Expedition 33 is looking more and more like one of the standout video games of the year. But if you're looking to grab yourself a physical copy, you might be waiting a little bit longer.As a lifelong fan of role-playing-games -- and Japanese RPGs in particular -- I'm feeling like Clair Obscur,

The first of many Petanks that you will likely run into is found in Ancient Sanctuary during Act 1 of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, just beyond the area’s Entrance fast-travel flag. Upon approaching the creature, you’ll notice that they’ll run away, and they’re a bit faster than your expeditioners.

Expedition 33’s wonderful homage to classic turn-based RPGs, and how it gives me a feeling most RPGs haven’t given me in a while. Its economy with scale, complex and rewarding systems, and the feel-it-in-your-bones melodrama makes even its most vicious moments hurt so good.