuro is approaching very quickly. Planned for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, this new title is part of the dynamic of the games of its generation. We therefore feel the influence of FromSoftware in more than one way. For example, the game will offer particularly intense linear phases, the satisfaction of emerging victorious of which will recall the feeling that Souls can provide.
But, this is not the only aspect that will recall the productions led by Miyazaki's teams. Clair Obscur will focus on exploration and discovery, including the dangers that come with it. That's why the studio decided not to include a mini-map in the interface for the levels to be visited. Instead, Sandfall director François Meurisse explained that they preferred to use a compass system. The studio's ambition is to immerse us alongside the heroes who set out on a blind expedition. Like them, we will therefore venture out without any tools that would help us too explicitly in our adventure. It's a choice that's meant to be consistent with the story, but also in line with current standards. Visible in-game maps, such as those found in GTA and the like, have been shunned in recent years. Recent games now prefer to indicate nothing, like Zelda Breath of the Wild, or opt for a compass at the top of the screen, like the latest Assassin's Creed games, for example.
When there's a mini-map, you can end up relying on it. We want players to discover the world as the expedition does. They don't have a map because all previous expeditions have failed. So yes, it is sometimes difficult to find your way.
François Meurisse, for Eurogamer.
Source: Eurogamer.
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