The Expanse: A Telltale Series

NOV 30th, 2023

The Expanse: A Telltale Series Review Blog

"The Expanse: A Telltale Series" has garnered attention for its engaging narrative and strong ties to the popular TV series "The Expanse".

Story and Setting

- Exploring Drummer's Life: The game delves into the backstory of Camina Drummer, a character from the TV series, offering fans an in-depth look at her life before the events depicted in the show.

- Emotional and Engaging Writing: Praised for its excellent writing, the game presents an emotional story set in a grim sci-fi universe, adding depth to the already rich world of "The Expanse".

Gameplay and Design

- Freedom and Player Agency: Drawing inspiration from Deck Nine’s "Life Is Strange" series, the game provides players with more freedom to roam and influence the game's direction, enhancing the feeling of actively driving the action.

- Short Duration: A notable criticism is the game's short runtime, which seems to end just as the drama intensifies, leaving players wanting more.

- Old Formula with Little Evolution: Some reviews point out that the game fails to evolve from Telltale’s traditional gameplay design, which might feel outdated for some players.

Performance and Technical Aspects

- Stellar Acting and Atmosphere: The game's atmosphere, bolstered by Cara Gee's central performance as Drummer, is highly commended for adding realism and depth to the narrative.

- Action Sequences Need Improvement: Despite strong storytelling, the action sequences are seen as needing more refinement.

- Criticism of Mechanics: Some aspects like the zero-gravity movement and collectible mechanics have been criticized for not meeting expectations.

Overall Reception

- Generally Favorable Reviews: On platforms like Metacritic, the game received generally favorable reviews, appreciated for its narrative design and character-driven gameplay.

- Appeal to Fans of the Show: The game offers a good amount of fanservice, making it particularly appealing to fans of "The Expanse" TV series.

Conclusion

"The Expanse: A Telltale Series" stands out for its emotional storytelling and strong connection to the TV series. While the gameplay may not offer groundbreaking innovations, and the short duration may leave players desiring more, the game's engaging narrative, freedom of exploration, and stellar acting make it a worthwhile experience, especially for fans of "The Expanse".