Gaming

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review: Beautifully haunting

‘For those who come after’

Published

April 23, 2025

Let’s get one thing straight. None of the words I string together will be enough to adequately describe the breadth and depth of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It is visually arresting, the combat is engaging, the characters are fleshed out, and the story will have you hooked. I can confidently say that you will come out of this experience absolutely enthralled.

But what is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33? It’s the debut game of Sandfall Interactive. They’re a team of developers from France who come from more well-known publishers but decided to band together to deliver a game that truly speaks to their sensibilities.

That sensibility is a love and reverence for JRPGs. And you’ll immediately see that influence if you care to check a few of the marketing they have already put out for the game.

Gustave, The Paintress, and Lumiere

Speaking of the game, you’re thrust into a world at the mercy of The Paintress. Year after year, she paints a number on the Monolith. The number indicates the age that will succumb to The Gommage. Think Thanos-type of being dusted away. And boy, it does not feel good.

You play as Gustave who is voiced by Daredevil himself, Charlie Cox. Gustave is a respected engineer in Lumiere and one of the key members of Expedition 33. Lumiere appears to be a piece of land that broke off away from the main content where The Paintress is.

Right before you embark on the Expedition, you immediately see Gustave suffer a loss. As do the rest of Lumiere as The Paintress erases 34, dusting away people of that age.

Expedition 33, as with the expeditions that preceded it, are mostly composed of people who only have a year to live. They embark on the journey to prevent The Gommage by slaying The Paintress.

It’s a harrowing task but one that must be taken to give hope, as Gustave says, “for those who come after.”

Visually arresting

Despite the gloomy and melancholic premise, the world of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t drab and devoid of color. Quite the opposite, really.

The environments are vibrant, captivating, and imaginative. You go from what appears to be a typical ‘fantasy game’ forest to an area that appears to be submerged in water with creatures floating around and proceed to a village whose populace seem to want to do nothing but fight.

In between these areas is an even more breathtaking overworld. Yes, it’s a similar kind of overworld prominent in 90s period JRPGs where you roam around until you get to the next area of interest.

This is a great evolution of the overworld present in games like Final Fantasy VII, VIII, and IX

In the overworld, the perspective shifts from your typical third-person view to one that’s more isometric. Encounters, however, aren’t random. You’ll see enemies lying in wait which you could either fight or avoid.

The characters also look very distinct. The art style is unique. Human but not quite photorealistic. Animated but not cartoony.

Outside of some lip-syncing issues, you’ll likely find yourself enamored with how the game looks.

Active Turn-based combat

I’ve already gone in quite some detail on combat in my preview. To reiterate and summarize, the base of the combat is turn-based. But the game adds a few wrinkles to keep you engaged. There’s a parry, dodge, and jump mechanic as response to the enemies’ attacks.

When launching your own turns, you can perform a base attack, use items, free aim, or use a skill. Free aim and skills consume action points or AP. Performing a base attack, parrying, and more lets you gain AP.

Learning each enemy type’s attack pattern to dodge or parry can be tough. But once you do, it’s extremely satisfying. The window to dodge is generous but parrying can be unforgiving. Impeccable timing is absolutely required.

Each character also has their own mechanic. Gustave is your sword and pistol weilder. Your typical damage-dealing protagonist. His mechanic is Overcharge where some of his skills and attacks build-up which then let’s him unleash a powerful attack.

The next two characters you’ll control are Lune and Maelle. Lune is your mage with the Stains mechanic while Maelle is a fencer with the Stances mechanic.

You have the usual skill tree.

Planned carefully, you can string together moves that can help set up your party members to do more damage, thus ending the encounter much more hastily.

Each skill also has QTE which plays more like a rhythm game. Time your button presses, and you will increase damage or the effect of that particular skill.

Pictos and Lumina

Then you have Pictos and Lumina. Pictos are essentially equippable items you can acquire through exploration. These items contain buffs or combat effects. If equipped after four fights, the Pictos are then ‘learned.’

Once they are learned, other characters can then have the same buffs by spending Lumina. Every Pictos has a corresponding fixed Lumina number. This lets you know which ones you can equip to a character. Each character also has a corresponding Lumina number that can be increased as you play the game.

And that’s not even all of it. Hours into the game and you’ll be introduced to more mechanics but not before you’ve already become familiar with its base concepts.

When not in full health after combat, characters will look like this in the game.

Overall, the combat is extremely layered without being overcomplicated. It will test how well you prepare and strategize as well as how good your reflexes are.

Fleshed-out characters

Cosmetic changes appear even in cutscenes. This one looks a little silly, but it fits the moment.

A common pitfall of many JRPGs are one-dimentional characters that act more like caricatures than actual characters. That is not the case with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

In the early part of the game, you barely know anything about any of the characters. You’re also just as lost and confused as they are after a major incident.

The way they react to the situation already tells you who they are as people. You see how they respond to a desperate situation, arguing over what to do but still coming across as people who still genuinely care about each other and their cause.

This is one of the more impactful early scenes that display this game’s strength in writing, voice acting, and cutscene animation.

This extends to the rest of the characters you meet along the way. What’s brilliant is it’s not all gloom and doom. Despite knowing the dangers they face and the unpredictability of their situation, they still find time for some playful banter that feels warm and not out of place.

Gustave, the team, and the rest of the characters are people who have known and experienced love, loss, joy, pain, grief, and more. You see it by how they act and interact. Which makes every emotional turn of the game even more impactful.

Gripping story

From the get go, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 already has an unusual premise. But it keeps the intrigue going as you go through the main campaign.

Lune, one of your main party members, says it best during the latter part of Act I: “The more we learn, the more questions I have.”

That’s the general feeling of the game’s story. You’re just eager to find out what happens next. And what happens next is… well, that’s for you to know on your first playthrough.

It’s a beautifully haunting tale set in a visually rich but broken world.

Should you play Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?

Until further notice, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is my Game of the Year for 2025. So, yes. It is a must-play.

The game will lure you in with its stunning visuals, grab you with its inciting incident, keep you focused during combat, endear you to its characters, and deliver gut-wrenching and awe-inspiring moments that will make you yearn for more.

Thankfully, it’s a 30–50-hour campaign with late game content that could double if you’re the completionist type.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is out on April 24. It’s available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC. It will also be available Day One on Game Pass.

Gaming

PRAGMATA release date, Nintendo Switch 2 availability confirmed

Preorders now open, free demo available too

Published

December 19, 2025

GadgetMatch

Capcom has announced the official release date for upcoming sci-fi action game PRAGMATA. The title will be available on April 24, 2026 on multiple platforms.

Aside from launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, PRAGMATA will also be available on Nintendo Switch 2, as confirmed in a new trailer exploring the lunar cityscape.

Preorders are now available as well on all platforms. In addition, the Sketchbook Demo is now available on Steam and is coming to consoles soon.

The free public demo provides the opportunity to experience the title’s immersive setting and thrilling gameplay for the first time. It also includes fun extra surprises to challenge players.= and encourage repeat playthroughs.

As a preorder bonus, players will receive Hugh’s samurai-styled Neo bushido outfit and Diana’s ninja-inspired Neo Kunoichi costume.

Alongside the standard version, a Deluxe Edition will be available. This includes the Shelter Variety Pack, an assortment of alternate outfits for the two characters.

The Deluxe Edition also includes a weapon skin, emotes, extra background music, and an in-game library with 75 digital artwork pieces.

The new trailer expands what players know of the game’s environment so far, with the protagonists in what seemingly looks like a futuristic dystopian city. It shows Hugh and Diana both being chased by various opponents, as well as a bit of their dynamic together.

As for its gameplay, PRAGMATA will feature a dual-character control, enabling players to control both Hugh and Diana simultaneously.

Central to the action is a “hacking” mechanic but Capcom will enrich combat with a more strategic and exciting element unique to the title.

Gaming

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade free demo released

For Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox

Published

December 18, 2025

GadgetMatch

Square Enix has released a free demo for Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade which is launching on January 22, 2026.

The demo is available on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC. Players can carry their save data from the demo period over to the full game and claim the bonus items “Revival Earrings” and “Survival Set” in the process.

In addition, the game has Xbox Play Anywhere support. This means players can enjoy seamless progression across console and PC platforms.

Switch 2 users can enter the following codes to download the demo via the “Redeem Code” option on the Nintendo e-Shop:

United States: D3GM3304HKQBB2VB
Europe: D3GM3304HKPBB2VB
Japan: D3GM3304H3DBB2VB
Korea: D3GM3304H3CBB2VB
Hong Kong and Taiwan: D3GM3304H3BBB2VB
Southeast Asia: D3GM3304HY9BB2VB

Meanwhile, the free demo for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox for PC is available via this link.

Aside from the aforementioned platforms, the visually enhanced and expanded version of the original 2020 remake is already available on PlayStation 5, Steam, and Epic games.

What players can expect

In the demo, players can experience the game’s iconic opening chapter, in which the mercenary Cloud Strife and the underground resistance group Avalanche attempt to destroy a Mako Reactor powering the dystopian city of Midgar.

In their fight against the Shinra Electric Power Company, Cloud and his comrades are thrust into a larger conflict that will decide the fate of the planet.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade features improved graphics and performance. Aside from that, the game includes FF7R EPISODE INTERmission.

This exciting additional story features fan-favorite ninja Yuffie Kisaragi as she embarks on a thrilling new adventure.

Players can expect expanded gameplay mechanics, refined combat systems, and immersive storytelling that deepens the lore of Midgar.

Square Enix has also released a new One-Winged Angel trailer:

Gaming

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro might be the comfiest headphones I’ve tried

The memory foam cushioning is divine.

Published

December 17, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

Despite being a self-professed audiophile, I have always had a problem with wearing headphones the whole day. Sooner or later, the weight just becomes too much. So, when I saw the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro with its thick cushioning, it was love at first sight.

But will that love last?

Lookin’ like a succulent pork belly

Obviously, I’m exaggerating, but the head strap really does look like a pork belly because of how thick it is. And that’s not a complaint, either.

The BlackShark V3 Pro has one of the most comfortable cushioning I’ve ever experienced from a pair of headphones. Plus, both the head strap and the earcups use memory foam, so it feels like new every single time.

Over time, I can barely feel the headphones bearing down on the top of my head because of the thick cushioning. I lasted more than five hours before I felt anything. Even after taking it off for a spell, I was ready to get back into the game. For me, that’s an absurdly good record.

The earcups, on the other hand, fit perfectly. For reference, I have an average ear size. A lot of headphones I’ve tried often leave my ears in pain from all the flexing, but the BlackShark’s fit is just right.

A minimalist but elegant design

Besides the nice cushioning, the rest of the headphones exude that elegant look you might expect from more premium headphones. Except for incredibly subtle Razer branding and a thin ring of lime green around the mic button, there’s nothing to indicate that this is a pro gaming headset.

The earcups are connected to the strap via thin metal arms and a braided cable. The same arms offer 15-degree maneuverability to ensure the most comfortable fit.

Unfortunately, they don’t fold, so it’s harder to take these headphones outside. It’s a slight wrinkle in an otherwise stellar design.

Going back to analog

A lot of headphones today prefer using gesture controls over actual buttons and knobs. Getting rid of buttons does help make designs look sleeker. However, it comes with the added frustration of fiddling around with often-finicky gestures.

Thankfully, the BlackShark V3 Pro has a wealth of buttons and knobs for, in my opinion, easier control. This also lends to its credence as a gaming peripheral. When I’m in the zone, I don’t want to mess around with gestures that might not even work.

The left cup has a dedicated power button, a microphone button, a USB-C slot, and a 3.5mm port (for both input and output). It also has a nifty knob for volume control.

Meanwhile, the right cup has an equalizer button, a noise cancelling button, and a dial to adjust the ANC levels. There’s also audio feedback that lets you know exactly what you’ve pressed.

I love this layout. Though you can argue that all these buttons seem like overkill, there’s just something about manually pressing buttons and turning knobs, especially when you’re focused on gaming. It’s like a palpable feeling of turning it to 11 that you just don’t get with gesture controls.

Premium for gaming, a step less for everything else

The BlackShark V3 Pro is a bass-leaning headset. That’s pretty much what you’d expect from a gaming-focused device. A premium on bass helps you feel the immersive thump of gunshots, explosions, and even simple footsteps.

Personally, I don’t prefer bass-heavy devices. However, this pair refreshingly does not tear with high bass level. It offers a pretty rich output for the deeper end of the audio spectrum. An extensive listening session of metal created thrumming breakdowns and heavy drum solos.

However, there’s a clear step down when it comes to treble. It’s only one step down, though, because I can hear that these cans are capable of impressive treble. However, the focus on bass can drown out the other end. I’ve tried adjusting the equalizer, but it made too little difference to elevate the experience for audiophiles.

Additionally, the soundstage feels more centered than immersive. This pair isn’t what I’d pick for long listening sessions. Then again, this wasn’t made for that. This shines more brightly for gamers.

With THX Spatial Audio, these headphones feel more alive during FPS gaming sessions. Another audio enhancement can amplify footsteps, too. The audio adjustment feels weird at first, but it does give a competitive edge for shooters. It’s also compatible with a few other games, including Civilization VII, which gave a pleasant auditory experience.

A much better mic than I expected

The BlackShark V3 Pro comes with a detachable microphone you can snap on to the 3.55mm port. As a pro gaming peripheral, the attachment is expected but not even necessary for a headset of this caliber already.

It’s a fairly decent, well-thought-of accessory. The audio input was, according to people I played with, clear for in-game comms.

Even better, the Razer Synapse app comes with its own equalizer just for the mic. If you need more control over how you want your voice to be broadcast, these headphones give a surprising level of customization. Being easily accessible through the app is a huge plus, too.

In terms of quality, I might still default to a dedicated external mic. However, if you don’t have one, Razer’s premium pair is a great alternative.

Battery good enough for almost two weeks

Razer promises that the BlackShark V3 Pro can last around 70 hours on a single charge. This is a fairly accurate prediction which aligned with how I used the headphones.

As I mentioned, I can withstand around five hours straight of using the headphones. By the end of the first week, I still had a lot of juice. And if I didn’t push it to my absolute limit, I could make this last even longer than two weeks.

Ultimately, the battery’s life depends on how you use the headphones, which differ greatly from person to person. And, at the end of the day, I had no problems with keeping the headphones connected to the long and braided wire.

Is the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro your GadgetMatch?

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is one of the most comfortable pair of headphones I’ve ever tried. It’s also a premium gaming peripheral that reflects its price point well at US$ 249.99.

Sure, you won’t get a pair of headphones worthy for an audiophile, which makes this a Swipe Left if you are. But as a gamer, these are more than what you need, which makes it a hardy Swipe Right.

As someone who’s both, I’d still give this a Swipe Right. My audiophile side already has a more balanced alternatives, after all. But the BlackShark V3 Pro is excellent as a tough-as-nails daily driver.