The Expanse: Osiris Reborn was announced earlier last year, and since then, it has consistently evoked strong comparisons to the Mass Effect series. Creative director Alexander Mishulin recently attempted to create a degree of separation between Owlcat Games’ newest project and BioWare’s celebrated RPG franchise. However, the distinction appears minimal. That said, how can Osiris Reborn develop its own identity?
Mass Effect‘s Long-Lost Cousin Has Arrived
After viewing a recent environmental showcase for this upcoming sci-fi title, it’s understandable how anyone could realistically deny the profound influence at work. Specifically, the extensive presentation solidifies the impression that Osiris Reborn is intentionally channeling the core spirit of Mass Effect. During the developers’ showcase, a ninety-second sequence of environmental flyovers was featured, highlighting various distinct locations from within the game’s universe.
In these cinematic shots, segments demonstrating the player-character navigating the world from a third-person perspective were strategically interspersed throughout. Additionally, an in-fiction voiceover plays during the video, showing a conversation between two mercenaries debating their preferred docking location after concluding their current assignment.
While this narrated exchange provides ambiance to the video, it’s also directly tied to Osiris Reborn’s narrative premise, with players assuming the role of a mercenary employed by the Pinkwater Security firm. At the end of the conversation, two characters select the asteroid Eros as their destination, which serves as the narrative starting point for the game’s story.
Is That You, Commander Shepard? Oh, Wait
The sole aspect drawing such direct parallels to the Mass Effect universe doesn’t stem from Osiris Reborn‘s environmental design. In actuality, its overarching plot may be the reason for the comparisons between the two games. Notably, the story involves a lockdown on Eros, forcing the player to assemble an impromptu crew and seize control of a ship. Due to this, they become entangled in a conspiracy of system-wide significance.
This narrative framework represents fairly standard role-playing game material, as the moment-to-moment gameplay mechanics suggest a more specific inspiration. While Osiris Reborn utilizes a third-person combat system that incorporates cover-based mechanics, the player is permanently accompanied by two companion characters. From here, the game separates itself from Owlcat Games’ previous titles, which were traditional isometric computer RPGs.
Osiris Reborn Understands What Made Mass Effect Great
During an accompanying press release, particularly revealing information was revealed. This detail stated that leadership decisions will dynamically impact how squadmate loyalty shifts under intense pressure. So, what exactly could this loyalty system possibly be referencing if not a famous precedent? Funny enough, Osiris Reborn wouldn’t be the first game where discerning players encountered a nearly identical mechanic. Despite the similarities to Mass Effect, these design decisions are not being criticized but rather welcomed.
For many dedicated fans, a new game that successfully captures the essence of the Mass Effect experience would be enthusiastically supported. However, BioWare’s current capacity to deliver that specific experience to Osiris Reborn has led to skepticism due to the developmental trajectory from Mass Effect: Andromeda to the upcoming Dragon Age: The Veilguard. That said, Osiris Reborn appears to recognize a significant opportunity within the market that seems to possess a clear understanding of precisely what longtime Mass Effect enthusiasts truly desire. As a result, Osiris Reborn is expected to deliver exactly that, albeit with its own unique sci-fi aesthetic and setting.
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