Home
/
AAA games
/
AAA game reviews
/

Choosing between metaphor: re fantazio and clair obscur

Birthday Choice | Gamers Weigh In on Metaphor: ReFantazio vs. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

By

Sophie Chen

May 4, 2025, 12:56 PM

Edited By

Emily Johnson

Updated

May 5, 2025, 09:02 AM

2 minutes of duration

A person sitting with two game boxes, looking thoughtful about which game to buy for their birthday, surrounded by festive decorations.
popular

As a birthday approaches, one gamer faces a tough choice between Metaphor: ReFantazio and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. With a tight budget, opinions are buzzing online as players share their experiences and preferences.

The Case for Expedition 33

Discussions highlight that Expedition 33 leads the pack. Many appreciate its engaging combat mechanics and flexibility. One player stated, "Expedition 33 is one of the best games Iโ€™ve played possibly ever," noting they've put in 40 hours and still haven't finished the main story.

  • Combat Mechanics: Players can dodge almost everything instead of parrying, making it more approachable. One comment added that buffs called pictos/luminas can enhance gameplay even without successfully dodging.

  • Completion Options: You can beat the main story in about 30 hours, or dive into new game plus (NG+) for even more content.

Metaphor's Depth

Conversely, Metaphor offers around 100 hours of gameplay, with polished combat and depth in resource management and relationship-building. Some enjoy the myriad of tasks, but others find it less engaging due to pacing discrepancies. A commenter noted, "There's overall a lot more to do in Metaphor, even if the pacing isnโ€™t as good as 33." However, some express concerns about being funneled into specific class paths, making character builds feel restrictive.

Unique Play Styles

While many emphasize the strengths of each title, players have noted important differences in play style requirements:

  • Expedition 33 encourages adaptation with a flexible build-crafting system.

  • Metaphor can lead to grinding if players stray from optimal paths due to its class requirements.

"Each advancement has specific class requirements. If you stray from optimal paths, grinding is necessary," remarked a community member.

Sentiment from the Community

Many gamers express excitement about Expedition 33 potentially being the Game of the Year, highlighting its fun factor. Conversely, others appreciate the extended length of Metaphor, even if it isn't as compelling overall.

Key Insights

  • โ–ณ 40+ hours logged by players in Expedition 33 without finishing the main story.

  • โ–ฝ Combat is easier with dodge mechanics and buffs, making it inclusive.

  • โ€ป Players express concerns about class restrictions in Metaphor.'

Amid birthday wishes, gamers are sharing diverse insights on both titles, helping one individual navigate a significant gaming decision. What choice will shape this birthday gaming experience ahead?