I was impressed overall with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It's a fun blend of turn-based, yet reactive combat and FromSoft-style dungeon design. The story is moving (with a final act that will likely be divisive), and I enjoyed tinkering with the copious tools provided for party building. Voice acting is top-notch across the board, including fantastic performances from Jennifer English (Maelle) and Andy Serkis (Renoir). However, what's stuck with me the most from Expedition 33 is Lorien Testard's excellent, varied, and expansive soundtrack.
Critics and players alike have been gushing about the music, but even if part of it doesn't click with you, there likely will be another that will. E33's soundtrack clocks in around eight hours (for comparison, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is around 12 hours, at roughly twice the game length). Each dungeon along the story path has its own battle music, with more than one track in some areas, all in addition to a unique boss theme. Multiple side areas even get the unique treatment. For someone like me that grew up with JRPGs that had one battle theme, one boss theme, and one final boss theme, the variety on offer here is staggering.
Music style varies from opera to EDM to rock, quiet to entrancing to soaring. Act 2 overworld theme "Déchire la Toile" (Spotify | Youtube) is a perfect accompaniment to the traveling mood, one of the best map themes I've heard. Meanwhile, you'll also find whimsical battle themes such as "Gestral Summer Party" (Spotify | Youtube).
What's especially mind-blowing is that this is Testard's first video game soundtrack. He was discovered by Sandfall head Guillaume Broche on a message board, of all places.
I can't get this soundtrack out of my head--I'm listening to it as I write this post. I think there is a lot to like about Expedition 33 for JRPG fans, but in my estimation, the soundtrack alone is worth the investment.