Sekiro has influenced many gamers, and it appears developers are taking note of its impact, incorporating its mechanics into other games. One such example is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, an upcoming RPG where parrying, a core feature in Sekiro, has been integrated into the combat system. Guillaume Broche, the creative director for Expedition 33, discussed in an interview with Edge magazine how Sekiro inspired him to add parrying to his own game, seeing it as a way to refresh the traditional turn-based RPG genre.
Broche explains that although he initially wanted to create a turn-based RPG, he was feeling burned out on the genre’s conventional gameplay. As he played Sekiro, he became enamored with its parrying system and wondered why such a mechanic couldn’t be implemented in a turn-based game. This idea became a driving force for the development of Expedition 33, which aims to blend strategic turn-based combat with the dynamic action of parrying.
While timing-based mechanics in RPGs are not entirely new—citing games like Super Mario RPG—Broche sees Expedition 33 as an opportunity to modernize the genre. The game’s realistic graphics and the inclusion of parrying could provide a more engaging and exciting experience for players, especially those who are typically not fans of turn-based systems. Broche expresses that he wanted to create something different from traditional RPGs, offering a new way for players to interact with combat.
The parrying mechanic in Expedition 33 isn’t just a cosmetic addition; it plays a pivotal role in how the game’s combat flows. By adding options such as dodging, parrying, and jumping over attacks, players are given new ways to counter enemies.
Broche emphasizes how these actions are linked to reading attack animations, keeping players actively engaged during battles. This mechanic ensures that players need to stay alert and responsive to the timing of each attack, making the combat feel more dynamic and immersive than typical turn-based systems.
Ultimately, Broche hopes that this addition will appeal to both RPG fans and those who may not normally enjoy the genre. By mixing strategic depth with real-time, reaction-based elements like parrying, Expedition 33 aims to offer a fresh take on turn-based combat, making it more interactive and thrilling. With this innovation, the game sets itself apart from other RPGs by introducing a new way of engaging in battles that encourages active participation, keeping players immersed and challenged throughout.
