Kinda Funny Gamescast: Clair Obscur - Expedition 33 Spoilercast

Release Date: May 7, 2025

Introduction

In the May 7, 2025 episode of Kinda Funny Gamescast: Clair Obscur, hosts Barrett Courtney, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye, Andy Cortez, Cat Bailey, and Michael Hyam delve deep into the highly anticipated turn-based RPG, Expedition 33. This spoiler-centric episode focuses on unraveling the game's intricate narrative, exploring its endings, boss battles, and discussing potential future expansions. The hosts provide insightful reviews, share personal experiences, and engage with audience questions, making it a comprehensive overview for both avid fans and newcomers.

Initial Impressions and Reviews

The episode kicks off with the hosts sharing their enthusiasm and initial thoughts on Expedition 33. Both Barrett and Andy highlight their excitement about the game's popularity and its potential influence on future turn-based RPGs.

Greg Miller shares his personal challenge with the game:

“[01:16] Greg Miller: ...I beat Spring last night for the first time because I didn't get to do it my first playthrough... Lunae could not be killed with a nuclear bomb before. She is a world ender now like she is straight up like Dr. Manhattan.”

Barrett emphasizes the collective high ratings from the hosts:

“[09:18] Barrett Courtney: ...Andy and I both gave Expedition 33 a 9 out of 10. We were very high on the game.”

Michael Hyam echoes this sentiment, detailing his review for IGN:

“[09:18] Michael Hyam: ...I also gave it a 9 out of 10 and I wrote a lot about it... It was a really fun exploration of grief and family.”

Cat Bailey provides a nuanced perspective, initially skeptical but ultimately captivated by the game's progression:

“[10:44] Cat Bailey: ...I initially went in feeling a little bit skeptical... By Act 2 onward, I was very hooked.”

Deep Dive into the Endings

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the game's two distinct endings, each offering different philosophical takeaways.

Barrett Courtney poses a central question:

“[12:35] Barrett Courtney: ...which ending did you choose?”

Cat Bailey chooses the "My El" ending, highlighting her attachment to the characters:

“[14:10] Cat Bailey: I picked My El's ending because... I didn’t want to say goodbye.”

Michael Hyam opts for the "Verso" ending, appreciating its thematic depth:

“[15:16] Michael Hyam: ...I chose My El's ending first because... she’s not content. It's chilling.”

Greg Miller also selects the "Verso" ending, providing his reasoning:

“[19:16] Greg Miller: ...I chose the Verso's ending because... it feels like the right ending.”

The hosts explore the emotional and narrative implications of each ending, debating themes of grief, agency, and the impact of escapism through art. Cat Bailey draws parallels to Star Trek:

“[21:50] Cat Bailey: ...Captain Pike's story in Star Trek resonates with how the game handles the desire to escape reality.”

Boss Battles and Gameplay Mechanics

The cast enthusiastically discusses their favorite boss fights and the game's combat system, drawing comparisons to other renowned titles.

Greg Miller praises the turn-based mechanics:

“[05:46] Greg Miller: ...the combat system is so rewarding. Everything feels substantial.”

Cat Bailey highlights the diversity in boss designs:

“[52:31] Cat Bailey: ...The Duelist boss was so Elden Ring-inspired. The Lamplighter fight really grabbed me.”

Michael Hyam admires the integration of music and visuals in battles:

“[53:19] Michael Hyam: ...the dungeon uses music layers beautifully, culminating in an epic boss battle.”

They also touch upon the strategic depth required to defeat bosses, emphasizing the need for timing and understanding attack patterns.

Potential DLC and Future Enhancements

The conversation shifts to speculative content, with the hosts brainstorming possible DLC expansions and improvements.

Audience Question (Zest Whisper): “What would you like to see from the DLC?”

Cat Bailey suggests:

“[43:09] Cat Bailey: ...Previous expeditions could explore different story themes as standalone content.”

Michael Hyam envisions large-scale expansions:

“[45:03] Michael Hyam: ...a standalone expansion akin to Phantom Liberty would be ideal for exploring previous expeditions.”

Greg Miller emphasizes quality over quantity:

“[43:29] Greg Miller: ...I'd prefer a full game expansion rather than minor additions.”

The hosts agree that while additional content could enrich the game, maintaining the narrative's integrity is paramount.

Audience Engagement and Super Chats

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with their live audience, addressing various fan comments and questions.

Ryguy2141 inquires about the game's standing among all-time greats:

“[61:28] Ryguy2141: ...Is this a game of all time a la Final Fantasy VII, Ocarina of Time, Elden Ring?”

Cat Bailey responds enthusiastically:

“[61:50] Cat Bailey: ...It's in the Disco Elysium tier of an indie RPG. It's truly special.”

CrystalJ expresses admiration for the game's music and narrative depth:

“[62:13] Michael Hyam: ...the composer Lorian Testard is a genius. The soundtrack blends multiple genres seamlessly.”

Other super chats commend the game's voice acting, art style, and emotional storytelling, reinforcing its critical acclaim.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on Expedition 33's impact and legacy.

Cat Bailey asserts the game's enduring significance:

“[62:06] Cat Bailey: ...Sandfall Interactive is officially on the map now. If it's not my game of the year, it's very high up that list.”

Greg Miller appreciates the game's storytelling prowess:

“[51:31] Greg Miller: ...I’m glad they kept it open and showed the positives and negatives for both outcomes.”

Barrett Courtney emphasizes the game's thematic strengths:

“[75:11] Barrett Courtney: ...the gesturals are lovable silly goofballs, adding charm to the narrative.”

Overall, the Kinda Funny Gamescast team lauds Expedition 33 for its innovative turn-based combat, deep narrative, and emotional resonance, positioning it as a standout title in the RPG genre.

Notable Quotes

• Greg Miller on combat rewards:

  “[05:46] Greg Miller: ...the combat system is so rewarding. Everything feels substantial.”

• Cat Bailey on the game's narrative:

  “[14:34] Cat Bailey: ...It’s both bittersweet in their own way.”

• Michael Hyam on the soundtrack:

  “[53:19] Michael Hyam: ...the dungeon uses music layers beautifully, culminating in an epic boss battle.”

• Barrett Courtney on game design:

  “[35:26] Barrett Courtney: ...the theme of grief and how it affects the world is deeply compelling.”

Conclusion

This episode of Kinda Funny Gamescast offers an in-depth examination of Expedition 33, celebrating its achievements in storytelling, combat mechanics, and emotional depth. The hosts' passionate discussions and thoughtful critiques provide valuable insights, making it a must-listen for fans eager to understand the game's nuances and its place in the broader gaming landscape.