Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 presents a contemporary interpretation of the classic JRPG model, drawing from early Final Fantasy titles while also borrowing elements from the challenging gameplay of the Souls series. Recently, the developers at Sandfall Interactive have indicated an additional source of inspiration: iconic Studio Ghibli films.
In a discussion with Giant Bomb (timestamped here), creative director Guillaume Broche shared that many team members at Sandfall are “super big fans” of Studio Ghibli, claiming they have watched the studio’s films “25 times.” Personally, I’d say those are just rookie numbers, Sandfall.
Broche also mentioned that the game’s composer, Lorien Testard, drew significant inspiration from renowned Japanese musician Joe Hisaishi, known for his work on titles like Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, and Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Additionally, the aesthetics and environment in Clair Obscur are heavily influenced by Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, with Broche expressing a desire to emulate the profound “sense of wonder” these beloved anime films inspire.
While we often refer to Clair Obscur’s JRPG roots, which undeniably shape the game’s foundation, it also incorporates a diverse range of elements from various genres. François Meurisse, co-founder of the studio, recently noted that inspirations can be found everywhere—from deckbuilding games to the distinctive Belle Époque artistic style prominent in its visuals.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may not be the traditional turn-based RPG I was hoping for, but its combat mechanics are even better than I anticipated.