The Expanse: A Telltale Series – Episode 1 Review
Telltale Games, now under the ownership of LCG Entertainment, has finally released its first new property, The Expanse: A Telltale Series. Developed by Deck Nine Games, known for their successful Life is Strange franchise, this game immediately captivates players with its engaging storytelling and captivating characters. While it retains elements that fans of Telltale’s previous work will love, The Expanse stands out as a significant evolution in acting, storytelling, and core mechanics.
In this game, players assume the role of Camina Drummer, voiced by the talented Cara Gee, in a story set before the events of the television series. Drummer serves as the XO of The Artemis, a scavenging ship searching the wreckage of a UNN Earther ship. This game serves as an introduction to the universe for newcomers, while also providing a unique origin story for longtime fans. As players uncover deeper mysteries and develop relationships with the crew members, The Expanse: A Telltale Series delves into what shapes Drummer into the beloved character she becomes.
Visually, The Expanse is Telltale’s most impressive game to date. The detailed environments, whether it’s walking down narrow corridors or floating through space, showcase a stunning level of craftsmanship. The fusion of the rich and vibrant colors of space with the haunting design of the UNN wreckage creates a visually striking experience. Additionally, the facial animations have greatly improved, making characters more dynamic and responsive to dialogue and actions.
At the midpoint of Episode 1, the narrative takes a darker turn as the crew discovers gruesome scenes aboard the Earther ship. The crew splits up to complete their tasks, and this is where the game introduces its core gameplay mechanics. Players must navigate the collapsing internal compartments of the ship, using various exploration and problem-solving skills to progress. The movement mechanics have evolved, allowing for smooth and freeform traversal in a vast space. Walking, running, and even floating in zero-G are all possible, opening up opportunities for thorough exploration and hidden surprises.
The relationship and choice mechanics in The Expanse have also seen significant improvements. Instead of relying on a limited number of dialogue options, the game incorporates exploration to influence the fates of the crew members. Drummer’s words, interactions with the environment, and the optional items she finds all play a role in determining the outcomes. The impact of these choices is evident throughout the game, as relationships and interactions unfold based on them.
One potential frustration is that players are not given clear guidance on where to find salvage, leading to missed opportunities for dialogue and interactions. To fully experience the game’s content, players must thoroughly explore the environment and utilize their tools to uncover hidden areas and collectibles. However, the lack of indicators or hints can make it difficult to ensure completion.
The Expanse: A Telltale Series excels in delivering a gripping mystery for players to unravel. Drummer’s discoveries within the wreckage raise questions about the destruction of the UNN ship and lead to a life-or-death decision in Episode 1’s final scenes. The importance of these discoveries to Drummer’s story and the wider Expanse universe sets the stage for an intriguing narrative that will surely captivate players.
Overall, The Expanse: A Telltale Series – Episode 1 is a triumphant return for Telltale Games. With its improved mechanics, immersive storytelling, and introduction to The Expanse universe, it caters to both new and longtime fans. While the true impact of player decisions has yet to be fully revealed, the game offers a sense of agency and involvement like never before. The Expanse: A Telltale Series – Episode 1 is a must-play for anyone looking for an engaging and thrilling gaming experience.
Editor Notes: A Promising Start
The Expanse: A Telltale Series – Episode 1 proves to be an exciting addition to the Telltale Games library. The improvements in mechanics and storytelling demonstrate the studio’s commitment to evolving their formula. As a VR gamer, I am eagerly anticipating the future episodes of The Expanse and can’t wait to see how the choices made in Episode 1 shape the rest of the story. Make sure to stay updated with VR Game News for all the latest updates on The Expanse and other VR gaming releases!
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