In a gaming landscape overflowing with sequels, remakes, and safe bets, Expedition 33 dares to offer something different. Developed by a smaller team with big ambitions, this turn-based RPG is a heartfelt, imaginative, and often challenging journey that carves out a unique identity—and it’s one worth experiencing.

A World Unlike Any Other
Right from the outset, Expedition 33 introduces a compelling and mysterious world: one where the elderly systematically die off one age year at a time, and the oldest citizens embark on expeditions in their final year, hoping to uncover the truth behind the affliction plaguing their world. At the center of this curse is the enigmatic "evil paintress"—a villain that adds to the game's artistic and thematic intrigue.

This narrative hook is more than just an intriguing concept—it’s executed with genuine depth and emotion. Thanks to focused cinematic direction and stellar performances from a cast that includes Andy Serkis, Jennifer English, Charlie Cox, and Ben Starr, the story leaves a lasting impression.

A Visually Inventive Odyssey
The game’s world is as strange as it is stunning. From crystallized caves to underwater cities, enchanted forests to villages inhabited by paintbrush-like creatures, every location is packed with visual personality. Expedition 33 balances serious storytelling with moments of humor and levity that feel natural rather than forced, making for a richer overall tone.

Combat That Demands Your Attention
Beneath its artistic surface lies a robust turn-based combat system. While traditional at first glance, the game adds layers of interaction—timed dodges, parries, elemental setups, and more—that reward precision and planning. Combat is often intense, especially on normal difficulty, where reflexes are tested in battles against some seriously tough bosses.

Each party member comes with unique mechanics: one charges up electricity-based attacks, another manipulates elements through a card-like system, and others apply elemental "stains" that can be exploited for big damage. The game continually introduces new mechanics well into its runtime, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.

For fans of strategic RPGs, Expedition 33 offers a deep playground for creativity, setup, and payoff.

Systems, Exploration, and a Few Flaws
Customization is rich—perhaps too rich at times. Weapons, skills, and bonuses offer meaningful variety, but the UI can feel cluttered and overwhelming. A more streamlined interface might have helped here. Exploration is encouraged and rewarded, with plenty of side content, hidden areas, and optional bosses that rarely feel like filler.

However, not all aspects of traversal are enjoyable. The platforming is clunky, with awkward jumps and imprecise controls. There’s also no in-level map, which can make backtracking confusing and occasionally frustrating. These are minor blemishes, but noticeable ones.

Another small downside is the underused home area. The game spends so much time in the wider world that players might find themselves wanting more time in the beautifully constructed starting zone.

Performance and Polish
Running on Unreal Engine, the game is largely stable. Some minor graphical glitches and stutters appear occasionally, but nothing game-breaking. Impressively, the game avoids microtransactions entirely and is priced at a reasonable $50.

With a runtime of 30 to 40 hours—longer if you dive into side quests and New Game Plus—Expedition 33 respects your time while still offering plenty of content.

Expedition 33 isn't perfect—it stumbles in a few areas like platforming and UI—but those flaws are minor compared to everything it gets right. It’s a brave new IP with a fresh voice, emotional depth, challenging gameplay, and a rich world to explore. In a market crowded with safe bets, Expedition 33 is a bold swing that connects beautifully.

If you're tired of bloated AAA titles, endless remakes, or half-hearted sequels, this is the game you've been waiting for. It's special, memorable, and deserves your attention.