Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 among many new games released this week
We have a whole lot of major games out this week, along with updates from the Asian gaming scene. Here's this week's gaming round-up.
The big picture
Sandfall Interactive, a new studio in France, is taking a huge gamble with its debut release — Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The studio comprises 30 developers, most of whom are former Ubisoft staff.
After experiencing the title, it's safe to say it steers clear of the usual Ubisoft tropes — bloated padding, checklist open-world gameplay, and lack of focus. Free from corporate publishing shackles, Sandfall is producing something highly creative while honouring its inspirations — the Japanese role-playing game.
Even with rising triple-A game prices and console exclusivity from franchises like Mario Kart, it's encouraging to see a high-budget-looking single-player game priced around RM139. Let's hope the trend continues and players support these endeavours with their wallets.
Short beats
PlayStation and Sucker Punch Productions have announced the release date for their upcoming action-adventure title Ghost of Yotei — Oct 2, exclusively on PlayStation 5. This is the sequel to 2020's acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima.
Diablo IV and Diablo Immortal are collaborating with dark fantasy manga Berserk, featuring exclusive equipment and fights.
Bethesda has responded to the makers of Skyblivion — the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim-meets-Oblivion mod — by giving them free copies of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.
Indonesian studio Anantarupa, makers of the MOBA title Lokapala, has allegedly not paid its employees since November 2024.
Malaysia's indie game exhibition, Indie Jam, is currently underway (April 26–27).
SNK will host a major Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves tournament as part of the SNK World Championship 2025. The prize pool stands at US$2,500,000, with the winner taking home US$1,500,000.
Op-Eds
Following the Ghost of Yotei announcement, we take a retrospective look at its prequel Ghost of Tsushima and how it explores moral compromise during wartime.
Games out this week
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A new Japanese role-playing game from French studio Sandfall Interactive. Lead the members of Expedition 33 on their mission to destroy the Paintress, preventing her from painting death again. Inspired by Belle Époque France, the game blends turn-based combat with real-time mechanics.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves – The long-awaited 2D fighting sequel to 1999's Garou: Mark of the Wolves. This 1v1 title features striking visuals, a deep fighting system that balances offence and defence, and a robust single-player mode that expands on the Fatal Fury saga.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered – A revamped version of the 2006 RPG, where you escape prison and help an emperor battle invading hell armies. The remaster is by Virtuos.
Detective Dotson – An adventure game by Masala Games about a detective with Bollywood dreams. Set on the colourful streets of India, it features charming 2D characters in a 3D world. Solve cases and piece together a larger mystery.
Recommended viewing
Playism will be showcasing a large number of indie titles this weekend. Watch the video here. We also talk about the indie gem Detective Dotson and why it's a massive love letter to India. And here's why Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is already a Game of the Year 2025 contender.
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