As Game of the Year discussions heat up, one of the loudest voices backing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 comes from inside Square Enix itself.
Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi says Expedition 33 is the standout game of 2025 and is worthy of GOTY.
He didn’t hesitate when asked; this was his clear choice in a year packed with strong contenders that could all win without much debate.
Why Does Hamaguchi Believe It Stands Above the Rest?
He sees its success as the result of strong execution across the board.
He spoke at length about how Expedition 33 pulls together its setting, narrative beats, cast, and worldbuilding with a level of polish that feels unusually consistent.
He argues that what sets it apart is the harmony between its story, aesthetic choices, and core systems.
He pointed out that the game’s solid overall execution is what made people embrace it immediately and why it sold so well.
Why Is Its Combat Earning Such Praise?
He made sure to mention the excitement over its combat, especially the hybrid turn-based setup.
While big JRPG names like Final Fantasy lean harder into action, Expedition 33 goes in the opposite direction.
It follows classic JRPG rules but introduces timing-based parries, elemental systems, and a battle rhythm that blends reflex and strategy.
The focus is less on visual noise and more on player ability, which quickly resonated with fans who know the genre well.
Did Its Success Influence Final Fantasy Conversations?
The game’s strong reception has renewed talk among Final Fantasy fans about Square Enix returning to more traditional turn-based combat.
The praise was enthusiastic enough that company leadership openly acknowledged hearing those voices.
Some fans believe Expedition 33 proved the format can still be modern, stylish, and commercially successful, a point Hamaguchi also seemed to appreciate.
He added that Sandfall’s Expedition 33 team paid a visit to Square Enix earlier this year.
The specifics of that meeting remain private, but he described the encounter as inspiring.
To him, it reflected both the respect Sandfall has for the genre’s roots and the admiration that Japanese creators felt for a Western team able to reinterpret the classic JRPG formula.
That cultural exchange underscored how closely aligned Expedition 33 is with the tradition it draws from, even while updating it for a new audience.
How Is Sandfall Reacting to the GOTY Talk?
As GOTY buzz increases, Sandfall remains humble, saying awards were never the goal and that they’re just proud the game resonated so deeply.
Inside the industry, Hamaguchi’s endorsement stands out, especially since he isn’t the only one; figures like Phil Spencer have also spoken highly of Expedition 33 this year.
All this recognition shows the game’s arrival wasn’t fleeting and that it genuinely connected with its community and top-tier talent.
Hamaguchi pointed to one recurring reason for Expedition 33’s edge over the rest, and it was balance.
Whether it’s the narrative, the ambiance, or the paced fighting, each element feels well-developed and intentional.
He said it mirrors classic JRPGs, with big stories, standout characters, rich worlds, and combat that rewards patience over rapid inputs.
Expedition 33 captures that spirit, while still feeling very much like a modern release.
When the competition is this fierce, a legendary franchise director throwing his support behind Expedition 33 speaks volumes.
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