Latest news with #Sandfall
Metro
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Square Enix should hire the Expedition 33 team for Final Fantasy 17
A reader imagines what would happen if Sandfall Interactive made the next mainline Final Fantasy game and created a more old school experience. It's always sad when you feel yourself losing touch with something you used to love. Whether it's a film series or a hobby, sometimes you grow out of the thing or sometimes it evolves in a way that no longer interests you. That's where I am with Final Fantasy at the moment, at least in terms of the mainline games. If I'm honest with myself, I haven't truly enjoyed any of them since Final Fantasy 12 and it's only the surprisingly good Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy that hasn't made me completely cynical about the whole series. The final straw, so to speak, for me was Final Fantasy 16, which was the first one I actively hated and never finished. I do not want my Final Fantasy games to be some weird attempt to copy Games Of Thrones. These are Japanese games, and I'd like them to reflect that. If I wanted to play The Witcher 3 I'd go ahead and do so, not put up with a bad copy. It's not even a question of whether 16 is a good game or not, it's just not a Final Fantasy game, in my opinion. And what's worse is that they've stripped so much out of what makes the series unique that I worry they're going to go even further with the next one, so that it's totally unrecognisable as being part of the franchise. That's why I'd like to see Sandfall Interactive, the people behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, make the next Final Fantasy. I realise they're not Japanese, but I feel we'd get a more authentic experience if we let them make Final Fantasy 17 then if we had Square Enix do it. You'd get a game that had a strong Western influence, probably lots of new and original ideas, but also a team that appreciate the older Final Fantasy games. One of the reasons I love Expedition 33 is that it has an old school overworld map and turn-based battles. Square Enix would never do that and yet Expedition 33 will probably end up outselling Final Fantasy 16 in the end. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. That alone is crazy to me and all the reason Square Enix needs to talk to them. After all, if they don't they could end up becoming close competition. I think it's probably unlikely to happen though, because Sandfall (kind of a boring name, don't you think?) will want to make their own games now. I imagine they'll want to have a career like Larian Studios but remember that their biggest hit was Baldur's Gate 3, a licensed game, so maybe Sandfall would be interested in making a Final Fantasy at least once, just to get some money rolling in. Of course, Square Enix could just do it themselves, take Expedition 33 as proof that an older school approach can work and make it internally, but I'm just not sure they have the nerve. Final Fantasy 16 was their big experiment and as much as I'm enjoying the Final Fantasy 7 remakes they're not turn-based at all really. More Trending But I do think that the answer for most of these big franchises, that are getting too expensive to make nowadays, is to go back to what they used to be, just with modernised graphics and features. Not only would it give fans what they want but they'd be cheaper to make and more profitable. After the failure of Final Fantasy 16, what have they go to lose? By reader Lusk The reader's features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro. You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@ or use our Submit Stuff page and you won't need to send an email. MORE: I bought GTA 5 for the third time and it's still one of the best games ever - Reader's Feature MORE: We have to accept the Nintendo Switch 2 is not for hardcore gamers - Reader's Feature MORE: The 90s and 2000s were the best time for video game creativity – Reader's Feature
Pink Villa
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Charlie Cox Says He ‘Feels Like a Total Fraud' Amid Downplaying His Voice Role in Clair Obscur, Details Inside
Daredevil star Charlie Cox gained fame in the industry with his brilliant role in the Marvel show. The actor is heavily lauded, and the fans have been looking for more of the movie star on the screen. Amid the rising popularity, Cox candidly spoke about his role in the 2025 hit game, Clair Obscur. In conversation with a media portal during one of the recent interviews, the actor spoke about how he isn't quite proud of his voice role in the game. Cox also went on to reveal that he hasn't played the game either and feels like a fraud being a part of it. What is Clair Obscur about? Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the most popular games of the year. The video game is developed by a young and unknown group of people who go by the name Sandfall. The visuals of the game are standout, and the interactive part has gotten more people to download it on their devices. As for Charlie Cox, the actor voiced the main character of Gustave, who was the focal point of the title. Speaking of whether he has tried playing the game or not, the movie star shared at Comic Con, 'Apparently the game is awesome. I am not a gamer; I have no idea. I haven't played it.' Despite not enjoying his role in the game himself, he is glad that the game did well. Charlie Cox's thoughts on his voice role in Clair Obscur The MCU star talked about his role as Gustave in Clair Obscur. The actor revealed, 'My agent asked me if I wanted to go and do a voice-over. I was in the studio for 4 hours… maybe." He added, "People keep saying how amazing it is and congratulations and I feel like a total fraud. I am so thrilled for the company; I am so thrilled it did really well.' On the contrary, the fans have been enjoying the game and Cox's voiceover, which goes well with the visuals. The video game went on to transition from 'yet another RPG trying to change things' to 'Oh my gosh! This game is incredible!' On the work front, Charlie Cox will return to the Marvel show's season 2 as Daredevil/Matt Murdock.
Evening Standard
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Evening Standard
Ready player one! The best games of 2025 so far, from Doom to Split Fiction
Clair Obscur has already been hailed as the best title of the year, and for good reason: it's a massive, ambitious fantasy RPG that sticks the landing. Developed by French studio Sandfall, it's set in the land of Lumiere: a place where every year, a goddess called the Paintress marks down a number. Everybody who happens to be that age then dies in an explosion of petals. Naturally, this has to stop, and soon enough leading man Gustave is leading an expedition to defeat her once and for all. The studio has been open about the fact that this is intended to be a tribute to Japanese games, and it shows: there's a lot of Final Fantasy in its DNA, from the turn-based combat to the melodramatic story that unfolds as you spend more time with your companions. The game itself is pleasingly slim - only 35 hours long - but the combat is exceptional and the world dense with secrets to uncover.
Daily Maverick
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the surprise masterpiece no one saw coming
It'll likely be scooping several Game of the Year awards toward the end of 2025, and for good reason, as Expedition 33 shows that you can make waves in the industry without needing to cater to as broad an audience as possible. Tomorrow comes, and we continue. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 shouldn't be this good. On paper, a traditional turn-based RPG with souls-like influences fused into its design, a relatively short time-to-complete playtime, and a decadently French direction sounds like a recipe for chaos. Somehow, though, developer Sandfall Interactive has managed to combine all of its ideas into a harmonious experience with its debut effort. It says a lot when the end result is so good, so exquisite in its execution that it even manages to overshadow the likes of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, a game released a mere two days before its release. To put it simply, Expedition 33 is both a revelation and a love letter to a bygone era of gaming. Full of elegant art direction inspired by France's Belle Époque period, a rock-solid cast of characters to fall in love with, and gameplay that keeps your eyes glued to the screen, Expedition 33 pays homage to the past while forging its own path forward. Once a year, the Paintress wakes and paints upon her monolith in Expedition 33. Every year sees a new cursed number appear, leading to an event known as 'the gommage' in which everyone of that age turns to petals and fades away. Year by year, that number ticks down and more people are erased, while doomed expeditions set out to her continent in a futile attempt to stop her. Players are quickly introduced to Gustav in Expedition 33, who leads a party to stop her or at least pave the way forward for the next expedition, with members grimly reciting a mantra to remind them that they're fighting for tomorrow. Expedition 33's story could have easily wallowed in the nihilistic despair of its premise, but Sandfall Interactive makes certain to inject a sense of optimism and enthusiasm into its tale, introducing players to layered characters brought to life by a cast of acting heavyweights. Charlie Cox (Daredevil), Andy Serkis (Andor), and Ben Starr (Final Fantasy 16 and noted appreciator of Final Fantasy 8) bring their A-game to Expedition 33, while the rest of the game's small but talented cast is fleshed out by the likes of Jennifer English, Kirsty Rider, and Shala Nyx. Like the best turn-based RPGs, Expedition 33's story is one of twists and turns, heartbreak and triumph in a world that you can't get enough of. There's a painterly quality to everything; a rich canvas to explore and interesting characters to meet throughout the game, but it's also an adventure that feels fantastic to play. Applying the souls-like label to any game will most likely turn off a portion of the audience, but to its credit, Sandfall has managed to cleverly make these gameplay ideas complement the core RPG experience. Whereas other studios would haphazardly bolt these ideas onto their product to quickly cash in on the gaming zeitgeist, Expedition 33 is so in touch with these mechanics that you can't imagine it not having them after you've spent a few hours with the title. The genius here is that Expedition 33 is essentially two different games whenever you initiate combat. There's a heavy JRPG influence, as basic attacks and spellcasting are combined with broader ideas and unique character movesets. The mage Lune, for example, can stack up elemental stains that can be consumed to increase damage, while Maelle combines ballet with fencing arts to weave in and out of stances that offer various advantages. These moves also have a light smattering of quick-time events woven into them, keeping you more engaged with the action as it unfolds on the screen. But when it's the enemy's turn? That's when you need to lean forward on your seat and prepare to test your reflexes. From Software's Sekiro is the best example of what to expect here, as you'll need to dodge and parry attacks from the opposition. Getting the timing right allows you to avoid damage and even follow up with a counterattack, and as you venture further into the game, more interesting wrinkles on the combat present themselves to the player. The combination leads to thrilling enemy encounters, and even if you find yourself grossly outgunned, a few well-timed parries can turn the tide of battle and net you a hard-earned victory. Another layer to this system are Pictos, items that can be equipped to buff attacks. Spread across the game, Pictos allow for some incredible experimentation and buildcrafting. Expedition 33 players have come up with some jaw-dropping builds since the game was released, and while it has been significantly nerfed, there's still a build that can be used to turn Maelle into a walking extinction event. Take that, horrible robo-mime bastard who is a headache to face at first. There's more to the game than just a rip-roaring yarn of cancelling the apocalypse and outfitting your crew with stereotypically French outfits and baguettes, of course. Expedition 33 is a masterclass in keeping players engaged, as even the art of grinding out some extra XP feels worthwhile thanks to the head-turning gameplay. I could go on about its stellar soundtrack, French New Wave cinematic influences, and the nuanced approach to character development, not to mention the sheer grandeur of the boss battles that you'll experience. But that would do the game a disservice, because the best thing about Expedition 33 is that it's constantly surprising – offering a journey that you'll want to undertake without being too informed of what awaits you. DM Released on 24 April, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is out now for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. It's also playable with Game Pass.
Forbes
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33' Patch Slams Maelle Build With 70% Nerf
Expedition 33 Sandfall Sometimes a build in a game is so broken that even a single player, PvE-only title is going to be forced to act. And now, a promised patch has gone live for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 that severely nerfs the game's best build, a Maelle one-shot that can instantly kill anything in the game, even its hardest boss. And it still may not be enough. In the patch notes, there are two separate nerfs to this build, centered around one sword and one skill that are key to its use: Medalum is the sword used in this build because it starts you in Virtuose stance, a 200% damage multiplier at baseline, and Stendhal is the one-shot skill you execute in conjunction with a zillion other buffs. Expedition 33 Sandfall The end result of this, at least in my own testing in a 1v1 versus Golgra is that this works out to a 70% nerf of the Maelle build's damage, the sword nerf combining with the Stendhal nerf. My results were: So that damage is 30% of what it was equating to a 70% nerf. But as I said, depending how this shakes out, it may not be enough. This is not my maxed build, as with other heroes and buffs I don't have fully active, I think my record is 67 million. The second phase of the hardest boss in the game has him with about 50-60 million health, so 30% of my 67 million would be 20 million, and with damage plummeting after the first hit, I'd have a relatively normal fight on my hands. But every other boss? I think nearly all of them would still fall to that 20 million. That said, this build has gone insane places with some variants. If you hit a 100 million that's 30 million in damage, so no one shot for that guy. But we have seen versions of this that reach 3-4 billion in damage with the right multipliers. I'm not sure if that's exactly a 30% nerf with those ultra-optimized builds, but to get that down to 50 million from 3 billion, you would need closer to an 85% nerf, not 70%. But I don't think the vast majority of players have what it takes to reach that high as you need an insane amount of buffs and Pictos to get there. This is warranted, even in a single player RPG. I can understand why Sandfall would not want players to somewhat easily skip the entire endgame with damage this high to be able to one-shot all enemies, even the final boss. And given how hard some of those bosses are, this is now going to be very hard if you can only partially chunk them, especially the final boss of the endgame. But a lot of other bosses and enemies? Yeah, you can still probably obliterate them, even with this nerf. Here's the build. Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram. Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
