The New ‘Expanse’ Game Could Be More Than Just a ‘Mass Effect’ Riff

At a glance:

• Owlcat Games' Expanse: Osiris Reborn aims to rival Mass Effect with action-RPG gameplay
• The beta emphasizes cinematic visuals over traditional RPG depth
• Generative AI was used in early development, raising concerns despite human-crafted final assets

Gameplay and Design Choices

Owlcat Games' Expanse: Osiris Reborn reimagines its traditional isometric RPG roots with third-person shooter mechanics, a shift that mirrors Mass Effect's influence. The beta introduces a twin protagonist system, where players control a Pinkwater mercenary and their sibling J, navigating a protomolecule outbreak on Eros. Combat blends action-RPG elements with skill trees, allowing customization through gear and abilities rather than class systems. Players can issue commands to J in slow-motion, adding tactical pressure. Environments dynamically respond to damage, enhancing immersion through sound design and visual feedback. While the beta’s scope is limited, its focus on cinematic storytelling and environmental interaction sets it apart from Owlcat’s earlier works.

The game’s narrative is deeply rooted in the Expanse universe, drawing from both the novels by Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck (under James S.A. Corey) and the Syfy/Prime Video adaptation. Set during the first two books and early TV seasons, the story follows protagonists fleeing Protogen enforcers on a Pinkwater station. The beta’s early missions are concise, completing in under an hour, but the full game promises a 30-hour experience. Owlcat’s decision to incorporate generative AI in conceptual phases—though assuring human-crafted final assets—has sparked debate. Critics argue this was an unnecessary own goal given the rich source material, yet the game’s visual fidelity and adherence to Expanse lore suggest a deliberate balance between innovation and tradition.

Skill Systems and Narrative Depth

Osiris Reborn distinguishes itself through layered skill mechanics that prioritize player agency. Unlike Mass Effect's Paragon/Renegade morality, the game features branching dialogue trees and social ability trees that influence interactions. Players can persuade traders, rally crews, or use engineering checks to unlock pathways, adding strategic depth. Equipment customization further enhances this, as gear modifies skills and traits rather than serving as mere stat boosts. The beta’s limited scope—only one curated mission—hides the potential for complex narrative consequences. While choices like character background (Earther, Martian, Belter) don’t yet impact dialogue, the framework suggests future expansion. Owlcat’s challenge lies in maintaining RPG depth amid action-RPG demands, a balance Mass Effect achieved through its class systems and moral choices.

The AI Controversy and Development Context

Owlcat’s use of generative AI in early development phases for Osiris Reborn has drawn mixed reactions. While the studio emphasized that final assets were human-crafted, the revelation raised questions about the role of AI in creative processes. This contrasts with Owlcat’s reputation for meticulous, traditional RPG design, as seen in Pathfinder and Warhammer 40,000 titles. The beta’s polished visuals and adherence to Expanse aesthetics suggest AI was used for ideation rather than execution. However, the studio’s transparency about this approach may reflect a broader industry trend of integrating AI tools without compromising artistic control. Fans of Owlcat’s earlier works may view this as a calculated risk, betting on the game’s potential to deliver depth despite its experimental methods.

Beta Limitations and Future Prospects

The Osiris Reborn beta, available to preorder holders of the Miller’s Pack or Collector’s Edition, is too small to fully showcase the game’s ambition. With a playtime of under an hour, it lacks the narrative complexity and character dynamics promised in the full release. Players cannot yet see how choices affect party relationships or the broader story, limiting its value for RPG enthusiasts. The full game, slated for spring 2027 on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, will need to expand on these elements to justify its price point—$80 for standard editions or $300 for collector’s packages. If successful, Osiris Reborn could redefine Owlcat’s trajectory, blending action-RPG mechanics with the narrative richness of Mass Effect while preserving its traditional RPG heritage.

Market Position and Industry Implications

Osiris Reborn positions itself at the intersection of AAA gaming and indie RPG traditions. Owlcat’s pivot to action-RPG mechanics risks alienating its core fanbase, which values strategic depth over cinematic flair. However, the game’s success could signal a shift in the industry toward hybrid genres, where visual polish and narrative complexity coexist. Competitors like Bioware, which transitioned from crunchy RPGs to cinematic experiences, offer a cautionary tale. Owlcat’s ability to balance these elements will determine whether Osiris Reborn becomes a landmark title or a missed opportunity. The studio’s reliance on Expanse’s established lore also ties its fate to the franchise’s popularity, which remains robust due to the Prime Video series.

Conclusion

Expanse: Osiris Reborn represents Owlcat Games’ boldest experiment yet. While the beta highlights its visual and narrative potential, questions remain about whether the action-RPG shift will resonate with fans of traditional RPGs. The integration of generative AI adds another layer of complexity, testing the studio’s commitment to its legacy. If the full game delivers on its promises, it could carve a unique niche in the RPG market, proving that innovation need not come at the cost of depth. For now, the beta serves as a teaser—a glimpse of what could be, rather than a definitive statement.