What Is The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, the New Game with Mass Effect Vibes?

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The Mass Effect series is still considered one of the best space RPGs, even after the release of the less successful Mass Effect: Andromeda. It’s a landmark sci-fi adventure that sets the standard for other games in the genre.

Many sci-fi action RPGs draw inspiration from Mass Effect, and the upcoming The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is no different. Developed by Owlcat Games, the studio behind Pathfinder, this game is based on The Expanse book and TV series. Interestingly, The Expanse itself shares similarities with Mass Effect – both explore humanity’s relatively recent arrival on the galactic stage and highlight the importance of teamwork among space crews. Given this connection, BioWare’s Mass Effect seems like a natural model for adapting The Expanse into a video game.

While a video game based on The Expanse exists from Telltale Games, the upcoming Osiris Reborn is planned to be a much larger and more action-packed experience.

What Is The Expanse: Osiris Reborn About?

Both the Expanse novels and TV series follow James Holden and his crew as they face a strange alien threat known as the protomolecule. The story focuses on this frightening, universe-level conflict, and also includes political dealings between different space factions. However, the novel Osiris Reborn appears to be a departure from this main storyline.

So, I’m playing this game, Osiris Reborn, and I’m basically a mercenary captain working for Pinkwater Security. I was just trying to enjoy some downtime on Eros Station with my crew when we got dragged into this huge, system-wide conspiracy. They’re keeping most of the story details under wraps right now, but it looks like the main characters from The Expanse – like James and Naomi – aren’t going to be the focus of this story, which is a little different than I expected.

While details are still emerging, Osiris Reborn will take place during the same time as the events in The Expanse books and TV show. Owlcat Games says the game’s story will run alongside the main plot, covering the timeframe of the first two books or the first two-and-a-half seasons of the show. This means what happens in those early parts of the story will affect the game’s narrative. Specifically, the fragile relationships between the different human groups at that point in The Expanse’s history will likely shape the game’s world.

Owlcat has announced that players will encounter recognizable characters in Osiris Reborn, and has hinted that some actors from the original TV show will return to play those characters. However, the developer hasn’t yet shared which specific characters and actors will be involved.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Has Mass Effect-Like RPG Systems

The game The Expanse: Osiris Reborn promises players meaningful choices, much like the popular Mass Effect series. Owlcat Games, the developer, has stated that Mass Effect was a major inspiration, and they aim to create a role-playing game that is even more expansive and detailed than BioWare’s well-known title.

Although we’re still aiming at a similar audience, we’re offering more customization and focusing on a modern gaming experience. Players will be able to create their own unique playstyle and shape their own adventure, which sets us apart from the more rigid, system-driven choices in Mass Effect.

It’s a big statement to say, but Osiris Reborn clearly aims to compete with games like Mass Effect. Whether Owlcat can match BioWare’s skill with storytelling and RPG gameplay is yet to be seen, though early details suggest some strong similarities. For example, players in Osiris Reborn will be able to create a customized character, choosing their gender, appearance, and one of three different races or backgrounds.

  • Earther: Humans raised on far-future Earth.
  • Martian: Descendants of humans who have colonized Mars, characterized by their unusual height and lower bone density resulting from lower Martian gravity.
  • Belter: Working class humans born and raised in or around The Belt, an asteroid belt in the outer part of the Sol system. They are generally taller and thinner than Martians due to even lower gravity in their home environments.

A particularly interesting aspect of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is its depiction of the physical differences between Earthers, Martians, and Belters. The TV series showed them looking quite similar, even though the books describe them as having distinct physical characteristics. Osiris Reborn, unconstrained by the limitations of live-action production, will reportedly address this. Players will also find diversity within their squad, similar to the team-building mechanics in Mass Effect, regardless of the character background they choose.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Will Have Combat Similar to Mass Effect

The combat in Osiris Reborn feels similar to Mass Effect, letting you bring two teammates into battle and give them orders during fast-paced fights. It plays like a cover-shooter, meaning you’ll want to stay behind obstacles like walls and boxes. This encourages a slower, more strategic approach to combat, rather than just running around and shooting.

Owlcat Games also hinted at a new companion system where characters not actively in your party still contribute to missions. They can provide support remotely, like disabling technology or creating diversions. This means all your companions will have an impact on the game, adding a fresh element to the style of gameplay seen in games like Mass Effect.

Will The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Have Romance?

Fans of Mass Effect will be happy to hear that Osiris Reborn will feature romance options, though details are still scarce. Owlcat Games has confirmed romance will be a part of the game, and suggests it will be similar to the romance systems found in Pathfinder. Given the many similarities between The Expanse and the source material, this game is definitely one Mass Effect fans should keep an eye on.

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2026-01-01 22:05