The Expanse: A Telltale Series Reviews
The Expanse: A Telltale Series feels like a fairly decent return to form for Telltale Games after its temporary closure. As a fan of The Expanse, I can attest that this Telltale series represents the show, and the character of Camina Drummer in particular, very authentically, and it was a joy to return to that setting and explore it from a different perspective. Despite those positives as a fan, the series also suffers from feeling especially short, linear and low-stakes. While The Expanse: A Telltale Series certainly has its high points, diehard fans of The Expanse or Telltale Games' previous output are likely the only ones who would get much out of the experience.
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.
The closing decision ends the first episode on a promisingly divisive note, which might make repeat playthroughs, to explore different outcomes, more enticing than usual. At the moment, with four more episodes to go over the next two months, Telltale’s The Expanse is, in some respects, a step forward, but it isn’t enough to generate much enthusiasm beyond the devoted audience it’s shooting for. Telltale is back and, for the most part, it’s more of the same.
So far, The Expanse: A Telltale Series makes for a compelling prequel to the show, but it remains to be seen if it'll manage to stick the landing once all its episodes are out.
What remains to be seen is how the game’s meaningful choices will affect the story in later episodes. The plot of Episode 1: “Archer’s Paradox” doesn’t stray far from typical Expanse fare, but a revelation in a later episode seems poised to explore more of the show’s deeper themes of exploitation, injustice, and inequality.
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.
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.
While not the strongest entry so far, episode three still manages to feel like it takes the narrative forward with a powerful revelation and climax. Learning the history of some of the first belt settlers was fascinating, however a lack of decision-making opportunities bogs down the gameplay loop. While it may not be the middle act I was hoping for, Telltale certainly still has its hooks in me with Drummer's story.
Under fire from the Europa's Bane pirates, Drummer must make the call to save her crew. This episode turns up the heat with the introduction of an antagonistic faction, while still allowing smaller moments to bond with the crew members in a way not present in the initial episode. While it feels like more of the same at times, this is a stronger episode in general from the first that gets to the action much more quickly, and has me looking forward to the next stop in this space-faring voyage across the Belt.
While Camina Drummer may not have been the captain of the ship at the start of the mission, she absolutely takes the reins by the end. Telltale has stepped it up in terms of both visual quality and game play, with a solid yet short intro to their take on a gripping sci-fi narrative. The true depth of which however remains to be truly tested going into further episodes as the narrative progresses.
The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a welcome return for the celebrated company. Although the first episode is particularly short, it sets up an intriguing story that requires no prior knowledge of the franchise, yet will please fans of the show. Several refinements improve the gameplay, however, it doesn’t stray too far away from conventions of the genre. Most importantly though, the world, the characters and the story are fascinating and due to this, I am excited for future episodes.
The Expanse: A Telltale Series Episode 1 is a strong start for the series and this iteration of Telltale Games.
The Expanse: A Telltale Series brings one of the best storytellers in videogames back to the forefront, producing a prequel that will delight fans as well as open up the universe to newcomers.
A reflective episode provides hope for the rest of the series at its halfway point.
We're one episode away from completing Telltale Games' first game back since its death and rebirth. It's woven an intriguing story that I'm keen on completing; let's just hope they'll stick the landing.