Winner: Jennifer English as Maelle (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33)
Writeup by Paul Skevington
Familiar to many from her role as Shadowheart in the critically acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3, the casting of Jennifer English as Maelle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 could have been dismissed as a safe choice, reliant on an established performer to create something competent. English is far too accomplished an actor for that, though few could have predicted the subtlety and pathos she would bring to the role of Maelle, the teenage member of the final Expedition. Although sublimely written, even the most luminous text falters when the vocal delivery fails. English elevates what is written on the page by capturing all aspects of Maelle’s character: her initial naivety, her determination, and her bedrock of pain. Still, Maelle wouldn’t be the same without her humorous side, and English makes us feel part of the laughter, which never seems forced. In a cast of great actors at the height of their talent, English soars highest of all.
Runner-Up: Ben Starr as Verso (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33)
Writeup by Rob White
In Expedition 33, Ben Starr voices Verso, a key player introduced midway through the plot. He’s a complex, secretive character who holds much darkness internally whilst trying desperately to see the light and the good in others. Ben delivers these intricacies brilliantly, whilst drawing out your empathy for a complicated character introduced many hours into a game, when you already have established relationships with the cast. Not an easy task! Verso ended up being a personal highlight by the conclusion of the game and I look forward to encountering more of Ben Starr’s work in the future. Plus he loves Final Fantasy VIII as much as I do, so that makes him even cooler.
