Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a fantastic game that deserves its success. One million copies sold for a new IP is a major achievement for Sandfall Interactive, and even more players are now getting caught up in its intriguing narrative.
But as more people dive into the game, one issue keeps coming up that’s starting to annoy players: the platforming. Forget about fighting the Paintress or that chromatic sheep you’ve battled for hours; the platforming makes regular boss fights feel like a walk in the park.
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If you haven’t run into this problem yet, that means you haven’t attempted that one Platforming Challenge on Gestral Beach in Act 2. It’s a nightmare. You’re forced to climb three or four stories of what feels like random junk, praying you don’t get tripped up by the game’s awkward platforming animations.
Early on, it’s not too bad; platforms are forgiving, and jumps are easy. But things change when items like powerful Pictos or the Colors of Lumina show up in trickier spots. These aren’t just hidden collectibles; they’re placed in bizarre locations that require more than brainpower. You need sharp reflexes and patience, two things this game’s platforming system does not reward.
Platforming isn’t Sandfall Interactive’s strong suit. They’re trying, and it’s not always terrible. However, when those challenges show up, especially the one on Gestral Beach, even hardened Soulsborne veterans might be on the verge of throwing a controller.
That said, one thing made my platforming nightmare slightly more bearable: the funky jazz music. It felt like a celebration, just like Gestral’s words before I began the challenge. Despite falling multiple times on the way up, I vibed to the game’s catchy tunes.
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As I neared the final stretch, the music kept me going, along with the burning question: What the hell is the reward for this ridiculous challenge? My heart was pounding. If I made one wrong move, I’d be right back at the bottom. It felt like that one “Going Up” game on Steam that drove everyone mad.
Then, finally. I reached the top. Waiting for me were dancing Gestrals telling me I now belonged to the “cool club,” whatever that means. They’re not the most memorable creatures in Clair Obscur’s world, but their goofy celebration made the journey worth it. I did it. I succeeded. And I never want to do it again.
My reward? A bikini outfit for my boy Monoco. And honestly? I guess that makes up for the hell I went through.