Summary
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33has already had an incredible year, with millions of copies sold and “Game of the Year” comments, and it has only just launched. On account of that massive success,Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s futureis looking very bright, as it’s not only expected that Sandfall Interactive will continue to dote on it in its post-launch state, but also that the franchise might continue to grow into something much more significant than one title. As for its post-launch potential though,Clair Obscur: Expedition 33could easily follow in the footsteps of Shift Up’sStellar Blade.
There are elements ofStellar Bladefound inClair Obscur: Expedition 33— like its minor Soulslike characteristics and exploration — althoughStellar Bladewasn’t the game to invent those elements. Even so, they are two entirely different experiences, withClair Obscur: Expedition 33going the route of classic JRPGs andStellar Bladeopting for a traditional action-adventure experience. However, they do share one characteristic that could carry over intoClair Obscur: Expedition 33’s potential future updates if it took a cue from howStellar Bladehandled its own post-launch roadmap.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Should Offer Post-Launch Cosmetics Like Stellar Blade
Stellar Blade Built a Reputation for Free Post-Launch Cosmetics
Stellar Bladehas proven to be more than meets the eye, despite its visuals and art design initially being one of its most captivating features. At its core,Stellar Bladeis actually a solidaction-adventure gamewith engaging combat mechanics and a thought-provoking narrative. That being said,Stellar Bladedoes still pride itself on its visuals and character models, and that’s especially evident in how many different cosmetics there are to choose from.
At launch,Stellar Bladefeatured 40 different oufits(Nano Suits) for players to choose from. These included default Nano Suits, outfits unlocked through exploration, quest rewards, and some tied to pre-order bonuses or the Digital Deluxe Edition. However, as of today, the total number of outfits inStellar Bladehas expanded to 84, thanks to several updates and DLC additions. WithStellar Blade’s free New Game Plus mode came 34 additional Nano Suits, and then 10 more were made available to players through free updates and a collaboration withNieR: Automata.
Stellar Bladedoes still pride itself in its visuals and character models, and that’s especially evident in how many different cosmetics there are to choose from.
WhileStellar Blade’sNieR: Automataoutfitswere a part of the larger paid content pack, every other outfit added to the game post-launch was completely free. This has been extremely effective at growingStellar Blade’s reputation since its launch, in addition to giving players a much wider variety of ways to personally express themselves in the game.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Cosmetics Should Just Be the Tip of the Iceberg
Now, it’sClair Obscur: Expedition 33’s turn. While there aren’t as manyoutfits inClair Obscur: Expedition 33as there are inStellar Blade, there are still more than enough to suggest that the RPG places a special emphasis on personal expression in the game. InClair Obscur: Expedition 33, players can either purchase or naturally acquire various outfits and hairstyles for each party member to use, with some of those outfits even taking a bit of a comedic turn.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33even lets players acquire swimsutis for each playable character by completing Gestral Beach challenges and certain story beats.
Needless to say, given its aim to let players express themselves through howeach playable character inClair Obscur: Expedition 33is dressed, it could easily follow inStellar Blade’s post-launch footsteps by offering even more outfits through free updates to the game. Sandfall has indicated that it isn’t closed off to the idea ofClair Obscur: Expedition 33DLC, but until that comes, perhaps players could make do with some more customization options for their party.
