The Expanse: Osiris Reborn debuts at Summer Game Fest but draws mixed reactions

Owlcat Games unveiled The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a sci-fi action-adventure game based on the The Expanse TV show and book series, at Summer Game Fest 2026. Early impressions suggest a mix of retro gameplay mechanics and missed opportunities in narrative depth, positioning it as a potential challenger to legacy franchises like Mass Effect.

Gameplay and Setting

Owlcat Games unveiled The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a sci-fi action-adventure game based on the The Expanse TV show and book series, at Summer Game Fest 2026. According to TechRadar, the game is set between Season 1 and Season 2 of the show, beginning with the Phoebe incident.

The game’s combat system draws inspiration from mid-2010s titles like Gears of War and Binary Domain, giving it a distinctly retro feel. Players can switch specialisms on the fly and customize their tactical approach using skill trees. Despite these features, early impressions suggest the gameplay may feel dated compared to modern shooters.

Mixed Early Reactions

Initial reactions to The Expanse: Osiris Reborn have been mixed, with critics pointing to shallow character interactions and a lack of narrative depth. TechRadar notes that the dialogue and character development pale in comparison to BioWare’s Mass Effect series, a common benchmark for sci-fi RPGs.

One sequence in the demo, where players are pursued by a Protogen-developed experimental mutant, was criticized for lacking tension and cinematic flair. The review suggests that key moments fail to deliver the suspense seen in similar sequences from games like Resident Evil or Dead Space.

Release and Expectations

The full version of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is not expected until 2027. According to TechRadar, the game will include broader exploration, side missions, and roleplaying elements that were not fully showcased in the demo. Owlcat Games aims to fill the gap left by the Mass Effect franchise, but early impressions raise doubts about whether it can meet those expectations.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn enters a crowded space of sci-fi RPGs, where expectations are high—especially for fans of Mass Effect. Owlcat Games is taking a risk by leaning into a retro aesthetic and cover-based combat, which may appeal to players nostalgic for mid-2010s shooters but could alienate those expecting modern polish.

The game’s ties to The Expanse universe give it a built-in audience, but the early criticism of its narrative and character depth suggests it may struggle to stand out as more than a licensed curiosity. For founders and operators, this is a reminder that even strong IP can’t compensate for weak execution. If Owlcat doesn’t iterate on feedback before launch, Osiris Reborn could become a cautionary tale about the challenges of reviving older gameplay styles in today’s market.

Key takeaways

• The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is a new sci-fi action-adventure game based on The Expanse TV show and book series, developed by Owlcat Games.
• The game was unveiled at Summer Game Fest 2026 and is set between Seasons 1 and 2 of The Expanse.
• Its combat and mechanics are inspired by older games like Gears of War and Binary Domain, giving it a retro feel.
• Early impressions highlight concerns about shallow narrative depth, weak character interactions, and lack of tension in key sequences.
• The full game is slated for release in 2027, with promises of expanded exploration and side missions.

FAQ

What is The Expanse: Osiris Reborn?

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is a sci-fi action-adventure game developed by Owlcat Games, based on the The Expanse TV show and book series. It is set between Seasons 1 and 2 of the show and features combat inspired by older titles like Gears of War and Binary Domain.

When was The Expanse: Osiris Reborn unveiled?

The game was unveiled at Summer Game Fest 2026.

What are the early impressions of the game?

Early impressions highlight concerns about shallow character interactions, weak narrative depth, and a lack of tension in key sequences. The game’s retro-inspired combat has also drawn mixed reactions.

When is the full game expected to release?

The full game is slated for release in 2027.

How does The Expanse: Osiris Reborn compare to Mass Effect?

According to early impressions, Osiris Reborn falls short of Mass Effect in terms of narrative depth and character development. The game aims to fill the gap left by Mass Effect but has yet to prove it can meet those expectations.

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