Expanse: Osiris Reborn Devs Embrace Mass Effect Comparisons
▼ Summary
– The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a new third-person action-RPG by Owlcat Games, drew Mass Effect comparisons after its trailer debut at Summer Game Fest.
– The game is set in a realistic sci-fi future and is planned for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, though no release date is confirmed.
– Creative director Alexander Mishulin acknowledges Mass Effect as an inspiration but emphasizes Osiris Reborn’s unique focus on nuanced choices and consequences.
– Player character origins (Belter, Earther, or Martian) will influence interactions, quests, and how NPCs treat them, adding depth to the narrative.
– The game features romanceable companions and a dynamic relationship with the player’s twin sibling, but Owlcat aims to improve upon rather than replicate Mass Effect.
Fans of deep-space adventures have reason to celebrate as The Expanse: Osiris Reborn emerges as a promising new sci-fi RPG. Developed by Owlcat Games, this upcoming title made waves at Summer Game Fest with its gritty, realistic take on interstellar conflict. Almost immediately, comparisons to Mass Effect began flooding social media, with players drawing parallels between the two franchises’ third-person combat, branching narratives, and richly detailed worlds.
The enthusiasm isn’t lost on the developers. Creative director Alexander Mishulin acknowledges the influence of Mass Effect, calling it an “iconic” inspiration for many on the team. “A lot of us grew up playing those games,” he admits. “It’s impossible to deny their impact on how we approach storytelling and worldbuilding.” Yet, Osiris Reborn isn’t content to simply mimic its predecessors. Mishulin emphasizes that Owlcat is carving its own path, particularly when it comes to player agency and narrative depth.
Where Mass Effect often presented stark moral binaries, Osiris Reborn aims for something more nuanced. Players won’t just choose between paragon and renegade paths, their decisions will ripple through the game in unexpected ways. One key factor is the protagonist’s origin: selecting a Belter, Earther, or Martian background will unlock unique dialogue, quests, and even alter how NPCs react. For example, Belters might find warmer receptions on Ceres Station, while Earthers could face suspicion following the Canterbury’s destruction.
Companions play a pivotal role, too. Alongside romance options, a staple of the genre, players will navigate a dynamic relationship with their twin sibling, whose opinions may clash with their own. This adds another layer of complexity, ensuring choices feel weighty and personal.
Visually, Osiris Reborn channels the grounded aesthetic of The Expanse TV series, favoring practical spacecraft and believable physics over flashy, futuristic designs. The game’s setting aligns with the show’s early seasons, offering fans a chance to explore familiar conflicts from a fresh perspective.
While no release date has been confirmed, anticipation is building. Owlcat’s track record with intricate RPGs like Pathfinder suggests Osiris Reborn could deliver the kind of immersive experience sci-fi fans crave. Whether it lives up to the Mass Effect legacy remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: the void left by Shepard’s saga might finally have a worthy successor.
(Source: Polygon)
