The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is an upcoming third-person RPG by Owlcat that emphasizes rich storytelling, tactical combat, and immersive world-building within the gritty, politically charged universe of The Expanse. Featuring deep character interactions, meaningful dialogue choices, and space-themed gameplay elements like drone control and ship-based social areas, the game aims to deliver a mature, narrative-driven experience reminiscent of Mass Effect, with a closed beta launching soon.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is an upcoming third-person RPG developed by Owlcat, known for their strong storytelling and character writing. The game is highly anticipated as a potential spiritual successor to Mass Effect, set in the rich universe of The Expanse franchise, which spans books, TV shows, and previous games. The developer is taking a new direction by stepping into the third-person RPG space, aiming to deliver an immersive experience rooted in narrative and character development. A closed beta is scheduled for April 22nd, offering the first hands-on look at the gameplay.
The game’s setting focuses heavily on the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA) and the Belters, highlighting the political struggles and tensions within The Expanse universe. The visual style is described as rustic and functional, reflecting the gritty, realistic nature of the OPA rather than the polished look of some AAA titles. Gameplay footage reveals a combat interface with weapon switching, special abilities, and health and armor bars prominently displayed, suggesting tactical combat. The environments are destructible and dynamic, with scanning and wall-hack mechanics adding to the tactical depth.
One unique aspect discussed is the importance of spaceship thrusters and drive signatures in The Expanse lore, which might influence gameplay, although players will not be able to pilot ships directly. Instead, there are segments where players can control drones in space, maintaining the space RPG vibe. The game also includes social areas on the player’s ship, allowing interaction with crew members, relationship building, and story progression, much like the Mass Effect series. Dialogue choices appear to be meaningful, with multiple responses and consequences that can affect relationships and story outcomes.
The narrative emphasis is strong, with Owlcat’s reputation suggesting a focus on deep character writing and branching storylines. Players can make significant decisions that impact the story and their crew’s loyalty, potentially leading to conflict and betrayal. The game promises a complex political narrative centered around the Belters’ fight for survival and autonomy, with different factions and enemies adding to the tension. The tone is expected to be darker and more mature, potentially capturing the horror-thriller elements found in the original Expanse novels.
Overall, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is shaping up to be a compelling space RPG that combines rich storytelling, tactical combat, and immersive world-building. With the closed beta approaching, there is growing excitement to see how Owlcat’s narrative strengths translate into this new genre. The game joins a growing slate of big narrative space games releasing soon, including Exodus, marking a promising year ahead for fans of space RPGs. The presenter plans to continue covering the game extensively as more information and gameplay become available.