Ben Starr, voice of Clair Obscur’s Verso, shares his thoughts on the impact of both games releasing at once

In 2025, gamers are spoilt for choice, with an impressive array of new and remastered titles being released one after the other. However, for Sandfall Interactive, the developers of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the timing of their game’s release, just days after Bethesda’s much-anticipated Oblivion Remastered, posed a unique challenge.

Speaking to GameSpot ahead of Clair Obscur’s launch, Ben Starr, who voices the enigmatic character of Verso, expressed that the simultaneous releases of these two major titles weren’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, he sees it as an exciting sign for the gaming industry in 2025. “We’re in this incredible year where, whatever your gaming tastes are—whether you’re into Blue Prince, Oblivion, Doom: The Dark Ages, or Clair Obscur—there’s just so much diversity,” Starr commented, highlighting the rich selection of games now available to players.

Starr, who brings life to the mysterious Verso in Clair Obscur, noted that the release of Oblivion Remastered, a remake of a gaming masterpiece, alongside the launch of Expedition 33, a fresh and innovative new IP, is an example of how both can co-exist in a thriving market. “I know they can exist alongside each other because the space in the industry is vast enough to enjoy both. This game isn’t going anywhere—it’s on Game Pass. Download it, put it on your console, and enjoy it when you get there. What a great year for videogames,” Starr said enthusiastically.

The release of Clair Obscur has been highly anticipated, especially after it garnered glowing reviews just a day before its launch. The game, which boasts a Metacritic score of 92, is tied with Blue Prince for the highest-rated game of 2025 so far. GameSpot’s own review described it as “a phenomenal RPG” that “reinterprets familiar mechanics with an imaginative eye,” a sentiment shared by many in the gaming community.

Despite Oblivion Remastered being a behemoth in the gaming world, Starr expressed his excitement about both titles. “I’m a huge fan of both,” he revealed when asked about Oblivion. “It’s amazing to see old games being reinvented and brought to the fore. For those who didn’t get the chance to experience Oblivion, it’s a great opportunity. As for me, I’ve downloaded it and I’m looking forward to diving into it once I’m done with Clair Obscur.”

As for the reception of Clair Obscur, its success is likely to continue building momentum in the coming weeks, especially given its excellent reviews. The game’s combination of heartfelt storytelling and innovative RPG mechanics is expected to resonate with players who are seeking something fresh in the gaming landscape.

Starr’s enthusiasm for both Oblivion and Clair Obscur reflects a broader trend in gaming, where the industry is embracing both remasters of beloved classics and new, daring titles that push the boundaries of what’s possible. In this golden age of gaming, it’s clear that there’s room for both the old and the new to flourish.

With both games appealing to different gaming sensibilities—Oblivion’s familiar, expansive world and Clair Obscur’s novel approach to RPG gameplay—players are now presented with the exciting possibility of enjoying both experiences, without having to choose between them.