Here’s a deep dive into 10 games that share a lot with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, thanks to their turn-based battles with real-time twists, emotional stories, striking settings, or standout art styles. They bring that same mix of heartfelt storytelling, clever combat, or unique aesthetics that Expedition 33 fans will love. While none perfectly match its Belle Époque-inspired, painterly world, these are awesome picks for similar gameplay or mood, with each offering something special to scratch that itch.
1. Lost Odyssey
Why it’s similar
This underrated gem from Mistwalker, led by Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, delivers a heavy, emotional punch with a story about Kaim, an immortal warrior grappling with centuries of loss and fragmented memories. Its turn-based combat uses the Aim Ring system, where you time button presses to boost attack power, echoing Expedition 33’s active, rhythm-based mechanics. The game’s somber tone, haunting music by Nobuo Uematsu, and dreamlike cutscenes create an atmosphere that feels close to Expedition 33’s mix of beauty and melancholy. The detailed world, blending medieval and industrial elements, adds to the immersive storytelling.
Key features
- Epic, tear-jerking story with short stories called “A Thousand Years of Dreams”
- Smart battles with timed inputs and party synergy
- A diverse, memorable cast of immortals and mortals
2. Persona 5 Royal
Why it’s similar
Atlus’ JRPG masterpiece follows the Phantom Thieves, a group of teens fighting corrupt adults in a stylish, modern Tokyo. Its turn-based combat, while lacking Expedition 33’s real-time inputs, is slick and strategic, with Baton Pass mechanics to chain attacks. The story dives deep into themes of rebellion, identity, and found family, hitting the same emotional notes as Expedition 33. Sandfall Interactive cited it as an inspiration, likely for its blend of character-driven drama and vibrant art. The game’s mix of social sim elements—building bonds with friends—and dungeon-crawling keeps you hooked for hours.
Key features
- Bold, comic-book-style art with a killer soundtrack
- Deep social links that impact combat and story
- Strategic combat with elemental weaknesses and team combos
3. Final Fantasy X
Why it’s similar
Sandfall explicitly mentioned this classic as a big influence for Expedition 33. Set in the lush, tropical world of Spira, it follows Tidus and Yuna on a pilgrimage to defeat a colossal monster, Sin, while grappling with themes of sacrifice and mortality. The turn-based combat, using the Conditional Turn-Based (CTB) system, lets you swap party members mid-battle and strategize deeply, much like Expedition 33’s tactical focus. Its emotional story, stunning pre-rendered visuals, and iconic moments (like the romance between Tidus and Yuna) make it a natural fit for fans seeking narrative depth.
Key features
- Gripping, emotional story about love and loss
- Memorable characters with unique abilities
- Tactical battles with flexible party management
4. The Legend of Dragoon
Why it’s similar
This PS1 JRPG is a cult favorite with a gritty fantasy world where humans and dragons coexist. Its combat system, centered on “Additions,” requires precise button presses to chain attacks, mirroring Expedition 33’s rhythm-based mechanics. The story follows Dart, a young warrior seeking revenge, in an epic tale of ancient wars and dragon powers. Its dramatic tone, detailed sprite work, and mystical atmosphere feel close to Expedition 33’s blend of beauty and intensity, though it leans more retro in style.
Key features
- Timed combat inputs for dynamic battles
- Epic, high-stakes drama with dragon transformations
- Cool transformation mechanics into powerful Dragoons
5. Shadow Hearts
Why it’s similar
Set in an alternate 1910s Europe, Shadow Hearts blends gothic horror with RPG goodness. Its Judgement Ring system, where you spin a dial and time inputs to land critical hits, feels a lot like Expedition 33’s active combat. The story follows Yuri, a man who fuses with demons, as he unravels a dark, supernatural plot. Its eerie vibe, quirky humor, and emotional character arcs match Expedition 33’s unique tone, with a world that’s both haunting and strangely charming.
Key features
- Timing-based fights with the Judgement Ring
- Dark fantasy world with a historical twist
- Quirky, lovable characters and creepy enemies
6. Final Fantasy XIII
Why it’s similar
This polarizing yet visually stunning JRPG from Square Enix follows Lightning, a fierce warrior, and her allies in a futuristic world called Cocoon, fighting against a divine fate. Its fast-paced, turn-based combat uses the Active Time Battle (ATB) system with Paradigm Shifts, where you switch roles like Commando or Medic in real-time, offering a dynamic feel close to Expedition 33’s blend of strategy and timing. The emotional story, focusing on defying destiny and personal redemption, paired with jaw-dropping visuals and a cinematic score, resonates with Expedition 33’s narrative depth and painterly aesthetic. While its linear structure divides fans, the character arcs and polish make it a strong match.
Key features
- Fast-paced ATB combat with real-time role-switching
- Emotional story about defying fate
- Gorgeous visuals and an epic soundtrack
7. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Why it’s similar
This modern reimagining of the classic expands Cloud’s journey across a vibrant, open world. Its hybrid combat blends real-time action with turn-based commands via the ATB system, offering strategic depth that fans of Expedition 33’s mechanics will appreciate. The story dives into themes of fate, loss, and friendship, with stunning visuals and cinematic cutscenes that echo Expedition 33’s flair. Party dynamics, like synergy attacks between characters, add emotional and tactical layers.
Key features
- Hybrid combat blending action and strategy
- Stunning, expansive world with breathtaking visuals
- Tight party dynamics with emotional character arcs
8. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (Switch)
Why it’s similar
This acclaimed RPG from Monolith Soft follows Shulk in a vast, fantastical world built on the corpses of two titans. Its combat blends real-time movement with turn-based auto-attacks and Arts, requiring careful timing and positioning, which feels akin to Expedition 33’s active mechanics. The story, packed with themes of destiny, sacrifice, and hope, delivers emotional weight similar to Expedition 33. The sweeping landscapes, lush visuals, and epic soundtrack create an immersive experience that matches Expedition 33’s grand, artistic tone.
Key features
- Hybrid combat with timed Arts and party synergy
- Deep, emotional story with philosophical themes
- Massive open world with stunning visuals
9. Metaphor: ReFantazio
Why it’s similar
From the *Persona* team, this 2024 RPG drops you into a medieval fantasy world with a story about uniting tribes against a tyrannical force. Its hybrid combat mixes turn-based strategy with real-time movement, offering a fresh take that aligns with Expedition 33’s mechanics. The focus on building relationships with allies and exploring a richly detailed world feels familiar, and its painterly art style echoes Expedition 33’s visual flair.
Key features
- Fresh combat with Archetype-based class switching
- Rich, lore-heavy world with political intrigue
- Moving story with deep character bonds
10. NieR: Automata
Why it’s similar
Though an action RPG, NieR: Automata shares Expedition 33’s haunting, emotional core. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it follows androids 2B and 9S exploring humanity’s remnants amid philosophical questions about existence. Its fluid combat, while not turn-based, is paired with a stunning open world and a soundtrack that amplifies the mood. The narrative’s depth and unique, melancholic aesthetic make it a great fit for fans of Expedition 33’s storytelling.
Key features
- Smooth, fast-paced combat with customizable skills
- Thought-provoking story with multiple endings
- Killer art and a haunting soundtrack
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