The DEVASTATING Moral Dilemmas of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | Story + Ending Explained / Analysis
Spoilers within! ADDENDUM: Although I stand by most of what I said in this video, I will add one thing. I am starting to understand that Maelle would be a childish goddess over the preserved world, and although I think the alternative is morally darker, there’s no denying the problematic nature of her new world. Resurrecting Sciel’s husband, who was not gommaged, implies that she is essentially treating this as a world without any loss or suffering, which could lead to a very lethargic existence. It also seems clear that although there is much truth and passion to her defense of her side against Renoir, when she says he can trust her to do things in moderation, she will likely not. There’s even an off key music sting when she says “you can trust me.” And then when Verso calls her out on that, she appears to feel some truth in his words, even if she does truly desire to do better. This doesn’t make me morally Team Verso, but I do think it casts some more darkness on the Maelle ending’s world, even if it is the only one in which much death is avoided. However, as one commenter pointed out, in Verso’s ending, Maelle only trades one grief for another. And this time, she’s lost an entire chosen family, and will live with the guilt of failing to save them. On my next playthrough I think I’ll role play as Verso and fight for him, even if I don’t agree with his position. I think it’s narratively appropriate, and heartbreakingly tragic. Video Description: Clair Obscur Expedition 33 contains one of the most thought-provoking video game narratives of all time. It also contains a lot of polarizing moral dilemmas, especially in its ending. Let's get into it with a deep thematic analysis. Twitter: / joshiepoo25 ~ CHAPTERS ~ Prologue - Cruel Choices: 00:00 Act I - Those Who Know Not: 05:23 Act II - My Illusory World: 08:36 Act III - Verso D & His Innie: 12:57 Act IV - Trolley Problem: 18:50 Act V - For Those Who Come After: 30:21 Epilogue - We Continue: 39:10 Thumbnail illustration by @tholiabentz #expedition33 #clairobscurexpedition33 #clairobscur #endingexplained #videoessay
