Preview: The Expanse: Osiris Reborn at Gamescom 2026
At Gamescom 2026, I had the opportunity to dive into an hour of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, an upcoming third-person sci-fi action RPG. While an hour is just a brief glimpse into an RPG’s world, I managed to complete one lengthy mission and interact with some intriguing characters. The key aspect I found engaging was exploration, leaving me eager to discover more beyond the spaceport I encountered.
The Story and Characters
In Osiris Reborn, you take on the role of a Pinkwater Security Mercenary caught in a solar-system-wide conspiracy. Set in the universe created by James S. A. Corey, which includes books and a TV series, this game features custom character creation that allows you to design your protagonist, complete with class selection. During my session, I played alongside J, the character’s sister, and was curious about how J might evolve based on players’ designs.
Companions and NPC Interactions
Accompanied by the level designer during my preview, I learned that players can expect a variety of companions throughout the game. My experience was filled with an array of characters and chatter, indicating potentially rich dynamics in party customization, which could be either delightful or overwhelming.
Exploration and Gameplay Mechanics
Although I explored only a single mission on a space station, the game world was impressively detailed. I noticed the absence of quest markers and a minimap, which could be frustrating, but the developers emphasized a focus on exploration, encouraging players to investigate their surroundings rather than rush through tasks.
My exploration involved conversing with both my comms team and surrounding NPCs, offering a quintessential RPG experience reminiscent of classic titles. Fans of The Expanse will likely appreciate the various references and Easter eggs, though many may be outside my realm of familiarity.
Combat Experience
Combat in Osiris Reborn presented a mixed bag. I found some control combinations challenging on a controller, particularly when aiming down sight and needing to press multiple buttons simultaneously. Despite these difficulties, I found the weapon mechanics satisfying. Even on the easier settings, there was a genuine challenge, though options to direct companions during fights felt meaningful and impactful.
The standout moment for me was reaching a vast space farm after a transition from a cramped area, which sparked a sense of wonder and exploration.
Final Thoughts
Though my time with The Expanse: Osiris Reborn was short, it left me curious and optimistic about the final product. There’s potential here for a captivating RPG experience, especially for genre enthusiasts. With the release set for Q2 2027, players can already wishlist it on Steam to stay updated on its development.
