Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has a distinctive French style from its Montpellier-based developer Sandfall Interactive, but originally it was very different.
Fans have uncovered a trailer from an early version of the game posted on reddit by director Guillaume Broche in a bid to find voice actors. The post, from five years ago, describes the project as an “ambitious AA game” and “3D modern take on the JRPG genre with western style characters”. It had a planned release on PC and “possibly” PS4 and Xbox One.
The post includes a link to a draft trailer that’s since been shared elsewhere. The game was originally called We Lost, and shows a steampunk town, fantastical boss battles, and even a sci-fi section.
It’s likely much of the trailer is using placeholder assets, but it at least gives a glimpse into the development process. What’s more, turn-based battles seem to have always been part of the project, as do the names of characters Lune and Maelle.
Further, lead writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen has detailed how the game’s setting was completely different in its early phases.
“The gameplay would have been similar,” she told The Gamer, “but the story was completely different. It was set in a steampunk Victorian England with zombies, aliens, and various things.”
A call with potential investors inspired Broche to “think bigger”, Svedberg-Yen added, which prompted a complete re-think of the narrative. It was ultimately inspired by a painting Broche admired and a short story Svedberg-Yen was working on, which revolved around an artist entering her own canvases.
Early draft trailer for the game
byu/Palmoleum inexpedition33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 certainly succeeds in part due to its French authenticity – from its fashion sense, to its jokey references to baguettes and mimes. Even French President Macron has taken note, calling the game a “shining example of French audacity”.
“Outside the core plot, there’s a wonderful silliness – and self-deprecation – to Clair Obscur that, together with its outstanding art direction and unique battle mechanics, ensure the game is distinct,” I wrote in Eurogamer’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review.