Why I want to play this game:
I've been looking into games to play on my PS5 since finally getting one after two years of saving, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the games that has genuinely caught my attention. What interests me most is its combat system, because it seems to combine two things I really enjoy in games: mastering mechanics through practice and experimenting with different builds.
For some background, I've been a Souls fan for years. A friend introduced me to Dark Souls 3, and after spending two hours trying to beat the first boss, I was hooked. That eventually led to thousands of hours across the series. I've completed Dark Souls 1 and Elden Ring deathless, experimented with countless builds, and spent a lot of time challenging myself beyond simply finishing the games. I've also completed several hitless runs in Sekiro at varying difficulty levels, and my personal best for a Dark Souls 3 hitless run was three hits taken throughout the entire game.
I mention all this because it probably explains what I look for in a combat system. I enjoy the process of learning an opponent's moves, recognizing patterns, improving my timing, and gradually turning a difficult encounter into something I can handle consistently. The challenge itself is only part of the appeal; what I enjoy most is seeing tangible improvement in my own skills.
That's what makes Expedition 33 particularly interesting to me. Although it's a turn-based RPG, its combat incorporates real-time reactions, with dodges and parries that require proper timing. You still have the strategic side of choosing abilities, developing your characters, and putting together effective builds, but you also have to execute those decisions yourself. That combination sounds right up my alley. I'm especially curious to see how the game balances planning ahead with reacting to enemies in the moment.
The game has also caught my attention visually. Its art direction looks distinct from the fantasy worlds I'm more familiar with, and everything I've seen so far makes me want to explore it for myself. I've deliberately avoided looking too deeply into the story because I'd rather go in with as few spoilers as possible. At this point, I'm interested enough in the combat and setting that I'd like to experience the rest firsthand.
Why I can't buy it myself:
As for why I'm requesting it, I'm a medical student in my early 20s, and my financial situation has been difficult. Gaming has become considerably more expensive in my country, while university expenses and everyday necessities have to take priority. I used to be able to buy games occasionally during sales, but even discounted games are difficult for me to justify financially these days.
Getting my PS5 was something I had to save for over two years, so I'm happy to finally have it. However, being able to afford the console doesn't mean I can easily afford the games I'd like to play on it. I have to be selective about what I spend my money on, and the $40 that Expedition 33 costs on my US PSN account is beyond what I can comfortably afford right now.
The free time I get between studying and everything else is limited, which makes finding games I can genuinely immerse myself in particularly valuable. I enjoy having something to work toward, whether it's mastering a difficult boss or spending weeks improving at a challenge run. From what I've seen, Expedition 33 looks like a game I could get deeply invested in, and I'd really appreciate the opportunity to experience it.
I understand that $40 is a substantial gift, and I don't expect anyone to feel obligated to help. I simply wanted to explain why this particular game interests me and why I'm making the request rather than buying it myself. If someone is willing to gift it, I'd be genuinely grateful.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I appreciate what this community does for gamers, and having been fortunate enough to receive a gift here before, I hope to continue paying that kindness forward when my circumstances allow me to do so.
Links:
My PSN profile: https://psnprofiles.com/kareem14brb
The game: https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10008503