The Expanse: Osiris Reborn faces criticism for writing and gameplay

Owlcat Games recently launched the closed beta for The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, and the first reactions have been mixed. Based on the popular The Expanse series, which first aired in 2017, the game appears to be struggling to capture the atmosphere and subtlety of the source material.

Development and background

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is being developed by Owlcat Games, a studio previously known for the Pathfinder RPGs. Fans of The Expanse are usually well acquainted with the books by Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, who also contributed to the series, and many had hoped the game would translate that rich universe in a satisfying way.

Early reactions to the beta

One of the most notable criticisms concerns the writing and character development. Players are introduced to a cast of characters, but many of them feel one-dimensional. The dialogue comes across as straightforward and at times even overdone, making the lack of nuance in conversations stand out. That approach is in sharp contrast to the layered subtlety of the original books and series.

Visuals and worldbuilding

Visually, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn seems to show some faithfulness to the series’ universe. The Pinkwater 4 spaceport, where much of the beta takes place, is designed with a sense of incompleteness. But critics point out that the world looks too clean compared with the smoky, complex reality that defines The Expanse.

It remains to be seen whether Owlcat Games can address these concerns before the full release planned for spring 2027. For now, it seems the game may not be living up to the high expectations set by the rich lore of The Expanse.