PREVIEW – Owlcat Games is boldly charting new territory with The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a story-driven, action-packed sci-fi RPG that channels the spirit of Mass Effect — and yes, romance is definitely on the table.

Owlcat Games, best known for their deep isometric RPGs like Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, is taking a daring leap into third-person, cinematic action with The Expanse: Osiris Reborn. Set in the acclaimed universe of The Expanse — based on the hit Amazon Prime series and best-selling novels — this game places players in the boots of a Pinkwater Security mercenary, caught on Eros Station during a lethal lockdown, where every choice could mean the difference between survival and doom. You’ll be managing a spaceship, assembling a crew, and navigating the politically charged, dangerous expanse of our solar system.

Hard Science, Human Drama

Gone are the isometric viewpoints: here you’ll find over-the-shoulder, cover-based gunplay, class-driven abilities, and full tactical squad management, reminiscent of classic Bioware. But this is no empty action romp — every decision, alliance, and romance changes the fate of your crew and the system itself. Owlcat teases the return of familiar faces from the TV show, even hinting that some original cast members will reprise their roles, though specifics remain under wraps for now.

The customization runs deep. Players create their own captain, choosing from Earther, Martian, or Belter backgrounds, and command one of the most advanced ships in the Belt. Your companions aren’t mere followers; they have unique stories, motives, and often a sharp tongue, directly shaping the unfolding narrative as your story hurtles through the cosmos.

Mass Effect’s Legacy, Reborn

Game Design Producer Yuliya Chernenko was quick to acknowledge that the legendary Mass Effect trilogy was a major influence. “It was an iconic series for the Xbox 360 generation. Many of us first played it as teenagers, and it made a lasting impression. We’re building on that foundation while pushing boundaries of what players expect from this genre.”

Chernenko emphasizes that The Expanse universe is a natural fit for a complex, choice-driven RPG. Modern cover-based action and squad mechanics bring the battles to life, while the narrative leans into tough moral choices, political intrigue, and — for those so inclined — meaningful romances that are integral to your story. As in Mass Effect, you’ll bring two companions into each mission, with the rest supporting from the background. The resemblance is no accident: this is Owlcat’s love letter to fans of character-driven, story-rich sci-fi.

Fans of the show and novels will be delighted to visit iconic locations like Ganymede, Ceres, Mars, and Luna, each rendered in painstaking detail. Owlcat promises a branching, consequence-laden story that’s grounded in the realities of a divided, star-faring humanity — just as James S. A. Corey imagined it.

Owlcat’s New Flagship

There’s no official release date just yet, but Owlcat says The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is “coming soon” to PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG) and both Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. The studio is busy on several fronts, including the newly announced Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy and additional content for Rogue Trader. Still, they describe Osiris Reborn as their “flagship” — and promise that its development won’t impact their other projects, as a completely separate team is handling the new RPG.

-theGeek-

Source : IGN