Lies of P and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Shockingly Share a Similar Hook

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Lies of P and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Shockingly Share a Similar Hook

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that I’ve seen trends come and go, but the recent surge of games drawing inspiration from the Belle Epoque era is something truly captivating. Last year, Lies of P was a breath of fresh air in the soulslike genre, and from the looks of it, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is poised to do the same for JRPGs.

As a gaming enthusiast looking forward to next year, I’m excitedly anticipating “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33”. Last year’s “Lies of P” was one of the standout hits of 2023, and it seems that “Clair Obscur” could join its ranks. Although they belong to different genres – “Lies of P” being a soulslike game and “Clair Obscur” inspired by JRPGs with turn-based combat – they share an intriguing similarity that’s worth noting, especially for the future of the gaming industry.

Without needing to play either game, it’s evident that both, Lies of P and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, boast an impressive visual aesthetic. Initially deemed a Bloodborne clone because of its dark atmosphere and steampunk influences, Lies of P proved to be visually captivating with its blend of science-fiction, fantasy, and historical elements, creating a richly detailed fictional universe. Clair Obscur seems poised to follow suit, offering a unique and striking game world that resembles franchises like Persona, at least on initial observation.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Lies of P – Belle Epoque Classics In the Making

Lies of P and Clair Obscur Both Leverage the Belle Epoque Style

The term “Belle Epoque” refers to a significant cultural phase in French history that roughly spanned from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Marked by artistic prosperity and wealth, this era was shaped during France’s peak imperialism, showcasing the strong economy resulting from extensive territorial expansion and subjugation. In essence, P’s story might have been more influenced by Italian folklore in its themes, but its style carries a distinctly Belle Epoque aesthetic.

The elegance and extravagance of the Belle Epoque period is encapsulated in the lavish interiors and stylish Victorian attire seen in Lies of P, which starkly contrasts with the game’s general themes of decay and disorder. Similarly, Clair Obscur appears to draw inspiration from this era marked by enlightenment and industrialization, merging macabre fantasy elements with Victorian fashion, architecture, and emerging technologies like semi-automatic weapons. By incorporating these distinctive aesthetic details, both Lies of P and Clair Obscur distinguish themselves from numerous other fantasy or steampunk creations, leveraging specificity to their advantage.

Incidentally, the games “Lies of P” and “Clair Obscur” are remarkable in that they represent the initial projects for their respective developers. Prior to “Lies of P”, Round 8 Studios had only one credit under its belt – the relatively small-scale MMO “Bless Unleashed”. Similarly, “Clair Obscur” is Sandfall Interactive’s inaugural title.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Will Hopefully Be More than Just a Pretty Face

Developers find the Belle Epoque era appealing due to its ornate elegance and rapid technological progress, which provides an ideal setting for fresh ideas. However, while the aesthetics of “Lies of P” may have helped it gain initial attention in 2023, it wasn’t solely praised for its appearance. The game offers robust combat, featuring inventive mechanics within its soulslike genre, making it a formidable competitor to many FromSoftware titles. Its distinctive cultural influences merely enhance an already impressive gameplay experience and storyline.

To maximize its chances of success, Clair Obscur needs to maintain the same level of quality that it demonstrated. Just as Lies of P left players awestruck with its immersive and dynamic combat system, Clair Obscur should captivate audiences with innovative twists on the turn-based genre, a compelling narrative, or preferably both. The gaming industry might be witnessing a Renaissance-like trend reminiscent of how first-person shooters dominated in the 2000s. However, if the gameplay and storytelling aren’t consistently excellent, it risks facing the same downfall as its overused genre counterparts from that era.

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2024-10-03 01:05