The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is a story-driven sci-fi RPG that appeals to fans of The Expanse and space-based narrative games, offering meaningful choices and character interactions within a familiar universe, though some decisions mainly add flavor rather than immediate impact. While the game features engaging lore and social mechanics, its combat and space sequences feel clunky and limited, leaving the overall experience promising but currently lacking in depth and player agency.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is a sci-fi RPG that appeals to three main audiences: fans of The Expanse eager to explore a familiar universe through meaningful choices, Mass Effect enthusiasts who enjoy space-based RPGs with relationship-building and story-driven gameplay, and space aficionados interested in an immersive experience that captures the challenges of living in space. The game offers a narrative grounded in the well-known themes of the franchise, such as curiosity, rebellion, and human connection, while placing players in scenarios where gravity, resources, and distance influence alliances and decisions. The reviewer highlights how the game translates these elements into gameplay, focusing primarily on the impact of player choices and the complications of space.
Central to the demo is a pivotal decision involving escape from the hostile Protogen Osiris squad, where players can either fight alongside their Pinkwater security team or flee alone. This choice affects the mission’s outcome, including the fate of the space station and its inhabitants. While the game provides dialogue options that enrich character development—especially through interactions with key party members like Zafar—many choices seem to offer flavor rather than significant immediate consequences. The social hub of the space station serves as an engaging area filled with lore, NPCs, and side quests, though it sometimes feels more like a curated set of interactions rather than a fully dynamic living world.
Combat in Osiris Reborn is a third-person shooter reminiscent of Mass Effect, featuring cover-based mechanics, class abilities, and a tactical pause system. However, the reviewer notes that the combat feels somewhat clunky and lacks polish, with enemy AI and feedback needing improvement. Space combat sequences stand out with their zero-gravity effects and atmospheric design, yet the overall player agency during these moments is limited, as many sequences are on rails. Additionally, the game does not emphasize survival mechanics like oxygen or heat management, which could have added depth and tension to the space experience.
Beyond combat and choices, the game includes crafting systems, skill trees, and social relationship mechanics that influence party dynamics and story progression. While these systems exist, they currently lack the depth and excitement found in other RPGs, and there is no evident reputation system that tracks faction relationships on a broader scale. This absence is notable given the political intrigue central to The Expanse universe. The reviewer appreciates the narrative and character-driven aspects of the game but feels that some gameplay elements, especially combat and space immersion, could be better integrated to enhance the overall experience.
In conclusion, Osiris Reborn shows promise as a story-focused sci-fi RPG catering primarily to fans of The Expanse and narrative-driven space adventures. While the demo reveals engaging lore, character interactions, and meaningful choices, the combat and space mechanics currently feel underwhelming and limited in player agency. The reviewer remains cautiously optimistic, anticipating further exploration of the game’s depth and consequences as development progresses. For those invested in The Expanse and looking for an RPG within that universe, Osiris Reborn is worth watching, though it may not yet satisfy players seeking a fully immersive or combat-heavy space game.