- Sword and Fairy 4 Remake, an RPG from Chinese developer UP Software, is being hailed as the first-ever Expedition 33 clone by players.
- Fans online are claiming that the game’s parry system, combat mechanics, and UI are a carbon copy of Sandfall’s RPG.
- Players also expressed concern that this could start a new trend of JRPGs that just follow the Expedition 33 formula and stagnate creativity in the industry.
It’s hard not to be inspired by the success story behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Created by a team of around 30 developers, the RPG has gone on to become the most awarded title in the history of The Game Awards, while also selling over 5 million copies worldwide.
But, as it turns out, some developers are getting too inspired by Expedition 33, so much so that clones of the Sandfall title are already here just 8 months after the game’s release.
Why it matters: Expedition 33 was always going to inspire future RPGs, but if developers only try to recreate the game’s success, it will destroy creativity in the industry.
Chinese developer UP Software debuted the first trailer for its upcoming JRPG, Sword and Fairy 4: Remake, and fans can’t help but draw parallels between this title and Expedition 33. Due to its combat system, players are calling the Chinese game the first example of an Expedition 33-like title.
The game’s UI, mechanics, parry system, and camera shots in Sword and Fairy 4 are eerily similar to Sandfall’s RPG. Some fans are even calling the Chinese title a straight-up copy of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Of course, Sword and Fairy 4 remake taking inspiration from one of the most acclaimed titles of this decade isn’t surprising. The original came out over 20 years ago, and it’s only natural that the remake is basing its aesthetic and combat on the most in-demand game in the world.
However, many players are concerned that this will spark a trend of clone games, potentially creating a movement similar to the Soulsborne genre that saturated the market.
Titles like Phantom Blade Zero are also taking some inspiration from Expedition 33, but hopefully, it won’t be as blatant as the Sword and Fairy 4 Remake.
Do you think Sword and Fairy 4 Remake is going to create a new genre of games inspired by Expedition 33? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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