My university days included a deep dive into L.A. Noire for a dissertation, specifically its depiction of PTSD in 1940s America. Yet, it’s the game’s powerful ending, featuring the compellingly written but often arrogant protagonist Cole Phelps, that truly resonated. This same vein of high-stakes, impactful narrative flows through Expedition 33, a standout RPG this year. However, Expedition 33 takes an even bolder approach by delivering its most shocking surprise right at the beginning.
Please note: This article contains significant spoilers for both Expedition 33 and L.A. Noire. Proceed with caution.
Gustave stands in stark contrast to Phelps. From his very first appearance, players are drawn to him. He’s charismatic, inspiring, and clearly a born leader – qualities amplified by the voice acting of Daredevil star Charlie Cox. He’s presented as the definitive main character: a resilient pioneer destined to break the Paintress’ hold over the world. A true hero in every sense.
Then, in a flash, he’s gone. A single shot in the dark, a brief flicker of light – Gustave is dead. His end, like Phelps’ final moments swept away by a powerful current, is both heroic and incredibly sudden. There are no dramatic war cries or prolonged death scenes; just an abrupt, impactful departure.
Unlike Cole, whose arrogance often made him unlikable, Gustave was universally adored—by players and the Sandfall team alike. This led me to a crucial question for CEO and creative director Guillaume Broche and COO and producer Francois Meurisse: was killing off Gustave, particularly so early in the game, a calculated risk, and did they feel it ultimately succeeded?
“Of course, there’s always a risk with such a decision,” Broche admits with a laugh. “But as a smaller team, if we don’t take these risks, who will? From day one, our core philosophy has been to avoid playing it safe. Not only is it against our creative vision, but it’s simply uninteresting. To make a real impact in any artistic field, you must be daring; otherwise, you just blend in.”
He elaborates, “Especially in game narratives, I believe many titles err on the side of caution. This presented a prime opportunity for us to stand apart. Gustave’s death, when viewed through the game’s overarching themes, feels entirely natural. We aimed to evoke a profound sense of loss – the loss of a pivotal character, the driving force behind the Expedition, and a guiding presence for the player. This moment of confusion, grief, and disorientation is crucial for forging a deeper connection with the remaining cast. We are incredibly pleased with the player response and how deeply they connected with Gustave, a character who was both a joy to create and complexly human.”
Broche acknowledges, “We didn’t dwell on whether we’d lose players after Gustave’s death; if it happened, it happened. However, we also considered gameplay implications. We made sure to transfer player progress to Verso, maintaining continuity even with a new protagonist. The timing was also crucial: late enough for players to form a strong bond with Gustave, but early enough to leave ample content and time to develop a connection with Verso.”
He adds, “It was a delicate balance, but our goal was to ensure his death delivered a powerful, visceral impact – a true ‘punch in the gut’ for players. We’re delighted with how it resonated; some players still express their ‘hatred’ for us over it, but sometimes, that’s precisely the kind of ‘good hate’ you aim for.”
“When one falls, we continue,” Meurisse succinctly concludes. This powerful sentiment perfectly encapsulates the studio’s philosophy.
For those still immersed in Expedition 33, exciting news awaits: a substantial update is slated for release in the coming months. And if you find yourself struggling against certain challenges, consider exploring strategies for the best weapons and character builds to empower your journey with Verso.
We’re curious: how did Gustave’s unexpected demise impact you? Share your reactions – for many, it involved some serious jaw-dropping and perhaps a comfort snack or two!