Introducing The Expanse: Osiris Reborn — A Sci-Fi Journey Inspired by Mass Effect
The upcoming game The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is turning heads for its striking similarities to the beloved Mass Effect series, leading many fans to dub it Mass Effect: The Expanse. From the debut trailer and available information, it’s clear that Owlcat Games has drawn heavily from BioWare’s iconic sci-fi RPG, but they are quick to emphasize that their creation is more than just a copy.
Developers Open Up About Their Inspirations
In an exclusive interview, Alexander Mishulin, the creative director, and Andrey Tsvetkov, head of publishing, openly discuss the influence of Mass Effect on their project. While acknowledging that BioWare’s series served as a major inspiration, they stress that Osiris Reborn aims to carve out its own identity — combining familiar elements with modern mechanics and a grounded storyline.
A New Story for Fans of The Expanse
Fans of the original Prime Video series will find excitement in the fact that Osiris Reborn features a narrative that includes appearances from some of the show’s actors. While Owlcat has not yet revealed which characters or actors will return, it’s a promising sign that the beloved universe will be expanded through this game, providing closure or new adventures for those still craving more after the show’s conclusion in 2022.
Why Mass Effect Fans Will Feel Right at Home
For enthusiasts of both Mass Effect and The Expanse, this game offers a compelling blend of elements from each universe. Owlcat’s previous success with Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader has shown their ability to craft rich, story-driven RPGs. Now, with Osiris Reborn, they aim to create a title that feels like a natural intersection of their influences, a game that balances the tactical depth of Mass Effect with the gritty realism of The Expanse universe.
Is It Just a Clone? Clarifying the Influences
Game Mechanics and Gameplay
IGN: The game appears to emulate Mass Effect quite closely, especially in gameplay and mechanics. Is that an accurate assessment?
Alexander Mishulin: Mass Effect was definitely a huge influence on our team. It was one of the defining titles of its era, especially on Xbox 360, and many of us grew up playing it. Our goal is to recreate that sense of wonder and immersion, but with our own twist. While we draw inspiration from it, Osiris Reborn is a distinct Owlcat game. We focus on meaningful choices, complex characters, and a storyline rooted in realism and modern mechanics. Our game encourages players to develop their own playstyle and make decisions that truly impact the narrative, setting us apart from the more scripted experience of Mass Effect.
Companions and Relationships
We love the concept of companions in RPGs. In Mass Effect, they played a crucial role, and we want to elevate that idea. Our companions will be more involved in a variety of missions, not just the big “Suicide Mission.” Expect to see them help you navigate challenges or even require your aid during their own story arcs. They will be integral to the narrative and your team dynamic — more than just side characters, but true partners in your journey.
Player Character Customization and Voice Acting
IGN: Who will players take on as their protagonist?
Alexander Mishulin: You step into the shoes of a mercenary, but with a unique twist — you create a character alongside a sibling. Just like in real life, your sibling will share some traits but will also be distinctly different. When customizing your character, you can choose gender, appearance, and playstyle. You can create a fully voiced male or female protagonist, with a variety of options for hairstyles and features, reflecting modern character creation standards.
Returning Characters and Voice Actors
IGN: Will you meet characters from the TV series, and are their voice actors involved?
Alexander Mishulin: We can confirm that some actors from the show will reprise their roles, adding authenticity and excitement for fans. However, at this stage, we cannot disclose specific names or characters. Rest assured, their involvement will make the game more immersive for The Expanse fans.
Romance, Relationships, and Adult Themes
IGN: Will there be romance options and mature content similar to the TV series?
Alexander Mishulin: Absolutely. Romantic interactions are a staple in our games, and Osiris Reborn will include them too. While I can’t specify exact characters or romances, players can expect meaningful relationships that can develop into romantic bonds. Your sibling will be your first loyal companion, and you will meet other specialists and professionals from various factions, including Martian, Earth, and Belter characters, each bringing their own perspectives and relationship dynamics.
Realism and Tone of the Game
IGN: The TV show is known for its grounded, adult themes, including space combat, violence, nudity, and sex. Will the game reflect that tone?
Alexander Mishulin: Yes, The Expanse is very much an adult universe, and our game will mirror that. Expect graphic violence, mature themes, and challenging moral choices. The game will feature zero-G combat sections, space travel, and realistic physics, like the trajectories influenced by gravity wells. However, we’ve chosen not to include gameplay mechanics for managing space travel directly, focusing instead on storytelling and character interactions. You’ll see spaceflight elements like ship acceleration, deceleration, and maneuvers in cutscenes, but not controlling the ships yourself.
Expanding the Universe with Realistic Details
Expect small but significant details — from the way blood behaves in zero-G combat to the visual and atmospheric authenticity of space stations and ships. Our goal is to stay true to the gritty, realistic tone of The Expanse, while allowing players to enjoy a story-driven experience filled with tough moral decisions, political intrigue, and moments of hope amidst the darkness.
The Scope and Future of the Project
IGN: The game sounds ambitious, especially with the use of Unreal Engine 5 and AAA production values. How has your team adapted to handle this scale?
Alexander Mishulin: This is a major step for Owlcat. We’ve restructured our processes, hired experienced professionals from AAA titles, and embraced new technologies to meet these high expectations. While our previous games were more linear, Osiris Reborn offers a more dynamic, non-linear experience with multiple choices and branching storylines. Players will be able to explore the solar system, decide which missions to undertake, and influence political allegiances — all within a shorter, highly cinematic adventure designed to bring the universe to life.
Development Timeline and Final Thoughts
IGN: Do you have an estimated release window?
Andrey Tsvetkov: We have a general timeframe in mind, but we’re not ready to announce it yet. We started pre-production in 2022 and are taking our time to ensure quality. We want to deliver a polished experience that lives up to fans’ expectations, so we’ll share more details once everything is confirmed and ready.
Realistic Space Mechanics and Player Experience
IGN: Will the game include mechanics that challenge players to manage space travel, similar to what we see in the books and show?
Alexander Mishulin: We considered adding those mechanics, but ultimately decided against it to keep the focus on story and characters. Instead, players will witness these elements through cutscenes and environmental details — from docking procedures to space maneuvers. Physics will be realistic, with trajectories influenced by gravity, but players won’t be manually controlling spacecraft, preserving gameplay fluidity and immersion. Expect detailed effects, like blood behavior in zero-G combat, to add to the realism without overcomplicating gameplay.
As a final note, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will be available on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, as well as on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The universe expands, and fans can look forward to an immersive, story-rich experience rooted in realism and adult themes.
Alex Hunter
Alex is a passionate gamer with over a decade of experience exploring everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. He specializes in uncovering hidden secrets, mastering complex mechanics, and creating in-depth walkthroughs. Whether it’s a challenging boss fight or a puzzling questline, Alex breaks it all down in a way that’s fun, clear, and engaging for readers of all levels.
