In a reflective moment from my university days, I recall crafting a dissertation centered on the video game L.A. Noire, particularly its exploration of PTSD in the context of 1940s America. Yet, what lingers in my memory is not just the thematic depth but the profound impact of its conclusion. The protagonist, Cole Phelps, despite his unlikable and arrogant demeanor, left an indelible mark on players. This high-stakes narrative style resonates throughout Expedition 33, one of the standout RPGs of the year, which intriguingly chooses to unveil its most shocking twist early on.
Please note that this article contains major spoilers for both Expedition 33 and L.A. Noire. Tread lightly, expeditioner.
Gustave’s Impactful Journey
Enter Gustave, a character whose charm and leadership qualities immediately win over players. Voiced by Charlie Cox, known for his role in Daredevil, Gustave is portrayed as the rugged pioneer destined to challenge the Paintress’ dominion. His character embodies heroism, making his sudden demise all the more jarring. A shot rings out in the night, and just like that, Gustave is gone—his departure echoing the abruptness of Cole Phelps’ fate, albeit with a sense of collective mourning rather than indifference.
In a conversation with CEO and creative director Guillaume Broche and COO and producer Francois Meurisse, I inquired about the decision to eliminate Gustave so early in the narrative. Was it a gamble? Broche responded with a light-hearted chuckle, “Of course there is a risk when you do something like that, but if we don’t take risks as a small team, who will? Since the beginning, our whole philosophy has been about not playing it safe, firstly because it’s not what we want to do, and secondly because it’s boring.” He emphasized the importance of taking bold steps in the artistic landscape, asserting that playing it safe leads to mediocrity.
Broche elaborated on the storytelling aspect, noting, “I feel like, especially in terms of storytelling, video games tend to play it a bit too safe, so it was a really good opportunity to differentiate ourselves. The death of Gustave is very natural when you think about the game; you want to have this feeling of loss. You’ve lost something that was very important, someone who was driving basically the whole Expedition, as well as you as a player.” This loss, he explained, fosters a connection with the remaining cast, evoking feelings of confusion and grief.
Meurisse added, “We didn’t really think about ‘oh, are we going to lose every player when Gustave dies’ because if it happens, it happens.” He noted that gameplay choices were made to ensure continuity, allowing players to transfer their progress to Verso, a different character introduced later. “It was a balance to find, but we wanted to make sure his death felt impactful and like a big punch in the stomach to players,” he said, acknowledging the mixed reactions from the player base. “We’re happy that it worked well for the players—there are some that still hate us for it! Sometimes it’s good hate.”
As Meurisse succinctly put it, “When one falls, we continue,” encapsulating the resilience of both the game’s narrative and its players.
For those still navigating the challenges of Expedition 33, exciting news awaits: a significant update is on the horizon, set to release “in the coming months.” And for players grappling with Simon, resources are available, including a comprehensive list of the best Expedition 33 weapons and optimal builds to enhance your gameplay experience.
How did you react to Gustave’s death? Share your thoughts on Discord. After processing that shocking moment, I found solace in a generous helping of ice cream.
