How Owlcat Shifted from CRPGs to Third-Person Shooters with The Expanse: Osiris Reborn

by

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but be intrigued by the prospect of diving into a third-person shooter action-RPG set in the captivating sci-fi universe of ‘The Expanse’. But let me tell you, it’s not just anyone bringing this game to life. Owlcat Games, known for their mastery over complex, isometric RPGs like ‘Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous’ and more recently, ‘Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader’, has caught my attention. While they may not be the first names that come to mind when you think of third-person shooters, their commitment to preserving franchise lore in their RPGs makes them a perfect fit for an ‘Expanse’ game. The question now is whether they can successfully translate their exceptional RPG skills into this new genre.

As I sat down to pen my thoughts on “The Expanse: Osiris Reborn,” I couldn’t help but reflect on the unique journey Owlcat Games embarked upon in transitioning from their familiar, turn-based RPG style to a thrilling third-person shooter perspective. In an engaging chat with Game Rant, Creative Director Alexander Mishulin elucidated this transformation and the fresh gameplay aspects that the team painstakingly considered for this new genre.

Given Owlcat’s games are often marked by distinct characteristics, Mishulin shared insights into what makes “The Expanse: Osiris Reborn” quintessentially ‘Owlcat.’ As a movie reviewer, I can’t wait to see how these recognizable qualities blend seamlessly with the fast-paced action of this highly anticipated game.

Less Number Crunching, More Gunplay in The Expanse: Osiris Reborn

According to Mishulin, unlike other games by Owlcat, the upcoming game “Osiris Reborn” is expected to focus less on complex number calculations. Instead, the choice of equipment will be based more on feel and personal playing style, much like in “Helldivers 2“. The firearm behavior will vary from weapon to weapon, and players may frequently come across weapons that suit their preferred playstyle. Mishulin further explains that this allows for a more customized gaming experience.

From a movie buff’s perspective, let me tell you about the unique twist in this game: instead of traditional number crunching, we’ve opted for an action-RPG approach to make the experience more engaging. We’re prioritizing customizable playstyles that cater to your preferences. Imagine grabbing an assault rifle – it might be fantastic, but then you discover another one, and each one is different. One could shoot faster, deal more damage, or boast better accuracy. It may even have a secondary firing mode. The only way to know if it suits you is by trying it out yourself!

The game Osiris Reborn isn’t solely focused on guns; instead, it offers a comprehensive collection of skills that players can utilize. Mishulin highlighted that these abilities will have various possibilities for synergy and interaction. Players who prefer a playstyle similar to the Adept in Mass Effect, emphasizing skill usage over raw firepower, might choose to concentrate on acquiring and employing a powerful mix of skills instead.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Has a Unique Approach to Party Members

Owlcat Games are recognized for enriching games with additional gameplay aspects, like kingdom administration in Pathfinder or space conflicts and colony governance in Rogue Trader. When queried about comparable elements in Osiris Reborn, Mishulin explains that these features primarily serve to spotlight party members in unique scenarios. In contrast to previous games, Osiris Reborn will showcase this through the ways party members can interact with the player indirectly during missions.

For this new installment, we’re putting greater emphasis on the narrative and characters. In previous games, companions have always played central roles. This time, we aim to create a multitude of stories that truly shine a light on our characters, but we’re particularly dedicated to making them even more prominent in this game.

During our missions, we’ll be joined by a few associates, but the remainder of the team won’t be idle, simply hanging around somewhere. Instead, they’ll play crucial roles in supporting us throughout the mission. For instance, someone might stay on the ship and offer assistance from there. It’s not as if they’re just passing time until we return; rather, they could be engaged in their own objectives within the mission, which might allow us to intersect at times. Alternatively, your companions may form a separate team, working alongside you on the mission with their own tasks and routes. At times, you’ll help them, and other times, they’ll assist you.

It’s beneficial for RPGs (Role-Playing Games) to make it more realistic that party members don’t just disappear when they’re not part of the active group. Ideally, the gaming genre could learn from games like Osiris Reborn and find methods to involve inactive party members convincingly within the gameplay experience.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is currently in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Read More

2025-07-25 05:34