With The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, Owlcat Games is venturing into new territory, shifting from its established tradition of isometric, top-down RPGs to a third-person science fiction RPG shooter. The immediate and undeniable comparisons to Mass Effect are evident, a fact Owlcat Games is well aware of. This recognition places significant pressure on the developers to craft truly memorable and engaging companions.
Unlike many sci-fi RPGs that rely on exotic alien species, the companions in The Expanse: Osiris Reborn derive their distinctiveness primarily from their unique personalities rather than cool extraterrestrial features, a design choice fitting the grounded human setting of The Expanse universe. Players can anticipate a diverse roster of human allies for their adventures, ranging from formidable, battle-hardened soldiers and expert infiltrators to even an identical twin of the player’s own character, ensuring a wide array of personalities and skills.
These companions are far more than mere decorative elements on your ship; they are integral to the player’s journey. Each character will have their own dedicated side quests, offering opportunities to delve deeper into their backstories, motivations, and the mysteries they carry. Beyond the casual banter and conversations on the observation deck, these characters also play crucial tactical roles in combat, utilizing special abilities known as “exploits” to significantly impact the battlefield.