New Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 gameplay – fighting and exploring the Flying Waters region

blog.playstation.com:

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG incorporating real-time elements, focusing on a unique journey to stop The Paintress from ever painting death again. In this early preview of the game’s initial stages, PlayStation fans will get a first look at gameplay in Flying Waters, a mysterious region where Gustave and Lune search for their missing companion, Maelle. 

Each environment within Expedition 33 offers something distinctive. Flying Waters, for example, defies conventional physics, presenting a setting that is both underwater and not. This surrealistic approach is central to the game’s design, aiming to immerse you in a world where the impossible becomes possible. Inspirations from surrealist art are woven throughout, creating a striking experience that constantly keeps you on the edge of discovery. 

In Flying Waters, you will navigate environments filled with remnants from past expeditions, such as destroyed structures, worn paths, and other telltale signs of previous groups that met untimely ends. Expedition 68 perished here, and by closely examining the area, you can piece together how they met their tragic end. 

Making these environments fun to explore was something key for us. So, we built them to be nonlinear, with a layer of verticality and full of mysteries and secrets. There are multiple tools at your disposal to reach every hidden area: a grapple, climbing hooks left by previous expeditions, ropes… Exploring a level fully will always be very rewarding and you may find secret bosses, items or even entire secret levels by being meticulous in your exploration.

Combat in Expedition 33 blends traditional turn-based mechanics with reactive real-time elements. During battles, timing is key—whether initiating attacks or defending against incoming strikes. The battle system requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. While commands are inputted in a turn-based format allowing you to take as much time as you need to establish your strategies, you