Here’s a little something for the fun-loving Clair Obscur fanatics: Expedition 33-it’s that freaky monster with bulging eyes that is called Petank. It’s not just a neat design choice. Materialize from a sneaky reference to pétanque, the time-old French ball sport everybody knows-the one where people throw steel balls in dirt like it’s going to be the most intense thing ever. Yes, that one.
Now, you might be one of the people who thinks, “Wait, what even is pétanque?” Well, you’re not alone. Essentially, it is France’s answer to bocce, or lawn bowling-more like such with added drama in performance. Players will stand around in a circle trying to get as close as possible to this tiny target called the “cochonnet” (yes, by the way, that means “piglet”-“French people are so weird”). It is quite a game down south France, where the same old men dispute about it, like it is a matter of life and death.
So why get bothered about it in Clair Obscur? Of course, developers know how to make practical jokes. That enemy Petank rolls around like one of those strange balls probably just waiting to flatten an unsuspecting player. It’s the details that make you appreciate the small nods within games, like, who thinks about tiny references to niche French sports in a fantasy RPG? Apparently these developers.
And really, it fits. The blending of real-world influences with the dark and surreal world is rampaged by Expeditions 33. Weird creatures and eerie landscapes have filled the game, but why not add a sports reference to bring in that last bit of flavor? That pleasantly hidden Easter egg that does not slam upon your face but makes you smile once you finally decipher it.
So, the real question: is Petank a rule follower or a rules break concerning pétanque? Like, if you hit it just right, does it explode into several small cochonnets? Probably not, but a gamer can always hope. Maybe a side quest would be added in a later patch wherein players would have to defeat Petank in an actual pétanque match. Kudos would go to the winner because the loser will be crushed by a giant metal ball. Seems fair enough.
Anyway, when you’re playing Clair Obscur and you see Petank rolling toward you, remember-it’s not just a monster. It’s a culture reference. And a little bit smarter now you would be knowing the same. You’re welcome.
Oh, and just in case you haven’t seen pétanque in action yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. It’s far more entertaining than it should realistically be. Picture old French guys yelling at each other over a small ball of metal? Pure gold.
So yeah, there’s Petank’s tale-not an important detail, but it’s a fun one. Now go and enjoy those little weird things in video games. Or, y’know, keep pounding enemies. That works, too.
