Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 embraces a twisted French aesthetic in the turn-based RPG, setting itself apart from genre titans like Final Fantasy X.
The game's adaptation of the Belle Époque style serves as a crucial element rather than just surface-level decoration, with French history contributing to the game's substance.
The prologue introduces the main cast and narrative, focusing on the citizens of Lumire facing the recurring event of the Gommage initiated by the Paintress.
The Belle Époque era, encompassing peace and progress, contrasts with the grim reality of Clair Obscur, emphasizing the expedition's fight for optimism and hope.
The utilization of the Belle Époque aesthetic in the game highlights the delicate balance between nostalgia for a better past and the hidden tragedies that shaped the era's perception.
Clair Obscur's narrative revolves around myth-making and false memories, drawing parallels between the Belle Époque's façade of prosperity and the suffering that underlies it.
The game's depiction of a living hell for Lumire's citizens reflects the consequences of clinging to false fantasies and the brutality of unresolved grief.
Through a blend of hope and grief, Clair Obscur warns against the peril of romanticizing the past at the expense of confronting reality and acknowledging the need to move forward.
Sandfall Interactive weaves a complex narrative that urges players to learn from the mistakes of characters within the game, showcasing the importance of hope while avoiding the pitfalls of nostalgia.
Ultimately, Clair Obscur's message transcends its in-game world, encouraging individuals to embrace hope while acknowledging and learning from the collective myths and false memories we construct.