Esquie is my favorite character in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and that’s saying a lot because all of the main cast are likable, especially Gustave and Lune.
Throughout my 30-plus-hour journey across the fractured Continent, everything related to Esquie is something I’d immediately do.
Esquie is a gentle soul, like a children’s toy made flesh, and serves as the party’s transportation across this world's vast and broken lands. Esquie’s presence alone makes my journey worthwhile.
As a positive force, this big blob of all things wonderful and wholesome can clear rocks that block my path and swim to the farthest shore, helping me reach the next area.
click to enlargeI love this creature. Even during our first meeting, the first "Mon Amie" I heard from Esquie soothed the dread and terror I experienced in the game’s opening hours. I didn’t mind doing fetch quests for Esquie, as it is integral to our journey. Even tasks like collecting Florrie and Soarrie didn’t bother me as long as I got to keep this cute little companion.
Even the internet and the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 fandom seem to love their balloon-like companion.
Throughout the game, Esquie becomes a constant presence for the team. Like the Highwind in Final Fantasy VII, every major story beat involves Esquie as it takes us to places unknown. We use Esquie to escape tough situations in surreal boss fights or take advantage of its hidden ability to produce wine, which we can drink to our heart's content while camping. Esquie isn’t just a convenient tool for the team; this big blob of softness exists to make us happy.
As I neared the game’s climax, I mostly used Esquie to clean up the missing Chromatic and Overworld bosses I had skipped. Together, we easily hunt down the last of these deadly, endgame-level monsters. With Maelle, Sciel, and Monoco, we’re an unstoppable squad of Expeditioners, and none of this would be possible without Esquie.
There’s a particular part in the game where Esquie delivers a monologue about life’s vicissitudes, weighing life between a “Whee” and a “Whoo.” Of course, it’s not always a “Whee”; rather, it’s a mix of both, and Esquie understood exactly what I meant. Yet, this gentle soul doesn’t seem fazed by the game’s doom and gloom as its positivity remains constant.
I’m almost finished with the game and afraid to see how it all ends for my party members, especially Esquie. To be honest, I’d do anything for this creature.
READ: Why the Gestrals Steal the Show in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sort Of)
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