Turn-based combat has long been a cornerstone of RPGs, defining the legacy of some of the most iconic IPs. Even still, the notion of it being an “outdated” battle system is pervasive among players and developers alike. This conversation is one that’s indicative of an ever-shifting gaming landscape, as RPGs and other genres have channeled the strengths and high-octane action that real-time combat can bring. However, that doesn’t mean that turn-based gaming should die off. The classics will always live on, sure, but with them lies the inspiration to modernize.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33iterates on thestrategy of turn-based systemsbefore it, providing not just a compelling gameplay experience through its reactive commands, but the sheer depth of its skills as well.
The complexities ofClair Obscur: Expedition 33’s combat are woven into every facet of its party. Though each member specializes in different skills and abilities, it is through their team synergy that players are able to truly make them sing. From Lune’s elemental stains to the versatility of status effects and AP management, the tides of battle are determined not just through individual actions, but how players are able to chain moves together. Combine that with the action-oriented reactive commands of its dodge, parry, and jump mechanics, and the result is a battle system that is as nuanced as it is strategic.
How Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Turn-Based Combat Both Iterates and Remains Faithful
Free Aim System
Clair Obscurfollows the traditional line-up orientation; characters remain static on the battlefield, though that doesn’t mean that the angle of their position isn’t a factor of its own. The game’s free aim system takes into account enemy weaknesses, signposted by glowing areas on their bodies that aren’t always directly visible to the character whose turn it is. A shielded enemy like those in the area before the Gestral Village, for example, won’t have its arm visible to whoever is situated at the end of the line-up, but its stance will open up upon recoiling after being hit, allowing consecutive shots to work to the player’s advantageif they time it correctly. These weak spots are indicative of the game’s elemental system, which is itself a point of depth in Lune’s moveset.
Reactive Commands
The dodge, parry, and jump mechanics are the crux ofClair Obscur’s defensive measures, but its reactive commands when using skills are just as important. Proper timing works to the benefit of attacking as much as it does buffs and healing. Getting perfect timing on Gustave’s Powerful buff, for example, doesn’t just ensure that it’s applied to the entire party, but also gives him two charges for his Overbreak gauge. Overbreak is Gustave’s strongest offensive capability if charged fully, but he’s also incredibly resourceful in setting up the rest of the party’s actions, whether it’s applying Defenceless to an enemy with a base attack (courtesy of a Pictos), or Marking a target to raise the damage it will incur.
The way that the party’s movesets work off each other is exceptionally well done. This is in part because of how versatileClair Obscur’s ailment mechanics actually are. Not only canweapons be imbued with certain elements, but Pictos can affect status ailments too, like one that allows the chance to burn with a free aim shot. Hitting a burning enemy with Lune’s Thermal Transfer will regain her 4 AP, while Maelle’s Swift Stride gains her 0-2 AP and puts her into her Virtuous Stance, which lets her dish out even more damage. Lune will gain Elemental Stains as she deals corresponding elemental attacks, which can be consumed to strengthen her following attacks or even negate the cost of AP for her healing skills.
Meeting the required conditions for a skill’s bonus effect can allow a character to act twice in one turn, or, in Maelle’s moveset, even deplete enemy shields. Then, there’sSciel’s Foretell mechanic, which can contribute exponentially to her attack power as the fight progresses. Getting into the flow of a fight is advantageous both for this and for learning enemy movements, with the ability to lean on audio and visual cues for reactive commands becoming easier as the battle continues. Combined with the shake-up of enemies being able to attack quickly or slowly, andClair Obscurshows how perfectly effective its blended combat system can be.
