Expedition 33 is Mediocre

Описание: Rush Hour | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review

I hate to call a game "overrated" because that's a relative word. If you believe something is great, yet others worship it as a flawless gem, that's something that can be construed as overrated in your eyes, yet the term doesn't necessarily convey your actual feelings. You might think the game is trash or fantastic or anything in between, so long as it's anything less than flawless. Saying something is "overrated" helps with clickbait, so as much as I'd love to use the term, I resisted. This game is not overrated.

With that in mind, the easiest way to explain my feelings about Expedition 33 is to be blunt: it's mediocre. The praise it has received is off the charts, and I believe most of it is unwarranted. This is what happens when there's a dearth of quality, new releases. When most developers don't create with passion. When most players turn a blind-eye to a genre that has been brimming with creativity for decades.

Expedition 33 is not innovative, but that in itself is not a problem. Final Fantasy Tactics is a derivative work, owing its existence to Tactics Ogre, yet I love Final Fantasy Tactics so much more. But when people point to features in Expedition 33 that have existed for many years, and use them as an excuse to declare that Expedition 33 is some sort of savior of the genre, THAT is where I take issue.

For players that haven't played very many turn-based RPGs, you might find plenty to love about this game. I've played enough of this genre to know that Expedition 33 is a competent take on established concepts, but with some glaring flaws. And what should've been the saving grace - the story - wound up souring my perception on the entire game's narrative once I reached the ending.

I had no intention on reviewing this game, which is why most of the footage I captured is of the endgame. I went into this with the best intentions, hoping to enjoy a game just for myself. The combination of ceaseless praise from every corner of the internet, and my utter disappointment with the story, was what changed my mind. I'm aware that constantly posting negative videos paints me as someone that hates everything, and I hope to change that perception in time. For now, all I can say is thank you for reading this description, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day!

00:00 Intro
0:57 A work of passion
3:14 Exploration isn't rewarding
8:25 Combat is massively imbalanced
13:30 Progression is broken
21:55 A low-stakes story
27:47 Unwarranted praise
29:39 Turn based games didn't need saving

♫ MUSIC
The Known World | The Last Remnant
Into the Castle | Dinosaur Resurrection
Charge! | Dinosaur Resurrection
Exciting Shop | Dinosaur Resurrection
God! | Dinosaur Resurrection
Blast of Wind | Gurumin
The Tower of Spirits | Dinosaur Resurrection
The Theme of Chester | Ys: The Oath in Felghana
Ode to Revenge | Gurumin
Termination | Ys II Eternal
Mark My Words | Dinosaur Resurrection
Fair Judgement | The Last Remnant
Ante Up | The Last Remnant
The Dragon's Passing | Dinosaur Resurrection
Tie a Link of ARCUS! | Trails of Cold Steel