The Expanse: A Telltale Series

The Expanse: A Telltale Series offers an interactive narrative experience centered around Camina Drummer, a beloved character from The Expanse TV show. Fans appreciate the game's faithful representation of the show's atmosphere, storyline, and characters, with Cara Gee's performance receiving particular praise. The story is engaging and features meaningful choices that impact outcomes, making it appealing especially to those familiar with the source material. However, the gameplay mechanics are often described as basic and repetitive, largely consisting of walking, simple puzzles, and quick-time events that lack depth or challenge. The game is relatively short, with some players noting a cliffhanger ending and limited replay value. Technical aspects such as janky movement, inconsistent mouse controls, and long load times detract from the experience. The DLC content is generally viewed as underwhelming and not essential. Overall, this title is recommended primarily for fans of The Expanse or Telltale's narrative style, ideally purchased on sale due to its limited scope and gameplay simplicity.

While the narrative and characters shine, the gameplay and technical execution fall short, making it less appealing to players seeking a more robust or action-oriented experience. The game serves as a solid, if modest, addition to The Expanse universe but lacks the depth and polish typical of top-tier Telltale titles.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the game's storyline and character development, especially the focus on Camina Drummer and the faithful adaptation of the TV show's tone. The voice acting and dialogue receive commendations, with Cara Gee's performance standing out. The graphics and aesthetic are appreciated for capturing the sci-fi atmosphere well, including zero-G movement. The choice-driven narrative and impactful decisions are also highlighted as positive aspects, providing an engaging interactive novel experience for fans. The soundtrack complements the mood effectively, enhancing immersion.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the basic and repetitive gameplay, which many describe as a walking simulator with uninspired puzzles and quick-time events. The game is considered too short and lacking in replay value, with some chapters feeling unnecessarily stretched. Technical issues such as janky movement, inconsistent controls, and long load times detract from the experience. The DLC is viewed as uninspired and irrelevant to the main story. Additionally, the game’s reliance on familiarity with the TV show and use of belter slang can confuse newcomers. Some players find the story and characters less compelling compared to other Telltale games.