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The Expanse Inspires New Sci-Fi RPG Osiris Reborn

Osiris Reborn, developed by Owlcat Games, brings The Expanse’s rich sci-fi world to life in an action-RPG format reminiscent of Mass Effect. Players command a mercenary captain with customizable backgrounds and squad tactics, navigating a conspiracy across the solar system. The game promises deep player choice and a mature, character-driven narrative.

Published June 8, 2025 at 04:11 PM EDT in Software Development

Fans of Prime Video’s acclaimed sci-fi series The Expanse have reason to celebrate beyond the screen. Owlcat Games has announced Osiris Reborn, an action role-playing game (RPG) that immerses players in the first two and a half seasons of the show’s timeline. This new title promises to capture the essence of The Expanse’s complex universe while delivering engaging gameplay that blends tactical squad commands with a rich narrative.

Players step into the shoes of a Pinkwater mercenary on shore leave at Eros Station. When chaos erupts, the mercenary commandeers a ship and assembles a team to unravel a sprawling conspiracy threatening the solar system. The game offers three distinct backgrounds—Earther, Martian, or Belter—each influencing abilities and story interactions. Gameplay unfolds from a third-person perspective, with players issuing commands to two squadmates during combat scenarios.

This setup inevitably draws comparisons to BioWare’s iconic Mass Effect series, a connection acknowledged by Owlcat’s design producer Yuliya Chernenko. The team cites Mass Effect as a formative influence, aiming to build on its legacy by expanding player expectations with more choices and personalized playstyles. Yet, creative director Alexander Mishulin emphasizes that Osiris Reborn remains a distinct Owlcat creation, focusing on a modern approach to RPG design where player agency shapes the experience.

The Expanse universe provides a perfect backdrop for this vision. Its grounded realism and narrative complexity allow the developers to craft a mature, character-driven story where choices have meaningful consequences. This approach appeals to players seeking depth beyond typical sci-fi action games, inviting them to engage with a world that feels both expansive and intimately personal.

Osiris Reborn is slated for release on PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, promising to bring a fresh, immersive RPG experience to fans of The Expanse and sci-fi gamers alike. By combining tactical squad management with a branching narrative, the game aims to satisfy those craving both strategic depth and storytelling richness.

Why Osiris Reborn Matters for RPG Fans and Developers

Osiris Reborn represents a compelling evolution in sci-fi RPGs by marrying a beloved intellectual property with modern game design principles. For developers, it highlights the potential of leveraging established universes to create games that resonate emotionally while offering strategic gameplay. For players, it promises a rich, choice-driven experience that respects their agency and investment in the story.

The game’s focus on player background and class customization, combined with squad-based combat, invites comparisons to Mass Effect but also pushes the genre forward with a more flexible and modern approach. This means players can tailor their journey and combat style, making each playthrough unique.

In essence, Osiris Reborn is not just a game for fans of The Expanse; it’s a blueprint for how narrative-driven RPGs can evolve by embracing player choice and tactical depth within a richly realized sci-fi setting.

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