Light and Shadow: The 33rd Expedition is designed to evoke a true sense of exploration, opting to forgo a traditional minimap. Players navigating the game's environments will instead rely on a newly added compass and a world map to find their way. This decision, confirmed by developer Sandfall Interactive CEO Francois Meurisse, aims to immerse players in the experience of discovery, much like the ill-fated expeditions that preceded the 33rd.

During a GDC interview with Eurogamer, Meurisse explained the reasoning behind this design choice. He stated that minimaps can often become a crutch, hindering true exploration. By removing it, the developers hope to encourage players to actively engage with the world and discover its secrets organically.

While some players in early previews expressed concerns about navigation, the addition of the compass and world map should alleviate those concerns. The compass, absent in the preview build, will provide a consistent directional guide. The world map will offer a broader perspective, aiding players in planning their routes.

This navigation approach resonates with the design philosophy of games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance, where players rely heavily on the in-game map to orient themselves and explore the vast, detailed world.

The FromSoftware inspiration manifests in several ways. The satisfying impact of a successful parry, emphasized by a dramatic slow-motion close-up, echoes the precise combat of Sekiro.  The weapon progression system, tied to character attributes, is reminiscent of the RPG mechanics found in Dark Souls.  Furthermore, the level design, while perhaps more linear, shares a similar sense of oppressive atmosphere and the potential for disorientation within a dangerous environment.

Meurisse explained that the game balances linear levels with semi-open areas offering opportunities for exploration. These areas are accessible through a JRPG-style world map, allowing for a more focused narrative experience.

He acknowledged the influence of FromSoftware's design philosophy, stating, "There is some lineage with FromSoftware games in the sense that levels are very linear, but very intense.  We don’t have their creative mastery, but it's definitely part of the inspiration."

Light and Shadow: The 33rd Expedition is set to release on April 24th for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.