Expedition 33 has all the makings of a modern turn-based classic. After playing a few hours of Sandfall Interactive’s dark fantasy RPG, I can say that Expedition 33 grasps the melodrama of modern Final Fantasy and marries it with the tactical turn-based combat fans of that series have been craving a return to for decades.

This setup makes for a grippingly dark and oppressive world where the humans feel like powerless specks on the landscape, making rooting for our protagonists all the more satisfying. Despite that tone, no sacrifice is made in the fantastical beauty of the world, with the landscapes looking gorgeous with a great sense of culture.

When Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was revealed last year at the Xbox Games Showcase, I thought my prayers had finally been answered. But after spending four hours hands-on with a recent preview build of the game, I found that it's not exactly the turn-based RPG I was longing for. Instead, it's something even more exciting.