The Expanse: Osiris Reborn plays like a Mass Effect-like sci-fi adventure in fine form, but its developer’s use of AI raises some difficult questions

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is an upcoming third-person action-RPG developed by Owlcat Games, adapting the popular science fiction franchise. The game marks a significant genre shift for Owlcat, moving from its established isometric CRPG roots into cinematic gameplay inspired by Mass Effect, powered by Unreal Engine 5. It features real-time cover-based combat, character-driven dialogue choices, and is set early in The Expanse timeline.

Planned for PS5 and PC, the game has been playable in closed beta previews. Early gaming media coverage has been mixed but generally positive. Reviewers praised the game’s worldbuilding and companion character development, suggesting Owlcat has successfully adapted its RPG expertise to the action-RPG genre. However, some critics found the character implementation underwhelming compared to the source material’s acclaimed cast, and noted the combat difficulty exceeds that of comparable Mass Effect gameplay.

The game has also generated discussion around Owlcat’s use of artificial intelligence in development, a topic that raised concerns among gaming journalists covering the previews.

Sources

• The Expanse: Osiris Reborn plays like a Mass Effect-like sci-fi adventure in fine form, but its developer’s use of AI raises some difficult questions
• The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Beta Hands-On: A Rough Landing
• I was worried Owlcat couldn’t pull off Mass Effect-style cinematic action in its big new RPG, but after an hour of blowing stuff up in The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, I’m feeling very reassured
• The Expanse: Osiris Reborn demo is way harder than Mass Effect ever was
• Round Up: The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Really Does Sound Like the PS5 Mass Effect Successor We Need
• After an hour in the beta, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is both a limp Mass Effect and a leaden interpretation of a very good TV show