The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Preview

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is a story-driven third-person shooter blending Mass Effect combat with immersive sim elements, set for release in spring 2027.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is a third-person shooter set for release in spring 2027 on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. Developed by Owlcat Games, it is a new story set within the universe of James S.A. Corey's books and the television series.

You cannot jump in the game. This design choice, noted during a Gamescom 2026 preview, has a potential lore implication. Much of The Expanse is set in environments with variable gravity where characters wear magnetized boots. A producer did not officially confirm this rationale, but the detail suggests a highly faithful adaptation.

A new crew and a familiar timeline

The game's story runs concurrently with events from the first three seasons of the show, or the first two books. Players control a custom character, not James Holden. The crew includes the protagonist's twin, named J, and a party of misfits reminiscent of BioWare's style.

While the player's group is not central to major timeline events, they witness them from a different angle. Characters like Holden do appear, though they were not seen in the preview.

Combat directly mirrors the first three Mass Effect games. It is a punchy, cover-based third-person system where you command two squad mates. Fights require tactical planning and instinctual repositioning. The game's stats for combat responsiveness appear strong, appealing even to those unfamiliar with the source material.

Exploration and immersive sim intrigue

The preview mission, "Beetle in the Anthill," occurs around 10 hours into a roughly 30-hour experience. It takes place after the destruction of Eros Station. The party works for the paramilitary group Pinkwater on Ganymede, gathering information on the rival organization Protogen. The mission's first half emphasizes non-violent problem-solving over combat, capturing the series' political essence.

One task required accessing a storage container blocked by a guard. This led to a chain of objectives: get permission from a shipping officer, obtain an invoice template by hacking, and scan a container serial number from a vantage point. This Hitman-like immersive sim approach proved more satisfying than direct confrontation.

These quieter moments highlight the environment. The Ganymede dockyards are impressively recreated. A giant agricultural dome, central to a season two disaster in the show, is rendered with grandeur but without heavy-handed reference dialogue. It serves as a sly nod for fans and simply a cool building for others.

The challenge of a licensed game

The demo culminated with a Protomolecule-created Hybrid, a bullet-proof blue monster, chasing the crew through exploding tunnels. The preview ended just before a boss fight, after a choice to save scientists or hack an escape route, suggesting Mass Effect-like consequences. Knowing the show provides hints, but new players will be in the dark.

The game faces the inherent challenge of any licensed title. The Expanse TV show ended five years prior to Osiris Reborn's 2027 release. The Telltale spinoff game did not leave a major impact.

However, the preview suggests Owlcat Games has woven the setting into everything from set design to narrative. If the balance holds, it could succeed like The Witcher or Metro, serving both longtime fans and new players. The final fixtures for its launch window will be keenly watched.

Source: Polygon