The RPS Advent Calendar 2025 has kicked off, shining a spotlight on one of the year’s top games each day, with a special highlight on December 24th. For avid gamers, this year’s advent features a range of impressive titles, and one standout is “Clair Obscur,” a turn-based RPG that captivates from its dramatic prologue.

“Clair Obscur” is set in a Belle Époque-inspired, steampunk world filled with darkness, monsters, and magic. The game opens with a chilling scene where the citizens of Lumière celebrate an annual festival. A giant known as the Paintress performs a haunting ritual, and the celebration quickly turns devastating as many onlookers vanish into petals and smoke.

The story follows protagonists Gustav and Maelle, who join Expedition 33 to confront the Paintress and stop her tragic annual custom. What begins as a heroic quest morphs into a disturbing journey, exploring themes of horror and emotional depth. The characters often remind themselves with the phrase “For those who come after,” reflecting on the hope for a better future despite the bleakness surrounding them.

The narrative navigates between grimness and optimism, complemented by unexpected twists. This originality extends beyond storytelling into gameplay, which is highlighted by a vibrant battle system. The RPG incorporates familiar elements such as attacks and magic but innovates with a real-time defense mechanism. Players must time their dodges to evade enemy attacks, adding a layer of skill and strategy to combat.

Alternatively, players can engage with a parry system reminiscent of games like “Sekiro,” where perfect timing can lead to powerful counterattacks. The thrill of combat is amplified by the reward system tied to successful parries, enabling players to launch devastating moves and customize their character builds strategically.

“Clair Obscur” masterfully intertwines various RPG systems, providing engaging turn-based battles that also demand expertise similar to hack-and-slash titles. As players progress, they can develop unique strategies tailored around their abilities and the game’s mechanics.

Overall, “Clair Obscur” stands out as a remarkable title with a gripping story and an innovative combat system. Its blend of borrowed mechanics reshaped into a cohesive narrative and gameplay experience ensures it leaves a lasting impression on players, making it a worthy mention in the RPS Advent Calendar 2025.