The Expanse – A Telltale Series review (PS5)

Returning to their storytelling roots after undergoing a bit of a story of their own, Telltale Games launches players into an enthralling journey through space in “The Expanse: A Telltale Series.” In this review, we explore the universe of The Expanse through the eyes of Camina Drummer, a tough and resilient character brought to life by Cara Gee. This five-episode adventure sets out to redefine space narratives and immerse players in a world of difficult decisions, vibrant characters, and the unforgiving expanses of the cosmos, with the first episode out now and the rest coming over the next few months.

“The Expanse: A Telltale Series” introduces players to Camina Drummer, a tenacious Belter aboard the Artemis, a scavenger ship on the fringes of the solar system. The narrative thrusts us into a world of interstellar politics, tensions, and the struggle for survival. As Drummer, players must navigate treacherous situations, strained relationships, and powerful personalities while making heart-wrenching choices that ripple throughout the story.

Throughout the game, interactions with the diverse crew of the Artemis offer a glimpse into the lives of these characters, each with their own quirks, dialects, and pasts. Despite some minor shortcomings in character development for certain crew members (which might be addressed in future chapters), the engaging dialogues and voice acting, especially by Cara Gee, breathe life into the cast. The player’s choices reveal unexpected layers, and it’s this emotional depth that truly carries the game forward.

True to Telltale’s signature style, “The Expanse” relies heavily on branching dialogues and character interactions to drive the narrative. Conversations unfold through two-option branches, and the impact of your choices is palpable as the story unfolds. Exploration sequences, particularly when scavenging wrecked ships in zero gravity, provide a refreshing break from dialogues, although action-oriented moments do occasionally feel slightly out of place and disconnected – and perhaps a bit out of Telltale’s comfort zone.

“The Expanse” impresses with its immersive visual design, expertly blending realism with stylized aesthetics. Environments come to life through reactive debris, graffiti, and subtle details that paint a vivid picture of the harsh realities of life in space. The character models, while mostly well-crafted, occasionally feature some awkward animations, but these minor blemishes are easily overshadowed by the stunning starlit backdrops and detailed space vistas.

The audio design of the game further enhances the experience, with the Belter creole dialect adding authenticity to the narrative. The atmospheric sounds and music also effectively enhance the emotional weight of the storytelling, which is also carried through the narrative depth, character development and emotional impact reflected in the writing. The choices players make hold genuine weight, and the storytelling excels at immersing players in a world of moral ambiguity and conflicting responsibilities. The exploration sequences and character-driven dialogues shine, creating moments that linger long after the game is turned off.

However, the occasional lapse in gameplay mechanics, particularly during action sequences, detracts slightly from the overall experience. But while these moments can feel like momentary lapses, they do not eclipse the strong narrative foundation and character-driven focus that defines the game.

In conclusion, “The Expanse: A Telltale Series” revitalizes Telltale’s storytelling legacy with its emotionally charged narrative, engaging characters, and immersive world-building. The game’s few shortcomings are outweighed by its strengths, making it a must-play for fans of captivating narrative adventures and those who appreciate impactful choices. It’s a game that reminds us that even amidst the stars, it’s the human connections and difficult decisions that truly define our cosmic journey.

Score: 8.1/10