Clair Obscur
Jan 3, 2026
Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 a JRPG? Genre, Influences & Identity Explained
This in-depth guide explains its genre, JRPG influences, combat design, storytelling style, and how it differs from traditional Japanese RPGs. Photo by: Dexerto
When Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was shown, people wondered:
Is this a JRPG?
Well, it's complicated.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn't a classic JRPG, but it takes a lot from JRPG ideas. It mixes Japanese RPG history with today's Western RPG feelings.
To get why, we need to see where JRPGs started, what makes them special, and how Clair Obscur fits in or goes its own way.
What Defines a JRPG?
JRPG means Japanese Role-Playing Game, but now it's more than just a game from Japan.
Common JRPG Characteristics
Fights happen in turns or through menus.
The story is a main focus.
Characters have set personalities and stories.
You play as part of a group.
The game has a distinct, anime-like visual style.
The story goes in a straight or mostly straight line.
Some all-time favorites include Final Fantasy, Persona, Dragon Quest, and Chrono Trigger.
Where Clair Obscur Aligns With JRPGs
Clair Obscur has some core design ideas that you usually see in JRPGs.
1. Turn-Based Combat Foundation
Clair Obscur's combat is turn-based at its core, featuring:
A set turn order
Individual character ability choices
Strategic party control
This is a clear mark of a JRPG.
2. Party-Based RPG Structure
The game focuses on:
Unique party members
Abilities specific to each character
Teamwork between different roles
This is more like classic Japanese RPGs than Western RPGs where you usually play alone.
3. Narrative-Driven Experience
Storytelling is key:
The plot focuses on emotions.
The writing puts characters first.
It uses symbols and explores deep themes.
Like many JRPGs, the game values story more than letting you freely explore the world.
4. Combat Presentation & Rhythm
The combat has been updated, but it still feels like a classic JRPG with:
Battles that flow in a familiar way
A focus on clear turns, not messy action
Choices that require real strategy
Where Clair Obscur Is NOT a Traditional JRPG
Even though Clair Obscur has things in common with JRPGs, it isn't afraid to do its own thing.
1. Western Development
Sandfall Interactive, a French studio, made this game, not a Japanese one.
While where a game comes from doesn't decide what kind of game it is, it does have an impact on things like:
How the story feels
How the characters are written
How the world is built
Because of this, the game has more of a European feel than a Japanese one.
2. Art Style Is Not Anime-Inspired
Clair Obscur stands apart from other JRPGs because of its distinct artistic style:
It goes for a realistic, painterly look.
It's inspired by classical art.
Its colors are soft, creating a sad feel.
You won't find typical anime styles, cute character designs, or over-the-top visuals here.
3. Hybrid Real-Time Combat Elements
JRPGs usually:
Fully turn-based
Or fully action-based
Clair Obscur includes real-time input during turns, like:
Timing-based actions
Reactive defense
It goes beyond what you'd expect from a typical Japanese role-playing game.
4. Thematic Tone
Here's what the game is all about:
Mortality
Inevitability
Existential themes
This style feels more like European art films and books than the usual upbeat or dramatic JRPG stories.
How Clair Obscur Is Best Classified
The best way to describe it is:
It's a turn-based RPG that takes ideas from Japanese games but tells a Western-style story with Western art.
It's like a JRPG, but with a twist.
Genre Comparison Table
Feature | JRPG | Clair Obscur |
|---|---|---|
Turn-based combat | Yes | Yes |
Party system | Yes | Yes |
Anime art style | Common | No |
Japanese development | Yes | No |
Hybrid real-time mechanics | Rare | Yes |
Linear narrative | Yes | Yes |
Western thematic tone | Rare | Yes |
Why Players Call It a JRPG
Lots of people call Clair Obscur a JRPG because:
It feels like a JRPG structurally
Combat pacing resembles classic turn-based RPGs
Party-focused storytelling aligns with JRPG traditions
In today's gaming discussions, the term JRPG usually points to a certain style of game design, not just games made in Japan.
Why Others Say It’s Not a JRPG
Some disagree, stating:
It lacks anime aesthetics
It isn’t developed in Japan
Its tone and presentation differ significantly
Both sides have a point because Clair Obscur is made to fit in between the usual boxes.
Why This Hybrid Identity Matters
Clair Obscur is part of a growing trend:
Developers borrowing JRPG systems
Removing stylistic constraints
Blending genres to reach broader audiences
This lets you:
JRPG fans to enjoy familiar mechanics
Western RPG fans to experience turn-based depth
New players to engage without genre barriers
Final Verdict
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn't your typical JRPG, but it definitely takes a lot of inspiration from the genre.
Structurally, it aligns with JRPG combat and party systems
Artistically and thematically, it follows a Western vision
Mechanically, it modernizes turn-based design
To put it simply:
A fresh, hybrid RPG that puts a Western spin on classic JRPG ideas.
If you're into turn-based RPGs, whether they're JRPGs or not, Clair Obscur should feel familiar, but it also does its own thing.
