Owlcat's 'the expanse' rpg: mass effect inspiration, but a different story
Owlcat Games, the studio behind critically acclaimed RPGs like Pathfinder and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, is poised to deliver its next ambitious title, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn. As showcased at the recent Xbox Partner Preview, the game promises a blend of tactical combat, deep RPG mechanics, and a compelling narrative rooted in the beloved sci-fi universe – and it’s arriving in Spring 2027, accompanied by a closed beta kicking off shortly.
A nod to mass effect, a unique vision
Comparisons to BioWare's Mass Effect are unavoidable, given the shared genre and emphasis on squad-based interactions. However, the developers at Owlcat are keen to establish Osiris Reborn as its own entity. “We’ve certainly played Mass Effect, and we adore it; it was a source of inspiration,” a representative stated, “but we’re not aiming to be a successor. We’re crafting our own experience.”
The gameplay trailer offered a glimpse of the action-oriented combat, but Owlcat insists that it’s just one facet of a broader RPG experience. Exploration, meaningful choices, and extensive player customization are also key pillars—expect plenty of firefights, yes, but underpinned by the intricate systems and player agency that have become Owlcat’s hallmarks.
Your ship, your crew, your destiny
At its core, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will allow players to assemble a team of up to six companions, each with their own backgrounds and influencing their personalities. Drawing inspiration from Mass Effect, players will command two crew members during missions, with the rest of the crew remaining onboard, offering advice and support. The game introduces a ship management system, allowing players to assign roles and tasks to crew members, which will impact the gameplay – a decision that can impact both the story and the crew’s morale.
A Distinct Approach to Sci-Fi Realism While promising a deep RPG experience, the developers are committed to grounding the game in the scientifically plausible world of The Expanse. This means rigorous attention to detail and constraints in design – “The Expanse is very scientifically precise. That imposes many restrictions on creating new things, like gadgets, because we need to verify every idea against modern physics and sometimes even consult with scientists.”
Beta testing and future prospects
The upcoming closed beta will offer players a first taste of the game, specifically the second mission following the events of Eros. Players will experience exploration, dialogue, and tactical combat—a vital opportunity for Owlcat to gather feedback and refine the systems before the full release. Expect a limited selection of items and ship upgrades available during the beta, a deliberate measure to avoid spoiling the full scope of the game’s progression.
The arrival of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn in 2027 promises to be a significant event for both RPG fans and science fiction enthusiasts. With Owlcat’s proven track record and a compelling universe to draw from, this could be the next great space RPG – and a welcome alternative to the genre’s established giants.