Sandfall Interactive is a brand-new studio and the very first game they release is one of the most gorgeous ones I have ever seen. And by that I am not just referring to the graphics, but quite literally everything. The music, the story, the voice acting, the gameplay, the environments, the artstyle, the developers. Especially the developers. Damn gorgeous, each and all of them, with all their talent and passion and effort which they have poured into this outstanding work of art.

Usually I'm not exactly a fan of turn-based combat, so this was the one aspect of the game I was afraid I might not like, but the opposite is the case. I am having so so much fun with it! It just feels so exciting! From the dynamic movement of navigating the interface and the flow of the camera, to the epic impact of the abilities and the thrill of succesfully pulling off the real-time mechanics such as parrying. I really enjoy finding and experimenting with new synergies and sequences by unlocking and upgrading new mechanics and abilities, which in turn make exploring feel even more rewarding.
Still, if this style of combat doesn't interest you, you can always switch to a lower difficulty. You will neither have to be a strategic mastermind, nor hit all the tight parry timings, if you don't wish to do so. All the other qualities of this game are reason enough by themselves to play it.

The story is impressively unique and well written, and it is engaging from the very beginning. It didn't take me longer than the prologue to deeply care for the expedition's goal and be so intrigued about unraveling all the mysteries and questions this world holds in store. And also to cry, damn it. It definitely didn't take me long to fall in love with the characters, either. Also thanks to the impressive cast of voice talents. Jennifer English, Andy Serkis and Charlie Cox, to name just a few.

My favorite aspect, however, and the one that probably intrigued me the most when Expedition 33 was revealed, is the music. If you have even an inkling of apprecation for soundtracks, please, just stop reading this already and play the game.
It's phenomenal. All of it. The atmospheric background music is as diverse as the environments you traverse. The combat tracks slap so hard, they exceed the goal of hyping up for the combat and instead make me stand idle during my turn because I just have to listen to these bangers. The emotional tracks for the cutscenes pull at my heartstrings as much as the captivating acting and dialogue writing do.

Also, the graphics are indeed gorgeous. Probably the best I have ever seen in a game not from a Triple-A studio. I am actually glad there isn't a photo mode (as of yet), because I would probably spend dozens of hours taking screenshots. It's not just the graphics which make this game so beautiful though, it's also the creative artstyle. It's just so damn cool. Take a look at just one of the trailers and see the unique environments and creature designs for yourself.

I've been looking forward to Clair Obscur since its reveal trailer from last year, my hype and expectations ever-increasing with each subsequent trailer and behind the scenes video, reaching a level that was probably rather unfair for a new studio on a smaller budget. I just can't help it and get excited when something looks this promising and everything they show indicates it's a labor of love. All the more relieved I am for myself and happy for Sandfall Interactive that this game is so incredibly well received. It's much deserved. And needed. Clair Obscur was clearly made by passionate people that truly wanted to make a great game. This is becoming more and more rare in today's sea of corporate releases that are products first and games second, soulless at best and predatory at worst. If you want to play something that doesn't care about taking as much money from you as possible, but instead cares about giving you an amazing experience, something that oozes creativity and passion in all of its elements, then please, do yourself (and this entire industry) a favor and play this piece of art.