The Expanse: A Telltale Series
OpenCritic Rating
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
The Expanse: A Telltale Series Media
Critic Reviews for The Expanse: A Telltale Series
A solid addition to the Telltale roster that accurately captures its source material while falling prey to the faults of the studio's other licensed games.
An affectionately crafted prequel to The Expanse which, while worthwhile for fans, fails to evolve Telltale's tired gameplay design in any meaningful manner.
Telltale's latest story-driven adventure may be its best yet thanks to creative environmental storytelling and a strong narrative that pulls no punches.
Unfortunately The Expanse: A Telltale Series probably won’t stick with me like The Wolf Among Us or even The Walking Dead did. But there is still some fun to be had, and it’s proof there is the potential to add a little more gameplay to Telltale titles. I even think another proper Expanse entry that has a bit more meaningful of a story to tell could be perfect for the Telltale formula. If that happens, I hope the narrative doesn’t play it too safe next time.
The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a return to form, though that form is almost out of style. Each of the five episodes takes an average of about two hours to complete if you’re hunting for all of the collectibles, so the amount of content is on the shorter end. But if you’re looking for solid writing and characters that fit well within The Expanse universe, this adventure is another chance to revisit the series and see Camina Drummer be a badass all over again. However, the dated mechanics and the game’s choice to be a prequel impair the effort.
While not a mind-blowing start, The Expanse: A Telltale Series - Episode 1 sets things up nicely for the rest of the story.
Telltale’s entry to The Expanse feels like an obvious move. A world rife with conflict, character and violence is reimagined through the snarky and laser-focused lens of Camina Drummer - and it’s brimming with life and excitement. This carefully spun narrative buries the arbitrary action gameplay, and is totally worth the few hours you’ll need spare to sink this game.
While a lack of story-changing decision moments and elementary gameplay systems mar the experience of this episode, the incredible characters and looming narrative climax continue to drive the series as a whole. With guns drawn on both sides and threat levels at maximum, I'm hoping Telltale has enough left in the tank to execute Drummer's story properly with the upcoming finale.
