10 Recent Video Game Openings NOBODY Saw Coming

With its painterly imagery, dynamic combat system, and top-tier voice-acting (especially from Andy Serkis), Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 made an astounding impression on the masses.

Also, the story and character conflicts are so creatively thought-provoking, players are sure to be invested right away. Clair Obscur revolves around a terrifying entity called The Paintress who paints a decreasing number every year, causing everyone in the area of that age to disappear. Knowing that 33-year-olds are the next to go, 32-year-old Gustav and a group of volunteers vow to track down and kill The Paintress.

What makes this premise riveting is the fact there's no build-up. Rather than being slowly introduced to this fantastical world, you're forced to watch innocent people vanish into thin air within the first act. Even before it's clear what's happening, you feel for these characters, since it's obvious they're utterly consumed by terror and helplessness.

As hard-hitting as this concept is, it pales compared to the upcoming bombshell. Although Gustav is set up as a traditional protagonist, he gets killed off in the beginning of his quest. Not only are his comrades at a loss what to do, so are the players since they absolutely believed the gung-ho hero would prevail.

As devastating as this moment is, it feels necessary as it reminds Gustav's allies what's at stake and what they're fighting for.