Light and Shadow: Expedition No. 33 is rapidly emerging as one of the most anticipated games of 2025, sweeping the market with record-breaking ratings and widespread acclaim. Despite being released for less than two weeks, this turn-based RPG has achieved an impressive user score of 9.7/10 on Metacritic, surpassing classics like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Baldur’s Gate 3.
Developed by the independent studio Sandfall Interactive, 《Light and Shadow: Expedition No. 33》 has garnered praise for its captivating storyline and strategic combat system. Set in a post-apocalyptic fantasy world, the game follows a group of characters as they embark on an impossible mission to prevent 《Painting Mother》, a mysterious ritual that wipes out human existence annually. Its emotional depth and turn-based combat mechanics have drawn comparisons to classic titles like 《Final Fantasy VII》. Players have lauded its immersive world-building, gripping soundtrack, and challenging gameplay, enabling it to stand out in a fiercely competitive market.
Each year, the Mother of Engravings awakens, carving her cursed number onto the sacred stone. Everyone who reaches that age vanishes, dissolving into a wisp of smoke and fading into nothingness. Year after year, the number decreases, claiming even more lives. With the arrival of 33, we embark on our final journey to vanquish the Mother of Engravings once and for all, breaking free from this deadly cycle. Join Gustav, Maelle, Lumiere, Cyr, and Monoco on an unforgettable adventure, accompanied by the formidable yet languid Aesque, the enigmatic Viso, and the deeply powerful Renoir, who seems like the embodiment of strength itself. May the winds of renewal guide you to the ends of the earth.
Apart from critical acclaim, Light and Shadow: Expedition No. 33 has also set a new record for player engagement. The game reached a peak of 145,063 concurrent players on Steam, an extraordinary achievement for an indie game. Unlike many AAA titles that see a drop in player numbers post-launch, this game continues to grow in popularity thanks to word-of-mouth praise and strong community support. Its approachable $50 price tag makes it accessible for more players to experience its rich narrative and gameplay content.
With record-breaking acclaim, Light and Shadow: Expedition No. 33 has emerged as a strong contender for Game of the Year. As more and more players dive into its captivating world and strategic combat, this game’s impact on the RPG genre is expected to keep growing. Regardless of whether it ultimately claims the Game of the Year title, it has undeniably become a must-play of 2025.
This title is now officially available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and STEAM® platforms.
