During the Future Game Show stream, Owlcat Games, famous for depth RPGs like Pathfinder and Warhammer 40K Rogue Trader, pulled a rabbit out of the hat. The Expanse Osiris Reborn has been announced, and it promises to be an exciting new journey into the universe created by Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. For Owlcat, this project is more than just another RPG; it's the studio's first foray into a true third-person action RPG.
So, what's the story. You'll be stepping into the boots of a mercenary for Pinkwater Security. What starts as a half-baked downtime on the asteroid Eros suddenly becomes turbulent with madness. You find yourself ensnared in a ghastly lockdown and caught up with a conspiracy that's really above your pay grade, spreading across the galaxy. In order to survive, you will have to seize control of the most advanced ship known to man, all the while adapting to a rapidly changing and hostile environment.
True to Owlcat's style, player choice seems very much at the centre of it all. You'll get to create an avatar – Earther, Martian, or hardy Belter. From there, you get to recruit a crew of specialists able to counter escalating threats, navigate tricky political situations, and engage a remorseless foe. Every choice you make will matter, according to Owlcats.
Your companions are not just a bunch of nameless farts. They are characters with backstories and loyalties. Some want redemption, others want the secrets they hold to remain hidden. How you guide and what choices you make will either win their applause or invite contempt.
Expect cover-based shooting mixed with heavy abilities. For missions, you take two companions with you, while others provide support from afar, say, by disabling enemy systems or distracting them. You are also able to give out real-time commands to your squad so you can adapt quickly to the threats you will be facing.
Fans of The Expanse books and TV show would be thrilled by the fact that Osiris Reborn will let you visit Ganymede, Ceres, Mars, and Luna – all of them iconic locations. You'll traverse decrepit habitats and politicking bastions, marinating in the atmosphere of unease and tension. Interacting with the locals may even dig up some buried secrets. And here comes the treat from Owlcat a vague suggestion that some very familiar faces, perhaps voices too, from the original tale may be making an appearance.
The release schedule has not been nailed down yet, but The Expanse Osiris Reborn shall arrive on PC (Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X. Preorders are now open on the official website, and if you can't wait to get yours, you can do so without any regrets.
