The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Falls Flat in Beta—A Disappointing Adaptation of Beloved Sci-Fi

The Expanse has always been about its characters. The HBO series captivated audiences with a stellar ensemble cast delivering nuanced performances across its five-season run. So naturally, fans were excited when The Expanse: Osiris Reborn was announced—finally, a chance to step into this richly detailed universe firsthand.

Unfortunately, after an hour with the beta build, it's safe to say the game doesn't live up to that promise. The most telling sign? The romance system feels completely lifeless. In a show defined by complex relationships and genuine emotional stakes, the game's attempts at character connection fall embarrassingly flat. This is particularly troubling given how central character development is to The Expanse's identity.

Beyond the romance problem, Osiris Reborn struggles with a more fundamental issue: it plays like a watered-down Mass Effect without any of that franchise's charm or polish. The gameplay loop feels obligatory rather than engaging. Conversations lack the weight and consequence that made Mass Effect's dialogue choices memorable. Combat encounters feel disconnected from the narrative, mechanical rather than thrilling.

What's especially frustrating is how much potential lies in the source material. The Expanse universe is densely constructed, politically complex, and visually stunning. The TV show's writers proved they could balance intimate character moments with massive sci-fi spectacle. A well-executed game adaptation could have been extraordinary.

Instead, Osiris Reborn seems content to be competent at best. The beta suggests the developers are still finding their footing, which is understandable for an early build. But with only limited time remaining before release, concerns about whether this game can reach its potential are growing louder.

The Expanse deserves better than a mediocre adaptation. Fans who've invested in the show's world and characters will likely find themselves disappointed. Here's hoping the final version proves the beta wrong—but based on what we've seen so far, that's a distant hope rather than a confident expectation.