Clair Obscur vs. Persona 5 Royal: Which Game Is Superior in Expedition 33?

Since its debut in 2017 and the subsequent enhanced version released in 2020, Persona 5 Royal has significantly impacted my formative years, immersing me deeply into the turn-based JRPG genre and fostering an appreciation for both contemporary and classic titles. Recently, I’ve found myself captivated by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that has sparked considerable excitement in the gaming community. After completing its Act 3, I can confidently state it deserves all the acclaim it has garnered, particularly among fans of JRPGs and turn-based gameplay.

Today, I will dissect my extensive gameplay experiences with both Persona 5 Royal and Clair Obscur to determine which title excels in various aspects. Rest assured, despite my enthusiasm for Clair Obscur—which I often share with friends and online—I will provide an unbiased analysis, backed by a solid playtime in Persona 5 and its spin-offs. Join me as I navigate through this comparison to unveil the champion in this clash of beloved turn-based RPGs.

Note: The following sections contain story spoilers for both Persona 5 Royal and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33—proceed at your own discretion.

1. Story

Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33

While Persona 5 Royal resonates with younger players through its relatable themes, Clair Obscur boasts superior storytelling and world-building. Its mature themes surrounding grief and escapism set it apart in the narrative landscape. Although Persona 5 Royal introduces new characters and a semester, the emotional weight and gripping prologue of Clair Obscur draw players in almost instantly—especially as the protagonist embarks on a quest against the Paintress.

Both games navigate moral complexities by their climaxes, yet Clair Obscur’s stakes feel more profound, particularly during its critical moments involving Renoir’s family and the overarching world in the Canvas. This emotional depth elevates its narrative experience significantly.

2. Visuals

Tie

Close

Determining a winner in the visuals category often boils down to personal preference.Persona 5 Royal’s distinct art style—bold, rebellious, and reminiscent of comic book aesthetics—makes it one of the standout JRPGs. Its unique user interface and design help it break traditional norms in the anime-heavy gaming genre. However, for those who prefer a deeper, more realistic approach, Clair Obscur’s visual presentation encapsulates the essence of exploring a painting-like world.

While I have a preference for Clair Obscur’s enchanting environments reminiscent of childhood fantasies found in games like Gravity Rush, Persona 5 Royal’s graphic-novel-inspired style secures it a spot in the visuals hall of fame. Thus, both titles deserve recognition in this category, resulting in a tie.

3. Combat

Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33

In a turn-based RPG, the combat system is integral to its enjoyment, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 excels with its innovative mechanics. By building upon parry and dodge mechanics, it introduces the Picto system, which encourages diverse strategies for each character, allowing for explosive gameplay moments.

While I admire the fluid pace of Persona 5’s One More combat and its tactical depth—especially in the endgame scenarios—Clair Obscur’s combat style, inspired by Sekiro’s parrying, adds further complexity that makes encounters feel dynamic and engaging. While both systems sport their unique strengths, the innovative approach of Clair Obscur earns it the victory in this category.

4. Characters

Persona 5 Royal

This category sparked lively discussions among my friends and me. Although I cherish the characters in Clair Obscur, including the poignant backstories of Sciel and the emotional arcs of Verso and Esquie, the game’s late focus on the Dessendre family’s plight somewhat diminishes the contributions of other characters like Lune and Sciel, especially during pivotal moments.

Persona 5 Royal’s depth in character development stands out, primarily thanks to its well-crafted Social Link system, which effectively nurtures relationships among Joker and his companions. Both games provide memorable character interactions, but the expressive dynamics and interactions in Persona 5 Royal are more compelling, leading me to award this category to Atlus.

5. Level Design

Persona 5 Royal

When examining level design, it’s essential to consider the core mechanics that create an engaging experience.Persona 5 Royal clearly prevails in this aspect with its brilliantly crafted Palaces—each with distinct themes, puzzles, and atmospheres that enhance gameplay. From stealth segments in Kaneshiro’s Palace to the intricate design of Futaba’s Pyramid and the trials presented in Maruki’s Palace, each offers an unforgettable experience.

Although Clair Obscur takes inspiration from Persona 5’s approach, its world design does not quite match the ingenuity showcased by Atlus. Nevertheless, it features an artistic flair that elevates its environments. Ultimately, Persona 5 Royal secures the win due to its captivating level designs.

6. Soundtrack

Tie

Pearls of memory are attached to the phenomenal score composed by Shoji Meguro in Persona 5, enriched by Lyn Inaizumi’s captivating vocals. This soundtrack not only paved my way through challenging moments but set a high standard for video game music that few can match. Having since encountered other memorable soundtracks in games like Stellar Blade and Final Fantasy 16, the musical variety in Clair Obscur equally impresses me.

With an extensive collection of over 150 tracks, Clair Obscur’s score features diverse styles, seamlessly blending melodic pieces and electric guitar influence—perfectly fitted for each level and boss encounter. It also dynamically shifts during cutscenes. Given both games offer exceptional soundtracks, I see no better option than to declare this category a tie.

7. Progression & Playtime

Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33

When analyzing progress and playtime, the focus should be on how effectively each game steers players through its narrative. Persona 5 Royal, while masterfully crafted for its linear structure, can lead to lengthy sessions that may feel overwhelming, particularly during complex areas like Futaba’s Palace where burnout commonly occurs.

In contrast, Clair Obscur’s semi-open-world design offers a more manageable experience. Its three acts are concise, allowing access to various side content earlier in the game, providing more opportunities for exploration and character development. The prologue captivates players with a compelling premise, and the overall playtime is significantly shorter than Persona 5 Royal, making the pacing a clear win for Clair Obscur.

8. End/Post-Game Content

Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33

Post-game content enriches the overall experience of any RPG, and for persona 5 Royal, the substantial offerings are somewhat limited. While it introduces additional challenges and a final battle against Jose, it lacks the depth that players may seek after the credits roll.

On the flip side, Clair Obscur presents a rich post-game landscape replete with formidable boss encounters, the Endless Tower, and various challenges that invite skilled play. The freedom to explore and take on tough battles after completing the main story is a delightful surprise, establishing its superiority in this category.

9. Overall Winner

Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33

Both Persona 5 Royal and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 hold a special place in my heart, each bringing unique qualities to the table. Whether experiencing the poignant farewells of the Phantom Thieves or sharing in the resolutions of Verso’s journey, moments in both games captivate players alike.

Ultimately, while both titles exhibit their strengths, preferences may skew towards one depending on individual tastes. Nonetheless, these are both exceptional turn-based RPGs crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail.

As discussions of the finest turn-based JRPGs continue, Persona 5 Royal remains a pillar of the genre, yet Clair Obscur stands tall as well, reminding us of the artistic and creative spirit that defines this gaming style, which has notably faded in many contemporary AAA releases.

Source & Images

Related Articles:

Top 10 Survival Games Featuring Soulslike Mechanics

Top 10 Metroidvania Games to Convert You into a Fan

Comprehensive Reggie Guide: Master the Art of Dating Everything

Top 10 Iconic Boss Fights From the PS1 Era

Stream the AMD Computex 2025 Keynote Presentation Live!

Preview: Experience a More Dynamic SMT Adventure with Raidou Remastered

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *