It’s rare to see a brand-new studio step into the ring and go toe-to-toe with gaming legends, but Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has managed to do just that.
Released earlier this year by the relatively unknown Sandfall Interactive, the game quickly gained momentum as the dark horse of 2025.
It looks like an indie game with stylish art and turn-based combat, which usually appeals to a niche audience.
Instead, Expedition 33 captivated both critics and players across the board to the point where it started dominating Game of the Year conversations just a few weeks after launch.
How Did Clair Obscur Become the GOTY Front-Runner?
The game’s success came from taking bold moves when others played it safe.
It introduced reflex elements into turn-based battles, delivered a story rich in meaning, and focused on its own vision without familiar brands or characters. It was sleek, daring, and fully authentic.
That strong identity, emotional depth, and satisfying mechanics won over even players who usually avoid the genre. The game’s user score on Metacritic is 9.7, making it one of the highest-rated, with thousands of good reviews.
What Makes Death Stranding 2 a Contender?
Next up was Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, a sequel from a legendary game creator that delivered what fans wanted: a huge cinematic world, improved movement, enhanced combat, and breathtaking graphics that showcased the PS5’s power.
The fan response was explosive. Within days, DS2 overtook Clair Obscur as the top-rated game on the PlayStation Store. Its user rating soared past 4.9, bolstered by over 11,000 perfect five-star reviews. To a lot of fans, the sequel seemed like a win as it refined Kojima’s initial vision and made it more approachable.
Why Isn’t Everyone Sold on DS2?
Death Stranding 2 trades some of the first game’s raw unpredictability for a more streamlined, action-heavy experience, which not everyone is happy about.
While combat has gotten better, some people still find it clunky and shallow. The story, while sometimes complex and emotional, has been described by some as overacted or uneven. The sequel also reuses too much from the first game instead of trying new ideas.
How Did Expedition 33 Break the Mold?
Clair Obscur pulls ahead because it feels fresh and creatively daring, not just technically well-made.
The gameplay strikes a balance between rhythm and reflex, the story hooks you early and keeps its grip, and every part of the world feels handcrafted.
The characters connect deeply, the soundtrack sticks with you, and the entire project shows authentic creative ambition. And the fact that all of it came from a modestly-sized team, without blockbuster backing, only makes the accomplishment more impressive.
Is It a Close Race or a Clear Win?
What makes this year’s GOTY race so compelling is that both games are excellent for completely different reasons.
Death Stranding 2 is a technical marvel, giving players more freedom, better tools, and bigger stakes. It’s emotionally powerful and visually unmatched. On the other hand, Clair Obscur doesn’t try to outgun it and simply dares to be different.
And in a year packed with sequels and safe bets, that kind of risk-taking might be exactly what gives it the edge. The debate goes on, with some arguing that DS2 will come out on top thanks to its production quality and legacy.
Others argue Expedition 33 merits the crown for its fresh, surprising, and moving qualities. The answer won’t be known until awards season, but one thing is clear: 2025 is a landmark year for gaming, and regardless of the winner, players are the real winners.
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