(Image credit: Sandfall Interactive)
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands tall as one of the most acclaimed games of the year, sharing its top spot with the intriguing roguelite puzzler Blue Prince. A significant factor behind its warm reception is the game’s inclusive story mode difficulty option. Interestingly, this feature owes its existence to none other than Jennifer English, the voice of Maelle.
Aliona Baranova, a performance director for Baldur’s Gate 3—where English played Shadowheart—enthusiastically revealed, “The reason that easy mode exists for Expedition 33 is because of… Jennifer English.” English, sharing insights on her collaborative Twitch channel, JenandAliona, added, “I asked for it.”
“I expressed, ‘I really want to play this game and I don’t think I can without it being on easy mode. Please make an easy mode,'” English explained. The developer team, particularly the talented Florian, responded to her request. This special feature, humorously dubbed the Jennifer English Memorial Mode by actor Ben Starr, makes the game accessible to a broader audience.
Florian is a vital part of the creative team at Sandfall, while Ben Starr is known for his roles as Verso in Clair Obscur, Clive in Final Fantasy 16, and the quirky live-action Jimbo in Balatro adverts. The easy mode of Clair Obscur offers a lenient window for dodging and parrying, ensuring enough challenge remains to maintain engagement without overly simplifying the gameplay.
Summing up with a smile, Baranova noted, “That is the reason there’s an easy mode, thanks to Jen not being professional.” So, for those enjoying Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you have Jennifer English to thank for a more approachable gaming experience.
Once you’ve explored the depths of Clair Obscur, consider diving into some of the other exceptional RPGs available today for your next adventure.