French developer Sandfall Interactive revealed that their upcoming title, Light and Shadow: The 33rd Expedition, draws inspiration from a variety of sources beyond just the traditional JRPGs like Final Fantasy.  The game's combat system also incorporates influences from FromSoftware's acclaimed action titles and even card-building games, creating a unique blend of tactical depth and dynamic gameplay.

In an interview with GamesRadar+ at GDC, producer and studio co-founder François Meurisse cited Final Fantasy X, as well as "earlier PlayStation titles like 7, 8, and 9," as key inspirations for Light and Shadow: The 33rd Expedition.  These games resonated deeply with game director Guillaume Broche during his childhood, shaping his vision for a modern take on the classic turn-based JRPG formula.

“These were pivotal games in our game director Guillaume Broche’s childhood,” Meurisse explained.  “He wanted to capture the feeling of what he imagined a modern Final Fantasy-like game might be if it had kept the turn-based combat system. But he’s also blended in lots of different inspirations.”

The team at Sandfall Interactive sought to evoke the spirit of classic JRPGs while adding their own twist to the formula. The core gameplay clearly inherits the legacy of Final Fantasy and other JRPGs.  However, the defensive mechanics draw significant inspiration from the precise timing and skillful parrying found in FromSoftware games, particularly Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

“There are lots of other smaller inspirations,” Meurisse added. “For example, the way the skills in combat use action points is inspired more by card-building games than by the usual mana or MP system you see in traditional RPGs.” This influence is also apparent in how special attacks can be combined with teammates' abilities to create powerful synergistic effects.

The impact of card-building games is particularly evident in the game's skill system.  Instead of relying on traditional mana or magic points, skills consume action points, encouraging strategic resource management reminiscent of deck-building mechanics. This approach adds another layer of tactical depth to the combat system.

While Light and Shadow: The 33rd Expedition draws inspiration from various sources, it strives to establish its own distinct identity, especially with its unique art style.  “The gameplay is rooted in JRPG traditions, but from the start, we wanted to make it our own with our own artistic inspirations,” Meurisse explained.

The developers consciously avoided imitating the stylized anime or manga aesthetic commonly associated with Japanese games.  Instead, they embraced the Belle Époque era of the early 20th century, blending Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences with high fantasy elements. This distinct visual style sets the game apart and contributes to its unique charm.