Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader and Pathfinder: Kingmaker developers Owlcat Games are venturing into the realm of “hard sci-fi” with The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a new RPG based on the James S. A. Corey novels and Syfy TV adaptations.
The game is inspired by BioWare’s Mass Effect series, with “tactical” third-person combat featuring two ally characters and cover mechanics.
In a press release, game design producer Yuliya Chernenko comments that “the original Mass Effect trilogy was absolutely an inspiration to the team”, being “iconic for the Xbox 360 generation of gamers”.
I was going to get snobby about that nod to consoles, but then I realised that the sentence is a sick burn on Mass Effect Andromeda, so we’ll call it square.
I’m unconvinced of Owlcat’s ability to develop a real-time Mass Effect-style squad action experience, but they’ve got ample prior for the kinds of crew relationship dynamics and political tensions you find in both Mass Effect and The Expanse.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is a new role-playing game that is based on the James S. A. James novel, and it marks Owlcat Games’ foray into the “hard sci-fi” genre. Corey books and Syfy TV shows. This unique storyline places you in the role of a Pinkwater Security mercenary who is initially stranded on Eros Station, an asteroid base that experiences catastrophic upheaval in the television series, before taking command of a cutting-edge starship to explore the solar system. With its “tactical” third-person combat that includes two ally characters and cover mechanics, the game draws inspiration from BioWare’s Mass Effect series. Couples on the crew, too. A trailer is available here.
Game design producer Yuliya Chernenko states in a press release that the original Mass Effect trilogy was “iconic for the Xbox 360 generation of gamers” and “was absolutely an inspiration to the team.”. After realizing that the sentence is a sick burn on Mass Effect Andromeda, I decided to call it square instead of being snobbish about the console nod.
Despite its 360-degree perspective, Osiris Reborn’s combat “reflects the standards of modern action gameplay.”. Although I don’t think Owlcat can create a squad action game in the same vein as Mass Effect in real time, they have a lot of experience with the kinds of political conflicts and crew relationship dynamics that can be found in both Mass Effect and The Expanse.
I hope this is a faithful simulation of zero-G physics, so please hide behind the closest knee-high surface while I pepper your position with these bulletpoint features.
Take control of the most sophisticated ship in the system by assuming the role of an Earther, Martian, or Belter. Create your path by navigating identity, leadership, and survival pressure.
Lead a Crew: Your teammates are more than just fellow soldiers; they have histories, goals, and insights into your narrative. Your choices as a leader will affect how squadmate loyalty changes under duress.
Use squad coordination and a variety of skills to implement real-time strategic cover mechanics in tactical third-person combat. While others provide backstage support, bring two friends into battle.
Visit famous sites from the TV series and novels, such as Ganymede, Ceres, Mars, and Luna, as you explore a divided solar system. As players navigate the different environments, they must find hidden secrets and use their abilities and choices to affect outcomes.
Immerse yourself in a narrative based on tension, consequences, and the intricacy of humanity’s future among the stars in this story-driven role-playing game that is true to the expansion.
Not today, nor tomorrow, but “soon” is when Osiris Reborn will be available on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG.
