Latest news with #ClairObscurExpedition33
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Is this the new golden age of video games?
Gamers are nostalgic people. Often, if you get chatting with someone about their favourites, you'll time-travel ten or twenty years in a single conversation, back to an era of cartridges, discs and dial-up internet. I'm no stranger to this. The very sight of a pixelated Pokémon sprite, and I can hear the S.S. Anne's theme ringing in my ears. When I see the modern Lara Croft, I'm transported back to the 90s, when you'd pass a PlayStation 1 controller between friends and take turns trying to keep the polygonal heroine alive in a death-trap tomb. I remember those massive raids in the original World of Warcraft on snail-speed internet, or how, even though I replayed Final Fantasy VII hundreds of times, I was always hunting for something new in a playthrough. My point is that when we think of the best games and experiences, we're often looking backwards. Rarely do we look around. Over time, you tend to assume that modern games are merely a flashier repeat of a successful formula. Especially as we're just moving on from a long-winded period of remakes and remasters, you convince yourself that we'll never return to those all-important watercooler moments. And yet, recent games are changing the script in a big way. As we approach the halfway point of 2025, with record-breaking sales, widespread critical acclaim, several spin-offs and adaptations in the works, and soundtracks charting across the world, is it safe to say we are witnessing the birth of a new age of creative glory with video games? Absolutely. A new wave of reinvention – narrative-rich games go from strength to strength Video games are now unmistakably at the epicentre of art and culture. That is a brave statement to make, but a true one at that. Without even needing to go near a console, they are everywhere. And you don't have to be a gamer to be influenced (and entertained) by them, either. Think about it. Turn on your TV, and there's no escaping the latest adaptation dominating the most-watched lists. The biggest blockbuster hits in recent memory? Most are, you guessed it, based on games. Musicians now pen chart-topping songs inspired by games, while orchestras recreate our favourite soundtracks inside packed arenas. World-class writers craft engrossing characters and worlds, while artists, designers and developers bring them to life in untold, magical ways in our homes. It's one of the few entertainment industries that draws on a rich array of extremely talented people under one mission. And this is why I believe we're on the cusp of a new golden era in gaming. The titles you are playing now are most likely going to be the movies, TV shows, novels, and concerts you and your family will enjoy in the next few years. Except for gamers, we don't have to wait for Hollywood to catch up. We can enjoy them now. This year. A prime example of this is Clair Obscur Expedition 33. Released under relative obscurity back in April, it is now ranked as one of the most critically acclaimed games ever made. Selling over 3.3 million copies in 3 months, it's already been greenlit for a movie adaptation, to the surprise of no one. Set in a Belle Époque-inspired fantasy world, the game tells the heartbreaking story of a team of young adults journeying into the unknown to try and defy their fate. Enchanting French music, powerhouse performances, and blending traditional gameplay mechanics with a modern flair were all the ingredients needed for critical acclaim and the title of a masterpiece. The game quickly won the hearts of millions of fans, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who posted on social media that the game was "a shining example of French audacity and creativity." Months later, the game continues to inspire the world through its story. And this is just one example from this year alone. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 was one of the first major releases of the year and has enjoyed equal acclaim and love from gamers. It sold over 2 million copies in just two weeks, capitalising on the world's thirst for all things historical fiction. Set in the 15th century, you play as Henry of Skalitz, whose journey from a humble blacksmith forge to the court of Kings is one of the most transformative and immersive experiences you can get. And if you're looking to get absolutely lost in an open world, you'll find a home here. No one can deny the sheer freedom this game allows you. With an estimated script of over 2.2 million words (most likely more), it's safe to say that a strong narrative is at the core of this Medieval adventure's success. The idea that the gaming industry has run out of stories to tell, or things to say, is simply untrue. The best interactive medium in the world One of the most exciting things about video games is how they tell their stories. The gameplay that takes you from A to B, keeps you guessing, keeps you immersed, and takes advantage of the rapid speed at which technology is evolving. With the right design, even the simplest idea can take on a completely new life. How the environment is presented or the colours used, how the music plays (and when), and who you get to play it with all contribute to games making a lasting impression. In March of this year, Split Fiction was released to universal acclaim, selling over 4 million copies to date. It's an action-adventure cooperative game that sees you and a friend assume the roles of aspiring writers, Mio and Zoe, who become trapped in life-like simulations of their stories. As well as a gripping story that covers everything from love and joy to grief and loneliness, the true magic of the game lies in how you play it and with whom. Together with a friend online, you'll explore this game in split-screen, and every couple of minutes, a brand new mechanic is introduced to keep both of you transfixed. In one instance, you're parkouring across a Medieval city of ogres; the next, you're trying to escape an exploding sci-fi world on motorbikes. And then, in a flash, you're raising dragons in a fantasy realm before transforming into magical pigs to solve puzzles. Several times, I was rendered speechless from sheer laughter at what the game allowed (and expected) me to do. Pigs fly when Split Fiction launches on PS5 March 6 🌈 Hands-on report dives into the imaginative co-op adventure: — PlayStation (@PlayStation) February 14, 2025 It's modern experiences like these that hark back to those golden-era, nostalgic vibes of passing the controller around the room so everyone has a turn. Of linking your Game Boy together with a cable in person just to trade something. Now? Now, you can jump online with friends thousands of miles away and experience something magical together in real-time. Modern games break down distance and barriers in a truly unique way, something I think we often take for granted. Backwards compatibility also means that the games we grew up loving can be re-experienced in new ways on modern systems. So, whether it's through cooperative gameplay, a multiplayer mode, VR technology, or some new technology yet to be unveiled, games will always find new ways to entertain and bring us all together. The challenges that lie ahead Video games are not without their challenges. And we can't look at all the recent magic and success of the year through rose-tinted glasses. Widespread layoffs across the sector (including over 14,000 in 2024 alone) are still a major threat to the safety, security and well-being of the industry, which has no doubt robbed us of some amazing projects and creatives. Failed games like Suicide Squad or Concord from last year continue to haunt the airwaves, causing a ripple effect that sinks other promising projects still stranded in development. The rising cost of development, along with concerns over microtransactions and the reliance on live-service platforms, could also be seen as crippling creativity. Listen: Today With Cliare Byrne Show on Sony's gaming flop Concord But then, we can return to the games of 2025, and there's some silver lining. Clair Obscur Expedition 33, for example, is an indie title developed in a fraction of the time its peers took, and with a significantly smaller team to boot. Or Split Fiction, whose generous friend's pass means an owner can invite a friend to play across any platform for free, halving its sales potential but doubling the fun we can all expect from it. While the future remains uncertain, the present is clear: great games continue to be made. And great studios are finding ways to tell their stories, defying the odds and limitations. I'm confident that there will be waves of future gamers looking back on this decade (and this year), with the fondest of memories. And we've still six months left to enjoy! Who knows what the next new games of 2025 will have in store for us? But one thing is for sure - you no longer need to look back in time to experience a masterpiece.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Charlie Cox says he feels like fraud after voicing Gustave in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Charlie Cox, best known for portraying Marvel's Daredevil, has modestly dismissed praise for his role in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, despite the game receiving critical acclaim and becoming one of 2025's standout releases. Charlie Cox talks Clair Obscur Expedition 33! — 😈DD (@ChereNatalija) June 22, 2025 Speaking during a panel at Washington State Summer Con on June 21, Cox admitted he hasn't played the game and felt unworthy of the recognition he's received for voicing Gustave, the main protagonist. 'Apparently the game is awesome. I'm not a gamer, I have no idea, I haven't played it,' Cox said. 'I was in the studio for four hours, maybe… I feel like a total fraud.' The game, developed by Sandfall Interactive—a small studio with big ambitions—features an impressive voice cast, including Cox, Andy Serkis, Ben Starr, and Jennifer English. Despite the short recording sessions, performances were widely praised. Cox emphasized that he didn't mean to diminish the project's success, adding, 'I'm so thrilled for the company… so thrilled it did really well.' Other cast members, however, praised the unique and streamlined recording experience. In a behind-the-scenes video by Skill Up, both Starr and English highlighted the team's efficiency. 'We recorded so quickly,' English shared. 'It was the fastest game I've ever done as far as, like, the lines per hour.' Starr echoed the sentiment, noting the director Guillaume Broche's clarity of vision. 'You turn up, and we do something, and Guillaume would go 'that one.' He knew exactly what he wanted.' While Cox may feel undeserving, the combination of seasoned voice talent and strong direction helped Clair Obscur resonate with players and critics alike, solidifying its place among the year's top games. Despite his humility, Cox's portrayal of Gustave contributed to the title's emotional depth and narrative impact.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"I feel like a total fraud": Charlie Cox downplays his contribution, giving candid response to his Clair Obscur Expedition 33 success
(Image via Getty Images) Charlie Cox , popularly known as Marvel's Daredevil, made an unexpected mark within gaming with his Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's role. Despite him voicing the key character in the surprising 2025 game hit, Cox offered a disarmingly modest take on his involvement. He stunned the fans with a remarkably humble reaction, as he received all praise for his role in the game's success. The candid comments shared by him reveal an unexpected perspective on the game's acclaim. Charlie Cox gives an unexpectedly humble reaction to his Clair Obscur Expedition 33 role When fans and critics continued praising Charlie Cox's role in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the Daredevil star was caught off-guard. In one of the recent interviews, Cox didn't hold back feelings about all the praise coming his way. The actor confesses openly, "People keep saying how amazing it and congratulations and I feel like a total fraud." His honesty stems from his limited contribution—via voice recording and the lack of gaming experience. — bursinxmurdock (@bursinxmurdock) The star further added that his role was confined to a single and brief recording session that lasted only about 4 hours. "My agent asked me if I wanted to go and do a voice-over. I was in the studio for 4 hours… maybe," he stated. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dhamrai: Scholarships You Can Apply For (Start Now) Google Search Search Now Undo Despite the modesty shown by Cox, Gustave's role has been praised widely; after all, it adds an emotional depth to the protagonist of the game. As he has not played this critically acclaimed game, an overwhelmingly positive response caught him off-guard. He was thrilled about the achievement of the development team. A low-key role proved to be more in this breakout hit Unlike some big-budget games that go on and on with months of promotion, Cox was actually not a part of Expedition 33 marketing push. During its release, he was actually busy filming 'Daredevil: Born Again.' It left very little time for him to do the game-related press. Such lack of visibility led many fans to mistake Gustave's voice for another actor's, adding to Cox's fraudulent remark. Yet, the performance of the Daredevil star stood out. Some of his co-stars, including Ben Starr and Andy Serkis, praised Cox for his commitment. They said they are all not just tourists in the game. Despite a very brief recording time, Cox was able to deliver a gripping portrayal that helped elevate Expedition 33 to be Game of the Year contender. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has defied expectations. With the hybrid combat system and unique art style, the game has become a surprise hit. The game proves that even a small role can create a lasting impression with the emotional core of the story that was brought in by Coxs Gustave. While Cox might downplay contributions and feel like an accidental star, the fans and the critical do disagree. With the success of the game, Expedition 33 is a standout title today, and it opens the door for many more Hollywood talent to join in on gaming—especially after Cox's performance. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Business Mayor
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Mayor
Shuhei Yoshida Defends Growing Prices of Video Games
There's a huge debate going on in the gaming space right now centered around the price of gaming. Specifically, whether gaming itself is becoming 'too expensive.' We've seen 'ripples' of this discontent happen over the last several years, with games going from $50 to $60, to $70 with the Xbox Series X and PS5, and now, with the Nintendo Switch 2, some games will be $80. There are even rumors that GTA 6 could be the first true $100 title. Many fans are raging against Nintendo and others because of this. However, former head of PlayStation Studios Shuhei Yoshida has a different view on things. Shuhei Yoshida was chatting with Critical Hit Games and was asked about the price of gaming going up and here's what he had to say: 'When you look at life in general, other products in price have increased, you know, way more than the game price. So I think it was almost too late for the video game companies to start looking at the pricing structure. I don't believe that every game has to be priced the same. Each game has different value it provides, or the size of budget. I totally believe it's up to the publisher – or developers self-publishing – decision to price their product to the value that they believe they are bringing in.' Most would agree with this in certain ways, and even now, we see games like Clair Obscur Expedition 33 being $50 instead of $70, and that's likely part of its success. That being said, Yoshida also felt that gamers were being too hard on developers/publishers for the pricing: 'In terms of actual price of $70 or $80, for really great games, I think it will still be a steal in terms of the amount of entertainment that the top games, top quality games bring to people compared to other form of entertainment. As long as people choose carefully how they spend their money,' he continues, 'I don't think they should be complaining.' READ SOURCE
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to open Paint Cages in Flying Waters in Clair Obscur Expedition 33?
If you've made it to Flying Waters in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 , you already know this area is more than just a visual masterpiece — it's full of sneaky secrets and high-value loot. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Among them? The mysterious Paint Cages. These organic-looking containers guard essential resources, but they won't open unless you figure out their puzzle-like mechanics. Here's a simple guide to opening the Paint Cages in Flying Waters fast. What Are Paint Cages in Clair Obscur Expedition 33? Paint Cages are strange, living containers you'll spot throughout Expedition 33's watery biomes. They're sealed with energy beams and can't be opened directly. To unlock them, you'll need to locate and shoot specific glowing weak points scattered in the environment around the cage. Paint Cage Achievement & Puzzle Solution in Flying Waters | Clair Obscur Expedition 33 How to Open Flying Waters Paint Cage 1 in Clair Obscur Expedition 33? Once you've splashed into Flying Waters and followed the main path, keep going until you reach a circular area with a huge whale statue at its center. The Paint Cage sits quietly near the right-hand edge of this arena. Now here's how to unlock it: Weak Point 1: Directly to the right of the cage, partly hidden in the reeds. Look for a faint pulsing glow. Directly to the right of the cage, partly hidden in the reeds. Look for a faint pulsing glow. Weak Point 2: Opposite side — up on the cliff wall above some broken stone pillars. Opposite side — up on the cliff wall above some broken stone pillars. Weak Point 3: On the whale statue's fin. Hard to miss once you look up. Shoot all three, and the cage cracks open. Your prize? A Chroma Elixir Shard — a party-wide HP boost item. Definitely worth grabbing. How to Unlock Flying Waters 2nd Paint Cage in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33! How to Open Flying Waters Paint Cage 2 in Clair Obscur Expedition 33? This one's trickier. After the emotional reunion with Maelle in the Manor, exit and take the right path. Pass the anchor and the giant Cruler blacksmith, then look for a red-tinged side opening — that's your entrance to Coral Cave. Inside, you'll drop into a hostile arena with three Crulers. The Paint Cage? Right in the middle. Whether you fight or flee, here's how to break it open: Weak Point 1: Behind the cage, up on a cliff ledge. Grapple if needed. Behind the cage, up on a cliff ledge. Grapple if needed. Weak Point 2: On a tight cluster of small stone pillars to the right. On a tight cluster of small stone pillars to the right. Weak Point 3: Suspended on an underwater mine, slightly elevated across from the cage. Take out all three points (quickly, if you're dodging Crulers), and the cage bursts open. Inside, you'll find a Revive Tint Shard that boosts your in-battle revival power. Big win. Quick Tips Before You Dive Back In Use the environment: Many weak points are cleverly hidden behind or above major landmarks. Many weak points are cleverly hidden behind or above major landmarks. Don't always fight: Sometimes grabbing the loot and sprinting is the smarter move. Sometimes grabbing the loot and sprinting is the smarter move. Stay alert: Even after opening the cage, enemies won't pause to celebrate. Paint Cages might seem like a side distraction, but the rewards they hold are awesome especially as the difficulty ramps up. So keep your eyes peeled, your aim steady, and don't leave Flying Waters without cracking them both open.
