Hands-on with The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a grounded sci-fi RPG arriving in 2027

Fans waiting for a spiritual successor to Mass Effect have another title to keep on their radar. During a recent hands-on demo at Gamescom, it became clear that Owlcat Games is aiming to bring the serious, dense world of The Expanse to the RPG space, with a release window currently targeted for the first half of 2027.

Accessibility for newcomers

One common concern with adaptations of established franchises is the barrier to entry for those unfamiliar with the source material. According to the preview, Osiris Reborn is designed to be accessible to those who haven’t memorized the books or the television series. The narrative is set during the timeframe of the first two books, leading up to the events on Eros Station, but it functions as a standalone story. Players take on the role of a customizable captain working for Pinkwater Security. While the game features deep lore and likely contains nods for dedicated fans, the demo suggests that players can jump in without needing prior knowledge of the wider franchise.

Gameplay and mechanics

Based on the demo, the gameplay loops focus heavily on exploration and narrative choice. Players must navigate space stations, interact with NPCs, and manage various skill checks that influence how conversations play out. The writing aims for a tone consistent with the source material—serious, grounded, and narrative-heavy.

Combat takes a more methodical approach compared to other modern action games. It functions primarily as a cover-based shooter that utilizes gadgets and companion commands to clear rooms. While the preview noted the combat feels slightly clunky and less cinematic than some of its contemporaries, it relies on tactical positioning and environmental interactions—such as exploding nearby barrels—rather than fast-paced, flashy abilities.

Why it matters

For players, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn represents a significant entry in the narrative-focused RPG genre. If you enjoy games that prioritize character development, dialogue-driven consequences, and hard sci-fi world-building, this title appears to be positioning itself as a strong contender for your time in 2027.

Because the game is currently in development, it is worth watching for future updates regarding character progression, companion depth, and whether the final product successfully balances its tactical combat with the high-stakes storytelling expected from the studio. For players in the Middle East and wider regions, there has been no specific information provided regarding localized language support, regional server infrastructure, or pricing. Monitor official announcements from Owlcat Games as the 2027 release window approaches for updates on platform specifics and regional availability.