First Clair Obscur-like game from China: Sword and Fairy 4 Remake

Sandfall Interactive, which achieved great success with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, had a year full of awards, and the echoes of this success reached China. Sword and Fairy 4 Remake, developed by UP Software, came to the fore with its first trailer, drawing attention due to its similarities to Clair Obscur. Introduced with a fantasy atmosphere inspired by Chinese mythology, the game, especially thanks to its combat system, began to be referred to as the “first Clair Obscur-like Chinese game.”

Sword and Fairy 4 Remake Creates Controversy with its Combat System

In the first part of the released trailer, classic Chinese fantasy locations, different biomes, and vibrant city designs are highlighted. However, the real point becomes apparent with the start of the gameplay footage. The camera angles, animation transitions, and the flow of character attacks clearly recall Clair Obscur’s dynamic and cinematic turn-based combat system.

In particular, the perfectly timed defensive moves, dramatic ability animations, and user interface layout led many players who watched the trailer to comment on the similarities.

Comments on social media frequently stated, “This looks more like a new interpretation inspired by Expedition 33 than a remake.” Some viewers even argued that the scenes felt almost like a Clair Obscur DLC.

On the other hand, the Sword and Fairy series has its roots in the 2000s, and the original fourth game, released in 2007, followed a more classic JRPG line. Therefore, some players find it natural that the remake draws inspiration from Clair Obscur in its modernization process. However, it remains unclear whether this similarity will start a “new trend.” For now, it seems that the fresh interpretation of Clair Obscur has encouraged other productions as well.

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