If you're a fan of classic turn-based RPGs like Legend of Dragoon or the golden era of Final Fantasy on the PS1, Expedition 33 might just be your next obsession. I recently dove into this surprise gem, and it immediately transported me back to the days when timing-based combat and deep, character-driven stories ruled the genre. Expedition 33 takes the best parts of old-school JRPGs—like Quick Time Events in battle—and injects them with modern gameplay mechanics reminiscent of Dark Souls, featuring precise dodging, skill-based parrying, and brutally satisfying counterattacks.
What sets Expedition 33 apart isn't just its combat—it’s the atmosphere and tone. At first glance, I expected something a little campy or whimsical. But within the first hour, the narrative took a hard left turn, gripping me in ways I didn’t see coming. The plot becomes increasingly complex, emotional, and genuinely surprising. It's rare for a modern RPG to balance mechanical depth with such engaging storytelling, but Expedition 33 nails it. I found myself going from cracking jokes to sitting on the edge of my seat, completely immersed in its world.
One of the standout features of Expedition 33 is its incredible environmental design. The visuals themselves aren’t groundbreaking, but the art direction is phenomenal—think gravity-defying landscapes, warped architecture, and surreal dream-like spaces that feel ripped from a high-concept sci-fi film. It's the kind of design that sticks with you. And whether it was intentional or not, I couldn’t help but see shades of Robert Pattinson in the protagonist and maybe even a Pierce Brosnan-esque figure in the mysterious man from the Paintress’s Island intro.
And let’s talk about that soundtrack—do not sleep on it. I’d hear these rich, cinematic tracks coming from my roommate’s room, instantly drawn in. Sure enough, every time, it was Expedition 33. The music elevates the whole experience and gives the game a kind of prestige, reminding me of iconic RPG soundtracks from composers like Nobuo Uematsu or Yasunori Mitsuda. It adds emotional weight and perfectly underscores the game’s unexpected narrative turns.
In a gaming landscape filled with safe bets and formulaic releases, Expedition 33 feels like a love letter to gamers who crave depth, challenge, and originality. It came out of nowhere and hit hard—this is a game made for gamers. Whether you're a longtime RPG veteran or a newer player looking for something with soul and substance, this is one title that demands your attention.