After a five-year hiatus, Telltale has returned with The Expanse: A Telltale Sequence. With all of the drama surrounding the corporate’s chapter in 2018, adopted by its acquisition by LCG Leisure in 2019, it’s honest to have some doubts. Moreover, Deck 9 are the builders. Whereas they’ve expertise with narrative-driven video games, will this even really feel like a Telltale sport? Properly, I can let you know that reply is sure. And whereas I’d by no means dare attempt to dethrone The Wolf Amongst Us, I’ll let you know this: The Expanse is shaping as much as be among the finest Telltale Video games titles but.

I ought to begin by saying I’m an enormous fan of The Expanse. The SyFy/Amazon Prime sequence is genuinely in my high three TV exhibits of all time, perhaps even primary. I’ve to confess that after I first found the main points behind The Expanse: A Telltale Sequence I used to be a bit apprehensive. With it happening earlier than the present, how may I actually care concerning the story? Moreover, I beloved Camina Drummer within the present, however may a narrative-driven expertise targeted on certainly one of her adventures actually maintain my curiosity over 5 episodes? Fortunately, my issues had been allayed early on in Episode 1.

The Expanse: A Telltale Sequence – Episode 1 (PC [Reviewed], PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Sequence X|S)
Developer: Deck 9
Writer: Telltale
Launched: July 27, 2023
MSRP: $39.99

Lengthy stay the Belt

In The Expanse: A Telltale Sequence you tackle the function of Camina Drummer, XO of The Artemis, a scavenging ship skirting the uncharted edges of The Belt. Drummer is voiced by Cara Gee, who performed her within the present, and she or he completely continues to show she’s good for the function. In case you are anticipating some good ol’ Belter Creole, don’t fear—there’s loads of it, Beratna.

The ship’s captain discovers the wreckage of an Earther ship close to Jupiter. Primarily based on the actual fact the ship is out right here alone and there’s no public file as to why it could be on the market, the captain thinks there needs to be one thing worthwhile on board. The crew units course for the wreckage, organising the occasions that can pan out over all 5 episodes.

Like all Telltale sport, there’s a giant emphasis on selections mattering. With this being simply the primary episode of 5, a lot of the story threads haven’t had time to lead to any type of penalties for my actions, which is comprehensible. Nonetheless, on the finish of the episode I needed to make what actually felt like a significant selection. To be trustworthy, I’m not totally certain I made the fitting one—solely time will inform.

Much like earlier Telltale titles, the alternatives are sometimes not straightforward. It’s not, “Do you wish to save a pet or drop it down a volcano?” The truth is, most often, you’ll be able to even guess what kind of penalties might come up from every selection. From there, it’s as much as you to resolve what you suppose is the lesser of two evils. I’m excited to see how a lot participant choices really form the sport, as a result of it at all times felt a bit hit-or-miss in earlier Telltale video games.

Doorways and corners, child

Graphically, The Expanse is the best-looking Telltale sport so far. Although there’s nonetheless the considerably cartoony fashion, it appears very clear. Among the sections of The Artemis are surprisingly detailed, and the huge expanse (hehe) of house appears unimaginable. Deck 9 actually knocked it out of the park on this regard—deep house has by no means appeared so lovely. Moreover, character facial animations of come a good distance. It’s enjoyable to see Drummer react to an intense state of affairs or banter along with her crew, and truly react to it accordingly.

That is positively nonetheless a story-driven sport, however the gameplay itself has huge enhancements as effectively. Operating round as Drummer feels rather a lot smoother and fewer restrictive than I bear in mind in The Strolling Lifeless — The Remaining Season. There’s additionally a system to drift round in zero-G house that jogs my memory plenty of the same zero-G segments in Lifeless Area.

Additionally, there are even little facet missions you’ll be able to deal with whereas progressing via the chapter. I’ve but to see if they are going to really affect the sport in any approach, however they’re a pleasant addition. Whereas exploring the wreckage of the Earther ship I managed to discover a laser crystal for The Artemis’ medic, and a cigar for the pilot. There’s even a mission go browsing the bridge of the ship so you’ll be able to test your lively mission. I additionally got here throughout a number of areas the place I may pull out my blow torch and slice via a panel to retrieve some salvage. Each time I did my crew would commend me for doing so, however I’m undecided simply but if there can be a sensible use for the supplies.

I’m excited concerning the future, beltalowda

General, I actually loved my time with The Expanse: A Telltale Sequence — Episode 1. With episodic content material, we actually gained’t have a full appreciation for The Expanse till the whole story is instructed. New episodes will launch each two weeks, so The Expanse ought to be full in September. What I do know, is it is a very sturdy begin to the journey. I’m very excited to see what’s in retailer for Drummer and the crew of The Artemis.

In case you are a fan of The Expanse TV sequence, this ought to be a no brainer buy for you. Any extra The Expanse materials is price testing. That being stated, this story takes place earlier than the present, so it’s not essential to have watched it to get pleasure from this entry. Positive, you may not acknowledge a few easter eggs, however the narrative itself is its personal. This primary chapter does an amazing job of setting the stage for the remaining 4 episodes. No matter your earlier expertise, The Expanse: A Telltale Sequence — Episode 1 is a enjoyable expertise in an attractive universe.