Category: Gaming

April 29, 2025

Is the Nintendo Switch Losing the Charm of Past Consoles?

Key Takeaways

1. Nintendo has a long history of creating memorable consoles with unique charm and character, as seen in systems like the NES and Wii.
2. The Nintendo Switch introduces innovative features but lacks the warmth and nostalgia found in earlier consoles.
3. Fans miss classic features like themes, memorable tunes, and Mii characters, which contribute to the console’s personality.
4. The eShop’s lack of background music and the decreased use of Mii characters raise concerns about Nintendo’s direction and identity.
5. There is hope that Nintendo will address these issues and revive the beloved character in the upcoming Switch 2.

Nintendo has been a top player in the gaming industry for many years, creating consoles and games that have shaped the market. Starting with the NES, the company has delivered some of the most memorable consoles in gaming history. A big part of their success comes from the unique charm and character that Nintendo infuses into each generation of consoles. This was especially clear with the Wii, where the classic Nintendo essence was evident in every aspect of their devices. From the familiar sound when you turn on the console to the catchy music of the Mii Channel, Nintendo’s devices often evoke a strong sense of nostalgia.

The Switch’s Innovations

The Nintendo Switch is certainly creative, just like its forerunners, but it seems to lack the same warmth and character that previous systems had. The home screen is quite basic and the game startup is even more simplistic. Unlike the 3DS or Wii, it doesn’t have those memorable tunes, although the charming sound of the Joy-Con flipping during game loading is a small nod to that charm.

Missing the Nostalgia

As much as I enjoy the Switch’s new features, like the cool Joy-Con options and its hybrid nature, I find myself longing for the personality that was present in earlier versions. Features like StreetPass, different system themes, and the quirks of system transfers are some things I feel are absent. Adding to this, a recent interview with Polygon revealed that the eShop lacks any background music. Early looks at the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 suggest it may have a similarly plain home menu.

Nintendo also seems a bit out of touch with what fans want in terms of menu themes and profile features. They have made a bit of progress by adding rotating profile icons in the Nintendo Switch Online app, but many of those options vanish without a trace, leaving much still desired. There’s a lot that feels like it’s missing from Nintendo’s latest console, and it looks like the same trend might continue with the next one.

A Concern for the Future

One small detail that many in the gaming community have noticed is the noticeable drop in the use of Mii characters in games. Since the Wii, Miis were a central part of the gaming experience, but their presence seems to have decreased on the Switch. The Mii Maker is still available, but it’s tucked away in the profile settings. This raises concerns that Nintendo might be drifting away from its original identity, and that the unique flair in even the user interface might be lost for good.

In conclusion, I really appreciated the advancements Nintendo made with the Switch, and considering it was released quickly, some leniency is warranted. However, Nintendo has had eight years to refine and bring back the character in the anticipated Switch 2. While some of these issues are troubling, there’s a hope that Nintendo has reflected on what made their previous consoles so beloved by players.

Source:
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Tags: Nintendo, Switch
April 28, 2025

Costco Offers Mario Kart World & Switch Online Bundle at Great Price

Key Takeaways

1. Costco Canada leaked the Switch 2 price and is avoiding pre-order chaos, while U.S. Costco prepares for a special bundle release on June 5th.
2. The bundle includes the Switch 2 console, a digital download of Mario Kart World, and a 12-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for a potential price of $499.99.
3. The Mario Kart World game alone costs $79.99, making the Costco bundle a potentially significant savings option for gamers.
4. Customers must have an annual Costco membership (ranging from $65 to $130) to access the deal, and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack offer is only valid for new subscribers.
5. Despite the appealing offer, past experiences suggest that Costco might still face significant crowds on release day.

Costco Canada made news in February when it leaked information about the Switch 2’s price. Since that time, the store has avoided the frenzy surrounding pre-orders. However, it seems that U.S. Costco will release a special bundle when the console launches on June 5th. This package will come with the handheld console, a digital download of Mario Kart World, and a 12-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The price could make this Costco offer quite appealing, with unverified reports suggesting a cost of $499.99.

Price and Offer Details

The listing was first spotted by Wario64 on social media. Customers can get a year of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for $49.99. The popular Mario Kart World bundle, which many are considering for Switch 2 pre-orders, has a price tag of $499.99. Wario64 hinted that Costco members might see a discount dropping the price from $549.99 to $539.99. After reaching out, some customers mentioned that a lower price for the Switch 2 might be possible.

Bundle Savings

According to Famiboards and some Reddit users, the Costco bundle might be available for as low as $499.99. After receiving backlash for the pricing of certain Switch 2 games, this deal could be the best option for those looking to save. Just the Mario Kart World game costs $79.99, whether for physical or digital versions in the U.S. The Nintendo Switch Online offer adds extra value, offering more than just multiplayer gaming. Additionally, with the Expansion Pack, players can enjoy new GameCube titles that will be added to the service on June 5th.

Membership and Limitations

Even with the appealing offer, the Costco Switch 2 deal comes with some conditions. To avoid extra fees, customers must have an annual Costco membership, which ranges from $65 to $130. Furthermore, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack bonus is only valid for new subscribers.

Gamers who are annoyed by the limited pre-order options for the Switch 2 might think these requirements will keep the crowds away. However, Costco is not exempt from the chaos of release days, as seen in past incidents involving Pokémon cards.

Source:
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Tags: Costco, Mario Kart World, Nintendo Switch 2
April 27, 2025

GTA 6 Online Mode News Coming Soon: Gamers Await Release Date

Key Takeaways

1. Tom Henderson, a trustworthy source, will soon release an article on GTA 6’s online features, hinting at potential updates from Rockstar Games in the coming weeks.
2. Anticipation is high for the Take-Two Interactive earnings call on May 15, which may include news on GTA 6 marketing efforts.
3. There are concerns among gamers about a possible delay for GTA 6, even though Rockstar claims it will release in Fall 2025.
4. Henderson clarified that his comments were speculation, but timing suggests a major announcement could be imminent related to GTA 6.
5. The success of GTA Online has kept player interest in GTA 5, which may explain the extended development time for GTA 6’s multiplayer features.

Gamers are really eager for any news about GTA 6 as Rockstar Games stays silent on its development. A trustworthy source, Tom Henderson, recently discussed the game in a podcast. He is set to release an article soon that will provide insights into the online features of the game. Although he didn’t share many details, he suggested that official updates about GTA 6 could come in the next few weeks.

Earnings Call Expectations

There’s an upcoming Take-Two Interactive earnings call on May 15th, which has people excited for a new marketing effort. Since the GTA 6 trailer dropped in December 2023, Rockstar Games has been rather quiet with updates. This lack of communication has some gamers worried about a possible delay for the GTA 6 release date. The developer still claims the game will launch in Fall 2025. However, this uncertainty is creating tension as publishers aim to steer clear of competing with such a popular franchise.

Speculation and Clarification

Following Henderson’s remarks on the podcast, many fans thought he might have insider info about the GTA 6 release date or a new trailer. He clarified on social media that he was just guessing about possible updates. Still, it would be quite a coincidence if his article about GTA 6 online features didn’t line up with a major announcement coming soon.

GTA 6 updates regarding multiplayer features might show how Take-Two Interactive plans to market the game. Previous leaks have suggested that the publisher could offer an online-only version at a lower price. On the other hand, a standard version might just include a single-player campaign. The publisher could also combine both versions to justify a surprising $100 price tag.

The Impact of GTA Online

In any case, the success of GTA Online has kept players engaged with GTA 5 long after its release in 2013. If Rockstar Games is focusing on enhancing multiplayer modes, this could explain why the development of GTA 6 is taking so long.

Source:
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Tags: GTA 6, Rockstar Games, Tom Henderson
April 27, 2025

Miyoo Flip V2: Anbernic RG35XX SP Rival Faces Display Issues

Key Takeaways

1. The Miyoo Flip launched in December but has faced significant hinge issues leading to an updated version released in March.
2. Reports of hinge failures continue to rise, with no official statement from Miyoo addressing the problem.
3. The grey version of the Miyoo Flip appears to have a higher failure rate, but other colors are also affected.
4. Some hinge failures occur much sooner than the expected 900 opening and closing cycles.
5. A new metal hinge in the Flip V2 may be causing the issue by becoming loose and grinding against the outer shell, weakening the plastic hinge.

All isn’t perfect in the realm of the Miyoo Flip. Launched in December following nearly a year of previews, this clamshell gaming device seemed like a great competitor to Anbernic’s favored RG35XX SP (currently priced at $76.99 on Amazon). Though the RG35XX SP had some initial problems, the Miyoo Flip faced enough complications that the company decided to release an updated version with a better hinge mechanism in March.

Continuing Hinge Problems

Sadly, it appears that Miyoo still has a long way to go before it can claim its hinge problem is fixed. Officially, there has been no statement from Miyoo regarding this issue. Nevertheless, the number of reports about hinge failures on the Miyoo Flip V2 models continues to rise online.

Variations in Failure Rates

As highlighted by Russ from Retro Game Corps in the video below, the hinge failures seem to impact the grey version of the Miyoo Flip more than the other colors available. That said, there are also reports of hinges breaking on different color options as well. To make matters worse, some of these failures are happening much sooner than the 900 opening and closing cycles mentioned by Russ from Retro Game Corps.

What’s Causing the Issue?

According to the teardown segment in Retro Game Corps’ video, a new metal hinge introduced in the Flip V2 variant appears to be the source of the problem. Somehow, this new component becomes loose and begins to rub against the outer shell during the opening and closing process. It seems that this grinding motion weakens the plastic hinge to the extent that it either bends or breaks. It’s possible that the dark grey version is more susceptible to this issue due to the use of softer plastic in its build. For more information, check out Retro Game Corps’ video below.

Source:
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Tags: Miyoo Flip, RG35XX SP
April 27, 2025

GTA V Enhanced Loses PC Players to Legacy, Joins Xbox Game Pass

Key Takeaways

1. Many players are returning to GTA 5 Legacy despite the launch of GTA 5 Enhanced, which offers better graphics and faster loading times.
2. The upgrade to GTA 5 Enhanced is free for existing GTA 5 owners, leading to a peak of over 187,000 players at launch on March 4th.
3. Key issues causing players to leave GTA 5 Enhanced include incomplete mod support, lack of compatibility with popular role-playing servers (FiveM), and absence of a multiplayer text chat option.
4. GTA 5 Legacy remains more accessible due to its lower system requirements, attracting around 86,200 active players compared to GTA 5 Enhanced’s 72,000.
5. The availability of GTA 5 on Xbox Game Pass and its removal from PlayStation Plus has not significantly impacted the player experience for those using next-gen consoles.

Take-Two Interactive is having a hard time shifting PC gamers to GTA 5 Enhanced. Even though the updated version comes with better graphics and quicker loading times, many players are going back to GTA 5 Legacy. With the release date for GTA 6 still a mystery, Rockstar Games hoped the enhanced version would keep fans engaged in the franchise. However, the lack of complete mod support and missing features has caused a drop in player numbers on Steam.

Upgrade Options

In most situations, those who own GTA 5 can upgrade to GTA 5 Enhanced for free. This perk, along with curiosity, led to a peak of over 187,000 players on Steam during its launch on March 4th. Meanwhile, GTA 5 Legacy started losing some of its players, dropping from about 184,000 daily users at the beginning of the month. Although both versions are now seeing fewer users, GTA 5 Legacy still has around 86,200 active players, while the enhanced edition has just below 72,000.

Players’ Feedback

When gamers share their reasons for leaving GTA 5 Enhanced, the answers are often quite similar. The newest version does support many GTA 5 mods, yet some tools still don’t work. Importantly, it is not compatible with FiveM, which means popular role-playing servers are off-limits. Another missing feature that players have requested is a multiplayer text chat option. Rockstar Games might add this feature to GTA 5 Enhanced sometime down the road. Lastly, even though the game isn’t very demanding, GTA 5 Legacy has lower system requirements, which makes it more accessible.

Platform Changes

Recently, GTA 5 also left PlayStation Plus after it became available on Xbox Game Pass. This shift isn’t as impactful for GTA 5 Enhanced since players on Series X and PS5 were already experiencing its improvements. However, users on PC Game Pass can select from either version of the game. Microsoft doesn’t offer any data regarding its subscription service, leaving player count distributions a bit of a mystery.

Source:
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Tags: GTA 5 Enhanced, Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive
April 27, 2025

Peladn Y01 Launches: New Gaming Mini PC with Ryzen AI Max+ 395

Key Takeaways

1. Peladn’s Y01 mini PC features the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU with 16 Zen 5 cores.
2. It includes the Radeon 8060S integrated GPU, offering performance similar to the RTX 4070 Laptop for 1080p to 1440p gaming.
3. The Y01 will have 128 GB of LPDDR5X memory and a variety of ports, though the inclusion of an OCuLink port is uncertain.
4. The size of the Y01 may be larger than other mini PCs, comparable to the GMK EVO-X2.
5. Pricing details are not released, but it is expected to be high, potentially starting around $14,999 based on previous models.

Peladn has unveiled their latest gaming mini PC, the Y01. This new Strix Halo system doesn’t have a set release date yet, but the company hinted that it will be coming soon. Inside, it boasts the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, the highest-end APU in its series, which includes 16 Zen 5 cores.

Powerful Graphics

Additionally, it features the Radeon 8060S, the most powerful integrated GPU available today. According to our research, this new RDNA 3.5 iGPU with 40 compute units can provide performance similar to the RTX 4070 Laptop, making mini PCs with this GPU a great option for gaming at 1080p to 1440p resolutions.

Specs and Design

While Peladn didn’t provide extensive details about the mini PC, they did mention that the Y01 will come equipped with 128 GB of LPDDR5X memory. The teaser also offers a sneak peek of the system’s design, indicating that it will include a good variety of ports, such as multiple USB-A and USB-C options. However, it remains uncertain if an OCuLink port will be included, which is absent from the GMK EVO-X2 but is available on the FEVM FA-EX9.

Size and Pricing Thoughts

The teaser image suggests that the mini PC may not be as compact as some other models on the market. In fact, its size could be comparable to the GMK EVO-X2, which is notably larger than the EVO-X1.

Price details are also not disclosed yet. However, considering that the EVO-X2 launched at a starting price of $14,999, it is anticipated that the Peladn Y01 will be quite pricey in comparison to previous mini PC generations.

Source:
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Tags: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Peladn Y01, Radeon 8060S
April 26, 2025

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Performance Issues on PC

Key Takeaways

1. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered shows poor performance with persistent stutters, even on high-end hardware.
2. A new patch removed DLSS, FSR, and various graphical settings, leading to continued frame rate issues.
3. The game is demanding on both CPU and GPU, with open-world gameplay suffering from visual fluidity.
4. Lowering graphical settings provides minimal performance gains that don’t justify the drop in quality.
5. Despite performance issues, Oblivion Remastered has attracted over four million players, highlighting nostalgia among fans.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion made waves when it hit consoles and PCs in 2006. Recently, a Digital Foundry technical review showed that the remastered version doesn’t perform much better. Persistent stutters interfere with the improved textures and realistic lighting, even on the best CPUs and GPUs. Alex Battaglia mentioned that the performance of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is considered “one of the worst running games he has ever tested.”

Patch Issues

A new patch for Oblivion Remastered removed DLSS, FSR, and various graphical settings on the PC Game Pass version. Even when upscaling is back, the game struggles to maintain a steady frame rate and shows a disappointing frame-time graph. Digital Foundry did their tests using an Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU alongside either a Ryzen 5 3600 or Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. Even at 1080p with DLSS performance options activated, stuttering was common on both lower and higher-end CPUs.

Performance Challenges

Oblivion Remastered is surprisingly demanding on both CPU and GPU. In confined spaces, the gameplay often runs smoothly across a variety of hardware. Just like its predecessor, the vast open world draws players in but sacrifices visual fluidity. Regrettably, decreasing settings like Ray Traced-based Lumen global illumination shows limited improvement. The RTX 5090 coupled with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D achieved frame rates above 60 fps, yet stutters were still evident.

The review suggests beginning with the High preset and adjusting the hardware lighting mode down. However, after making these changes, the drop in graphical quality doesn’t justify the slight performance gains. Digital Foundry wrapped up by stating that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered’s performance urgently needs a patch for better optimization.

Player Engagement

Despite its fluctuating frame rates, Oblivion Remastered has drawn in over four million players. Nevertheless, the stuttering is a memory that nostalgic fans wish Bethesda could have left behind in the past.

Source:
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Tags: Oblivion Remastered, RTX 5090, Ryzen 7 9800X3D
April 26, 2025

New Konosuba OVA Now Streaming on Crunchyroll – Watch It Today!

Key Takeaways

1. Crunchyroll has added the season 3 Bonus Stage OVA for Konosuba, featuring 2 episodes titled Red Stream Explosion and Watch Out for Imposters!.

2. The OVA introduces 4 new adventurers resembling the main cast, with names like Ozuma, Acua, Luckless, and Megumi.

3. The new characters are voiced by notable talent, including Tetsu Inada (Ozuma) and Ayako Kawasumi (Luckless), enhancing their appeal.

4. The OVA is approximately one hour long and offers plenty of humor from the beloved original characters, now available on Crunchyroll.

5. A new sequel series for Konosuba is in development, as announced via the official Twitter account, though no specific details are provided yet.

Konosuba enthusiasts are in for some extra fun this weekend, as Crunchyroll has finally added the season 3 Bonus Stage OVA. This was first announced back in February and aired in Japan in March 2025.

OVA Details

The Bonus Stage OVA features 2 episodes, named Red Stream Explosion and Watch Out for Imposters!, where Kazuma’s team is called upon to handle a typhoon spirit. These installments introduce 4 new adventurers who share a striking resemblance to the main cast. However, that must just be a coincidence, especially with names like Ozuma, Acua, Luckless, and Megumi.

Voice Talent

These lookalikes might even have more “main character energy” than the actual Konosuba characters, mainly because they are voiced by some high-quality talent. Ozuma is voiced by Tetsu Inada, known for his role as Endeavor in My Hero Academia, while Luckless is portrayed by Ayako Kawasumi, who is famous for Altria Pendragon in the Fate/ series. Additionally, Manaka Iwami and Rumi Okubo, both popular characters from Oshi no Ko, provide their voices for Acua and Megumi, respectively.

Enjoying the OVA

Despite the impressive cast, fans can expect their beloved characters to bring the most laughter throughout the roughly hour-long OVA. The new release on Crunchyroll coincides with the Japanese DVD and BluRay launch, but there’s no information yet on when dubbed versions might be released.

Moreover, Konosuba fans received another surprise when the OVA had its theater screenings in Japan. The official Twitter/X account for the comedy anime disclosed that a new sequel series is in the works, but left out any specific details in the announcement. For now, viewers of Konosuba can relish the Bonus Stage OVA on Crunchyroll to satisfy their craving for hilarious isekai shenanigans.

Source:
Link

Tags: Crunchyroll
April 26, 2025

New Roguelike Shooter Takes #1 on Steam Charts – Free to Play

Key Takeaways

1. Release Date and Genre: Gunbot Diplomacy: Blast Off is a top-down shooter with roguelike features, debuting on Steam on May 13.

2. Unique Setting: The game takes place in a chaotic future where humanity is gone, and Gunbots battle using unconventional weapons like nuclear footballs and fire extinguishers.

3. Gameplay Features: Players can choose from two Gunbots and eight weapons, navigate ten maps, and customize their Gunbots with over 50 modules during the free prologue.

4. Positive Reception: Steam reviews highlight fast-paced gameplay, diverse weapon combinations, attractive graphics, and strong replayability, with 80% of 20 reviews being favorable.

5. Criticism: Some players express concerns about content being locked and view the game as a clone of other top-down shooters, leading to feelings of monotony in weapon choices.

Gunbot Diplomacy: Blast Off acts as the introduction to the upcoming Gunbot Diplomacy, which is set to debut on Steam on May 13. This game is a top-down shooter that incorporates roguelike features, showcasing a chaotic environment and a 2D aesthetic reminiscent of classic arcade titles.

A Chaotic Future

Players find themselves in a broken future where humanity has been eradicated due to catastrophic experiments with artificial intelligence. Consequently, the Gunbots—heavily armed robots—have taken over. Instead of using typical weapons, these robots engage in battles with nuclear footballs and fire extinguishers that shoot electricity-infused flames. This bizarre yet strangely endearing world is filled with mutated office workers, hostile “Brawl Boys,” and peculiar crab-cactus creatures.

Gameplay Overview

In the free prologue, players can select from two distinct Gunbots and eight different weapons. The gameplay is simple: navigate through ten maps, defeat waves of adversaries, and gather upgrades to enhance your Gunbot’s capabilities. During combat, you can opt for the Gunbot to shoot automatically or take control for manual aiming. The prologue offers over 50 modules to customize and optimize your Gunbot.

Player Feedback

Steam reviews show that players enjoy Gunbot Diplomacy: Blast Off for its fast-paced, enjoyable gameplay, the variety of weapon and module combinations, along with its attractive graphics and music. The game’s seamless performance, accurate controls, and strong replayability thanks to new builds have also received positive attention, particularly since the free prologue delivers an unexpected depth of content.

Criticism and Concerns

However, there are some criticisms, such as content being locked behind adding the main game to players’ Steam wishlists. Some users feel the weapon choices become monotonous and view Gunbot Diplomacy as merely a clone of well-known top-down shooters like Brotato.

As of now, the game has garnered just 20 reviews on Steam, with 80% of them being favorable. Data from SteamDB indicates that the highest peak during research was 613 players online simultaneously. This number was apparently sufficient to elevate the top-down shooter to the top position in Steam’s “Trending Free” category.

Source:
Link

Tags: roguelike
April 26, 2025

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Hits 500,000 Sales and Earns Praise

Key Takeaways

1. Sandfall Interactive’s game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has sold over 500,000 copies globally since its launch on April 24.
2. The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass, and has reached 61,787 concurrent players on Steam.
3. Despite competition from The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Clair Obscur ranks second on the ‘Trending Games’ list.
4. The game has received high praise, with a score of 92 on Metacritic and 91 on OpenCritic, making it the highest-rated game of the year.
5. Clair Obscur is set in a post-apocalyptic world inspired by Belle Époque France and follows characters battling a mysterious entity known as the Paintress.

Sandfall Interactive has reached a remarkable achievement with their first game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, selling over 500,000 copies globally. This is a significant milestone for the studio. The turn-based RPG launched on April 24 and is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It can also be accessed through Xbox Game Pass.

Studio’s Gratitude

After hitting this milestone, the studio shared their thanks on social media, saying, “A milestone for us, reached sooner than we’d ever imagined. Thank you all.” Despite facing tough competition from the surprise release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Clair Obscur has still captured a lot of player attention.

Player Engagement

Currently, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has an impressive 61,787 concurrent players, according to Steam DB stats. The game attracted over 50,000 players shortly after its launch, with a peak of 71,225 players. It is now ranked second on the ‘Trending Games’ list, with only The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered above it.

Critical Acclaim

On the critical front, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has received exceptional reviews, boasting a score of 92 on Metacritic and 91 on OpenCritic, making it the highest-rated game of the year thus far. IGN gave it a score of 9/10, describing it as a “modern RPG classic” and drawing comparisons to iconic titles like Final Fantasy.

Game Setting and Narrative

Set in a post-apocalyptic world inspired by Belle Époque France, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 follows the Expeditioners who aim to defeat the Paintress. This mysterious being paints a number each year that determines which age group will disappear. With the current number being 33, the tension is at an all-time high.

Tags: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S