Owlcat Games is embarking on an ambitious journey with its latest title, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, marking a significant departure from the isometric RPGs that have defined its portfolio, including the acclaimed Pathfinder: Kingmaker. This new venture draws inspiration from the narrative depth and immersive experience reminiscent of the beloved Mass Effect series. As I engaged in a hands-on preview of the game, the pivotal question loomed: can Owlcat successfully navigate this genre transition?
Gameplay Experience
The mission I experienced served as a compelling introduction to this new direction, featuring an hour of exhilarating third-person combat paired with stunning visual elements. It was a tantalizing glimpse into whether Owlcat possesses the technical prowess and design acumen necessary for such a bold shift. The outcome of my gameplay left me with a renewed sense of confidence in the studio’s capabilities, even if the RPG elements were not fully showcased during this segment.
The demo unfolds early in the narrative, placing me in a precarious situation aboard a space station under siege by technologically advanced mercenaries. Admittedly, I found myself lacking some context—there’s a dramatic introduction that thrusts my customizable character and my twin companion, J, into a web of intrigue. Despite the chaos, we manage to escape with a newly acquired ship and dock at a safe haven. However, the mercenaries are hot on our trail, and I must navigate through this perilous scenario to secure my escape into the vast unknown.
With the full release now slated for spring 2027, the anticipation surrounding The Expanse: Osiris Reborn continues to build, as players and industry observers alike await to see how Owlcat will blend its RPG roots with this new action-oriented approach.