CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33 Director Calls KINGDOM HEARTS 2 "One of the Best Action RPGs Ever Created," Says He's Been Chasing Its Gameplay Ever Since
If you've spent any time with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you've probably noticed that it proudly celebrates the games that helped shape it. From its love of classic Final Fantasy to the stylish action that feels right at home alongside Devil May Cry, its inspirations aren't exactly hidden.
Now, the game's creative director, Guillaume Broche, has opened up about another major influence, and it's one that plenty of RPG fans will happily agree with.
During an appearance on Konbini's Jeux Video Club series, Broche praised Kingdom Hearts 2 as one of the greatest action RPGs ever made, explaining that its combat has been the gold standard for him ever since.
Broche revealed that Kingdom Hearts 2 sits comfortably among his favorite games ever made, saying it's one of his "top five games of all time." He also gave credit to Square Enix for creating something truly special.
He said: "You have to admit that Square Enix has managed to create something truly exceptional."
While the Kingdom Hearts series has always been known for blending Disney worlds with fast-paced action, it's the combat in the second game that Broche believes stands above the rest. The fluid mechanics, flashy abilities, and rewarding progression clearly left a lasting impression on him.
As he explained: "There's really something about that gameplay that I've been looking for ever since Kingdom Hearts 2."
He also pointed to the game's deep endgame systems, especially the increasingly satisfying combat options players unlock later in the adventure, saying: "You could spend 150 hours in the late game."
Broche also shared his thoughts on the more recent entry in the series, saying: "Kingdom Hearts 3 isn't bad, but it didn't manage to recapture everything it did in terms of gameplay, which was exceptional."
It's an opinion that many longtime Kingdom Hearts fans have debated over the years. While Kingdom Hearts 3 delivered spectacular visuals and massive set pieces, plenty of players have argued that Kingdom Hearts 2 still offers the tighter and more rewarding combat system.
Looking at Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, it's easy to see how those influences found their way into the finished game. The title embraces classic RPG ideas inspired by Final Fantasy, while Verso's combat style clearly channels Devil May Cry.
Broche has even shared Devil May Cry challenge runs online before developing Clair Obscur, and fans have been quick to point out similarities between Verso's ranking system, moveset, and Vergil's iconic combat style.
With that mix of action and RPG mechanics at the heart of Clair Obscur, it makes perfect sense that Kingdom Hearts 2 would also be one of the games that helped shape Broche's creative vision.
Great games tend to leave a lasting mark on the developers who grow up playing them, and in this case, one of gaming's most beloved action RPGs helped inspire one of 2025's biggest breakout hits.