So you’ve rolled credits on Sandfall Interactive’s premiere game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and are lost about what to do next. You may be sad that the journey is over, or have choice paralysis with how many great games are out. We know your backlog is growing ever-longer every week. Well, if you liked the vibe, the style, and the story of Expedition 33, here are five games we suggest you play next!
Final Fantasy X
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Developer: Square Product Development Division 1
Publisher: Square Enix
Square’s library of RPGs is extensive, and it’s hard to choose what to play if you want another epic turn-based RPG. Final Fantasy X is an excellent place to start. This is Square’s first RPG in the PS2 genre with fully 3D settings, characters, and voice acting. Expedition 33 shares many similarities with Final Fantasy X, including a diverse cast of characters, the ability to manipulate the turn gauge with buffs and debuffs, and extensive customization options.
So, after playing what a modern turn-based RPG feels like, take a step back and see how far they’ve come in just twenty years. Plus, the late-game bosses tend to rival how epic many of the fights feel on The Continent while keeping that feeling of insurmountable odds.
Final Fantasy X is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Octopath Traveler 2
Developer: Creative Business Unit II
Publisher: Square Enix
Square has also stepped back into the 2-D RPG format with their HD-2D initiative. Imagine their original RPGs with voice acting, beautiful settings, all explorable with 2D sprites. Octopath Traveler 2, the latest entry, has few connections to the original release and is now available everywhere. And Octopath Traveler 2 feels like the definitive Octopath Traveler experience.
Similarly to Expedition 33, every attack feels grand. Every boss fight has amazing music and looks like a major fight. Even when you’re fighting some heiress in her house. So, for a smaller scale, maybe Octopath Traveler 2 is the way to go, for more turn-based RPG fun with less at stake.
Octopath Traveler 2 is available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Developer: Monolith Soft
Publisher: Nintendo
Monolith Soft’s latest entry in their action RPG series, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, actually shares a lot in common with Expedition 33. While not turn-based, it’s a good entry into action RPGs. It has a similar story of a near-impossible task to save the world, people working on a time crunch before they die, and the interpersonal relationships being where the story shines.
Similarly to Octopath Traveler 2, you don’t need to play the other Xenoblades to understand the story fully. And with everything going on, including the particle effects, people on screen, and fusion attacks, it runs remarkably well on the Switch. Just be ready to cry again as you fall for Noah and Mio.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is available on Nintendo Switch.
Like A Dragon/Infinite Wealth
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku
Publisher: SEGA
The hit Ryu Ga Gotoku brawler series, Yakuza, has also recently evolved into turn-based combat. If you want a more grounded story, full of serious moments and extremely goofy side-quests, check out this one. Even without playing the other six mainline games before Like a Dragon and Infinite Wealth, the new lead stands on his own, giving a great story that does tie back excellently while not confusing you about who is who. They’re also a fantastic way to get into such a great series of games that deserves to get more and more well-known in the States.
Like a Dragon & Infinite Wealth are available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Anything happy
Okay, maybe you’re just emotionally drained. I definitely was. So just go play something happy. Go play a game that doesn’t demand your undivided attention. Go play a game like Hello Kitty Island Adventure, a fun phone game, or a simple puzzle game—something that isn’t exhausting emotionally and physically. You deserve a break after finishing Expedition 33, and sometimes a palate cleanser is the exact thing you need before the next big wave of massive games hits.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available now PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S via Xbox Game Pass.
