The Expanse: A Telltale Series Reviews
Episode 4 hits with a meaningful and novel flashback and brings a fascinating new character onboard, but the new developments are a reminder of how much was squandered in the earlier installments.
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.
While this episode is short in length, it certainly isn't lacking in excellent narrative execution. The final confrontation between Europa's Bane and the Artemis culminates into an intense altercation with death being a constant threat throughout the episode. A fitting conclusion to Drummer's struggle to survive, even if gone too quickly.
A reflective episode provides hope for the rest of the series at its halfway point.
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.
Episode 2 shows consequences starting to develop from previous decisions, but whether you'll remember them is still waiting until next time.
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.
It's an okay start to the series, but with how little there is in Episode 1, more is needed to find out if the right decisions were made.
This isn't an instant classic, but fans of the series will no doubt enjoy stepping into Drummer's shoes in her time before the show. It's an assured first outing for a studio brought back from the dead and will no doubt give confidence to the studio and fans alike.
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.
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.
With only two more episodes to go to complete its story, Telltale shows it can still spin a good yarn. If it can competently wrap up the story threads, everyone involved should get a well deserved pat on the back and extra credits on shore leave.
So far, so good then, for Telltale Games. We're two episodes in and I'm hooked, wishing that Episode 3 - First Ones wasn't over a week away. Hopefully the momentum created will continue all the way to the end.
Fans of The Expanse, whether that be the books or TV show, will want to pick this game up and give it a go, as Telltale has always been impeccable at throwing players into more of the worlds that fans love.
A strong opening for Telltale games in its first game back since its rebirth. They've chosen a strong IP in The Expanse to kick things off with and hopefully the future episodes will build upon the strong foundation episode one has made.
Telltale & Deck Nine's Expanse prequel weaves a compelling-enough yarn, but archaic design elements could tempt even ardent fans into spacing it.
Another passable series under the auspices of Telltale. It's hard to believe that this is the work of the authors of Life is Strange: True Colors.
Review in Russian | Read full review
The Expanse: A Telltale Series ends with a respective and enjoyable final episode. Overall The Expanse had a nice story in which player decisions played major roles. The game had some ups and downs but overall it marks a nice return for Telltale Games and makes waiting for its upcoming games harder.
Review in Persian | Read full review