The recent reveal of the Sword and Fairy 4 Remake has ignited a major debate online, with many fans labeling it the first “Clair Obscur-like” or a “clone” of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This comparison follows Sandfall Interactive’s massive success at the 2025 Game Awards, where it won Game of the Year.

The primary reason for the “clone” accusations is the remake’s new battle system. While the original 2007 game used traditional menu-based combat, the remake features a dynamic, reactive system. The new trailer shows perfect parry mechanics, cinematic camera angles, and a user interface that look nearly identical to the style popularized by Expedition 33. Many players noted that the way the camera moves during special attacks and the timing of defensive moves feels like it was taken directly from Sandfall’s work.

A Massive Tonal Shift

For long-time fans of the Sword and Fairy series, this remake represents a huge departure from its roots. The franchise is known for its poetic Chinese fantasy setting and traditional turn-based play. However, the shift toward “active” turn-based combat, which blends strategy with real-time reactions, shows how much influence Expedition 33 has already had on the industry. Some fans find the change exciting, while others worry that the series is losing its unique identity by following a global trend so closely.

At this time, developer UP Software and publisher CubeGame have not officially commented on whether Expedition 33 was a direct inspiration. However, the timing of the trailer release right after the Game Awards suggests that the team is aiming for a similar global appeal. The Sword and Fairy 4 Remake does not have a confirmed release date yet, but it is currently one of the most discussed PC and console titles in the RPG community.