Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Update Packed with JRPG Inspirations from Persona, Xenoblade, and Final Fantasy

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wears its inspirations proudly. This turn-based RPG from Sandall Interactive, which snagged Game of the Year and several other accolades at the 2025 Game Awards, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the classic RPGs that paved the way. The recent free Thank You Update further showcases this passion for the genre.

Unveiled during one of the acceptance speeches at The Game Awards, the update introduces a vibrant new level called “Verso’s Drafts.” This expansive and whimsical area bursts with color and life, surpassing perhaps any environment found in the main game. While it features a loose narrative, the primary focus is on exploring, collecting new weapons, and battling formidable bosses.

In these encounters, players have spotted playful nods to the titles that influenced Clair Obscur. Familiar phrases pop up on-screen during enemy attacks, resonating with RPG enthusiasts. Lines like Persona 5’s catchy “You’ll never see it coming,” Final Fantasy XIV’s “A test of your reflexes” from the villain Zenos, and Shulk’s iconic “I’m really feeling it” from Xenoblade Chronicles make appearances, showcasing Sandall Interactive’s playful spirit.

This isn’t a new trend for Clair Obscur; the base game was already filled with similar references to beloved RPGs. Skills and enemy attacks like “Shadow Bringer” and “Stormblood” pay homage to Final Fantasy XIV expansions. These tributes to gaming history are part of what elevates Clair Obscur, as Sandall aimed to craft a love letter to the giants of the genre, ultimately creating a title that stands proudly alongside them.

Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi expressed his admiration for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 after the game’s director revealed that the JRPG legend inspired his journey into game development.