Ben Shapiro Reacts to Clair Obscur Expedition 33 | Violinist Analysis - The Ben Shapiro Show Recap

Podcast: The Ben Shapiro Show

Published: 2025-12-29

Duration: 11 minutes

Summary

Ben Shapiro offers a critical analysis of the music score from the game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, highlighting its lack of progression and repetitive nature.

What Happened

Ben Shapiro begins the episode with an introduction to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a video game developed by a French indie studio, Sandfall Interactive. He mentions the unique formation of the team and the game's success in winning nine out of the thirteen awards it was eligible for, despite some controversy over the results.

Shapiro listens to the game's music, expressing interest in the string arrangements but criticizing the lack of thematic development. He notes that the music seems to repeat without building to a satisfying climax, which he considers a common issue in modern compositions.

He continues to analyze the music by discussing the use of French lyrics, which he humorously admits he cannot understand. Despite this, he explains that the lyrics may spoil elements of the game's story for those who comprehend them.

As the music review progresses, Shapiro points out the absence of a distinct chorus, comparing it unfavorably to elevator music. He appreciates the addition of harmony but remains unimpressed by the song's overall structure.

Shapiro then delves into a comparison between dissonance and harmony in music, referencing classical composers like Bach and Bartok. He explains how dissonance can be effectively used to create tension, which should eventually resolve into harmony for a more impactful musical experience.

The episode concludes with Shapiro's overall critique that the music of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 fails to deliver a memorable or dynamic experience, often remaining repetitive and lacking in emotional progression.

Key Insights

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by French indie studio Sandfall Interactive, won nine out of thirteen awards it was eligible for, despite facing some controversy over the results.
• The music of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 features string arrangements and French lyrics, which may unintentionally reveal elements of the game's story to those who understand the language.
• The composition lacks a distinct chorus and thematic development, leading to a repetitive structure that resembles elevator music rather than a dynamic musical experience.
• Dissonance in music, when used effectively, creates tension that should resolve into harmony for impact, a technique employed by classical composers like Bach and Bartok but lacking in this game's soundtrack.