How The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Is Like Dark Souls, but Not in the Way You Think

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Owlcat Games, famous for creating CRPG masterpieces, is venturing into uncharted territory with its upcoming game, “The Expanse: Osiris Reborn”. Instead of being an isometric, turn-based RPG like their previous successes, this new title will be a third-person shooter that incorporates RPG elements similar to the acclaimed “Mass Effect” series. Although it’s quite a departure from their usual expertise, the team seems well-equipped for the challenge: Owlcat Games’ experience in making RPG games with intricate decision-making systems, character builds, and gripping narratives makes them ideally suited to create a game within the richly detailed “Expanse” universe.

Certainly, diving into a new genre like third-person shooters naturally brings up questions about how Owlcat Games plans to handle gameplay. In an interview with Game Rant, Alexander Mishulin, the Creative Director at Owlcat Games, discussed the character creation process, which allows players to customize their characters using a variety of weapons and skills. He explained that the way they approach weaponry and character builds in Osiris Reborn is similar to how Soulslike games handle it.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Doesn’t Use a Class System

In the game Osiris Reborn, crafting your character as in any Owlcat game revolves around uncovering potent interactions between skills, weapons, and gear. Unlike traditional class systems, you have the liberty to mix and match these elements to suit your preferred playstyle. This is where Mishulin compares it to Soulslike games. Like Soulslike titles, Osiris Reborn doesn’t enforce a fixed class system; instead, it empowers players to distribute skill points and select weapons at will. Most notably, virtually every combination can prove effective in this game, as Mishulin highlights.

Some elements might appeal to you, while others may not – that’s perfectly fine! Our goal is to create a diverse selection so you can discover and combine the skills and interactions that suit your preferences, thereby shaping your unique gameplay style. And with all the RPG mechanics in place, you can further develop these choices you make, making it a more flexible experience. In essence, there are no predefined classes; instead, you’re crafting your personal playstyles.

This game has a touch of similarity to “Soulslike” games, but not in terms of the challenging gameplay, such as dashing from checkpoint to checkpoint. Instead, it’s about discovering the weapon that fits your playstyle best. For instance, if you don’t gel with large, heavy katana swords due to their slowness, opt for light, swift weapons instead. In this game, too, choose a weapon that suits you and develop from there.

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that while Osiris Reborn shares some similarities with Soulslike games, its character build approach sets it apart significantly. When discussing this intriguing game with the creator Mishulin, he was eager to clarify that it’s not about a frantic sprint from one “bonfire” to another or an overly challenging Soulslike experience, as some may think. However, given Owlcat’s reputation for creating engaging games, it’s safe to assume that the game will indeed offer a tough difficulty mode for those players who relish a good challenge.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Has Plenty of Build Variety

In the realm of gameplay options for Osiris Reborn, Game Rant asked about how two distinct approaches might manifest. At that stage, Mishulin didn’t disclose specifics about particular skills or weapons, but instead outlined two main playstyles, one emphasizing weapon mastery and another prioritizing ability utilization.

Two clear instances might involve a gameplay style heavily centered around firearm combat and aiming – one that primarily emphasizes weapons and enhances shooting capabilities through acquired abilities. For instance, consider a tactical advantage that improves your visibility of enemies in low light or concealed locations, similar to seeing through walls or shadows.

Instead, one might find a player who concentrates on mastering numerous skills and the harmonious interaction between them. This player may not excel at aiming or gunplay but rather develops themselves by creating an exceptional combination of abilities that complement each other effectively.

In essence, “The Expanse: Osiris Reborn” seems to share a resemblance with a “Mass Effect” game set in the universe of “The Expanse”. The weapon-centric character could be likened to Shepard’s Soldier class, while the ability-focused one might remind you of the Adept class. However, what sets it apart is its open-ended approach and Owlcat’s renowned expertise in RPG character customization, which promises a multitude of unique playstyles for players as they journey through the solar system, offering a diverse range of experiences.

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

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2025-07-24 03:05