The Expanse: A Telltale Series

 PC
User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 42
  3. Negative: 15 out of 42

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  1. Kiddoplaysgames
    Aug 4, 2023
    10
    I don't know what is with these mass negative comments but it seems to me that those are players who either hate telltale or that's just their first telltale game.... Yes i agree that the episode was too short it could've been longer but let's not forget that there's still 4 episodes left and im sure those episodes will be good.
  2. growngamer
    Aug 3, 2023
    10
    I am glad that Telltale is back! I really enjoyed the first episode and am eagerly awaiting the next releases.
  3. SpecialKink
    Aug 11, 2023
    9
    I've missed narrative games. I've loved the work that Deck Nine and Supermassive have done, but it's a long dry spell between releases with little else on that scale coming out. I watched all six seasons of the show, but didnt read the books. What I love so far: it absolutely feels like an episode of the show. The salty dialog with Kahn makes her easily my favorite NPC. The cinematics feltI've missed narrative games. I've loved the work that Deck Nine and Supermassive have done, but it's a long dry spell between releases with little else on that scale coming out. I watched all six seasons of the show, but didnt read the books. What I love so far: it absolutely feels like an episode of the show. The salty dialog with Kahn makes her easily my favorite NPC. The cinematics felt perfect and the floating in space controls were easy to use. I'm interested to see how my choices play out over the coming episodes. I'm on the fence regarding episodic releases, but I might be okay if they actually hit their release dates.
    Great to see Deck Nine spread their wings out from Life is Strange. Expecting more great games from this studio. Way to go Telltale for partnering with such a great team.    … Expand
  4. NotShyka
    Aug 8, 2023
    10
    Haters gonna hate, but I had a lot of fun looting a destroyed space ship. Will write a proper review when the full thing is out.
  5. WolfieArtGuy
    Jul 28, 2023
    9
    Awesome to see Telltale back! At first was a little skeptical but Expanse is great so far! Especially if you like the show. I was such a huge fan of the old games, too! It’s like they never left. Some brutal choices, but excited to play the next episode!!
  6. RedshellxD
    Jul 28, 2023
    0
    This is absolutely garbage and its insulting that a game in 2023 HAS ONLY 1 HOUR OF GAMEPLAY. not only that but Its a CRIME to sell a game this garbage, whoever developed this game really needs a career switch because this is absolutely TERRIBLE.
  7. Viniboom
    Jul 28, 2023
    10
    Uma história pequena e boa num universo gigante................,...........
  8. Lulubonee
    Jul 31, 2023
    0
    This is a telltale game? It was hilarious garbage. The voice acting was so bad, and whatever gameplay there was, was incredibly disappointing. All the animations were funny to watch, and very choppy. I was never concerned or immersed throughout the entire time I played. Purposely letting myself die was the most entertaining thing I did. It was such a short experience. Paying $40 for aboutThis is a telltale game? It was hilarious garbage. The voice acting was so bad, and whatever gameplay there was, was incredibly disappointing. All the animations were funny to watch, and very choppy. I was never concerned or immersed throughout the entire time I played. Purposely letting myself die was the most entertaining thing I did. It was such a short experience. Paying $40 for about 1 hour of gaming is not the go.… Expand
  9. Souls2
    Jul 31, 2023
    5
    I'm glad Telltale returns, unfortunately it returns creating its worst game, boring, crude, poor decisions, etc.
  10. zorranco
    Jul 31, 2023
    2
    I'm going to give it a 2 because I haven't really played. I thought Telltale were ex Lucasarts and expected some quality. I always say that first impressions matter in a game, and here they couldn't be worse: the mouse controls are broken, to the point it's almost unplayable. The waypoints are super distracting because they float all over the screen and don't really point to the place youI'm going to give it a 2 because I haven't really played. I thought Telltale were ex Lucasarts and expected some quality. I always say that first impressions matter in a game, and here they couldn't be worse: the mouse controls are broken, to the point it's almost unplayable. The waypoints are super distracting because they float all over the screen and don't really point to the place you need to go. The cutscenes can't be skipped, and after 20 mins of gameplay, the saves are nowhere to be found. On a personal note, the voice acting is bad, not because the acting itself, but because all voices sound awful. The main character voice has personality, but after 10 mins it's tiresome to hear.… Expand
  11. Javaj
    Jul 30, 2023
    1
    Huge fan of the Expanse, I have read almost all the books. Episode 1of game was great. That said, it is misleading to make it look like you are going to get immediate access to all the episodes. I paid $44 for the game thinking I would be able to play for more than 20 minutes. If I knew I was buying a game that would not be released for three months, I would have waited.

    Other Tell Tale    Huge fan of the Expanse, I have read almost all the books. Episode 1of game was great. That said, it is misleading to make it look like you are going to get immediate access to all the episodes. I paid $44 for the game thinking I would be able to play for more than 20 minutes. If I knew I was buying a game that would not be released for three months, I would have waited.

    Other Tell Tale games are usually bought a chapter at a time. When I bought the game it said I would have access to all episodes. It did not say anywhere that I would have access to all episodes as they are released over the next three months. This was misleading on the developers end.

    If they only had one episode ready for release they should have had an option to buy that episode. Instead the charged $44.99 and said you would be getting Episodes 1 -5 plus bonus episode. No where, anywhere, did it say episodes 2-5 plus the bonus episode would be released sometime in the future.

    I should not have to research a game in advance to make sure what they are offering me is in deed what I will be getting. Sad that such a great title is getting a start in such a sneaky manner.    … Expand
  12. ebbest
    Jul 31, 2023
    5
    ep1 - boring, but with an interesting setting, but graphics and technical sector not up to par.
    the story has not caught me for now, I hope it improves with the next episodes
  13. Alex19xD
    Jul 30, 2023
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I must say, as a telltale fan that's played every game from them I am very disappointed. This episode has a few good moments, like discovering gravity gameplay and perhaps the ending, but that's it. When you first encounter a feature in this game it feels good, but it gets boring really fast. I also got dizzy from the gravity mechanics after some time, I don't know if that's just me. The choices did not matter, I saw on YouTube that even if you're a jerk to everyone they still support you in the end, you just get an extra dialogue. That is very disappointing and they need phenomenal next episodes to recover from this. I sincerely hope The Wolf Among Us 2 won't have just 2 dialogue choices and aimless, way too much unnecessary exploration that's slow.… Expand
  14. Rincemac
    Jul 29, 2023
    6
    TL;DR: is it good? I’d say yes – but it depends if you like the series and want the backstory. If you expect “grandeur” action gameplay, this is going to disappoint you. It’s also too short by far - EP 1 takes about 1-2 hrs max. Mind you: We’ve only seen EP 1 so far - It might get much better during EP 2-5 and Bonus Ep in Deluxe Edition.

    Long: Get this if you enjoyed Camina Drummer's    TL;DR: is it good? I’d say yes – but it depends if you like the series and want the backstory. If you expect “grandeur” action gameplay, this is going to disappoint you. It’s also too short by far - EP 1 takes about 1-2 hrs max. Mind you: We’ve only seen EP 1 so far - It might get much better during EP 2-5 and Bonus Ep in Deluxe Edition.

    Long:
    Get this if you enjoyed Camina Drummer's Belter drawl and see where her fierceness comes from. You'll get a kick out of this telltale games ... Expanse of the Expanse's storyline (yes, I am proud of myself). If you are expecting a good old time "Walking Dead telltale", sadly it's not there and maybe never will since you know... they went bankrupt and just got "revived" by selling their tech.

    This new showing of grandeur past is initially gorgeous, with its 4K graphics shine on the next gen consoles and PC, the sound design is minimalist, which is apt for a “Sci-Fi” genre game – since no one can hear your Dolby Surround in Space. Music has been licensed from the series and the Acting is quite decent – if maybe a bit generic by some of the voices, but that is well based on the script and material of the Series as well as this storyline. It was on and off also in the “old” games mostly, if we’re being honest.

    And while we’re being honest, let’s talk about the actual gameplay: Since the revival would give the new telltale the true chance of redoing some of the core systems and improve on some QoL changes, sadly, in this regard they failed. The new game does work exactly in the same way as the old ones – if a bit flashier in execution - they still have the same “Quick Time” aka “press a button or fail” events – which to be fair now you can extend the time to “infinite” taking the pressure off a lot. The new studio has tried to mimic what made telltale games so good in the first place, namely the very narrative-driven, dramatic "choices" - which in the end, sadly, never made that much of a difference to tell you the truth. But they were excuted in a grand way that gave you satisfaction and a hell of a good story most of the time.

    Does "The Expanse" do the same? I think you can see the first inning of what could potentially be a very cool, albeit very short story in the "Expanse" universe just before the Amazon Series storyline picks up in full force.

    You'll follow the life of Carmina Drummer, a hard-ass "Belter" who's been around the deck as they say - and who is a member of the so-called "OPA" - something that gets hinted on bascially immediately - which basically is a terrorist faction within that Sci-Fi Universe that made it a point of hating "Earthers".

    The rest of the game”play” consists of a Space Walking/flying simulator with banter in-between the main characters, of course the usual twists and betrayals plus the “choice” making which consists of the occasional banter in-between characters with good to OK acting by the cast – Carmina Drummer stands out, as well as the Captain and the Ship’s Medic, the two goofy sidekick “Belters” are just like in the series – hard-ass but not smart-ass loose gun types, a job well done in scripting and acting. All of these characters have their “motivations”, although you’ll only know if you pick your choices and see the usual “XYZ will remember that” when speaking to them or interacting with things happening as they unfold, taking some tough choices along the way. Whatever it means when you see “they’ll remember that” stays shrouded in mystery as per the telltale formula. To be very honest, I actually think most of these have, if at all, only minor implications outside of a few changed voice lines likely. And that is the core of the main flaw, one the new telltale kept from the “old telltale”: what these games are usually good at is giving you the momentary illusion of making a huge choice – but when you dare to replay to see the “other side” of that outcome, it usually disappoints by showing you it’s ending (almost) the same way, no matter what. You might kill off one of the others, but guess what, it barely mattered outside of a few standout changes in TwD series games. I’m not spoiling anything here, but be prepared that choices seem “bigger than they are”, just like in your rear view mirror.

    Since the story has just started it's unsure if her OPA past is coming to hunt her, but it certainly looks like exactly that is going to happen in the 5 Episodes and the Bonus Episode for you Deluxe Edition buyers.

    I went Deluxe, because I could not stop myself wondering if telltale legacy can be revived and I’ll stand by to make my final calling after all Episodes are out sometime in September likely – they are saying a new Ep every two weeks – which would probably be the most dramatic change from the “old telltale” which had issues releasing Episodes in a timely manner. Which is what ultimately killed them.    … Expand
  15. IloveCookies
    Aug 8, 2023
    9
    I loved the Expanse show, and I like Camina Drummer, so I preordered this as soon as I could. Yeah, the first episode is kind of short, but it felt really like being in the TV show, and I loved the zero g exploration a lot. If you are an Expanse fan, you should totally check it out! I feel like it's a love letter to the show and Screaming Firehawks, and it would be a shame to miss it. II loved the Expanse show, and I like Camina Drummer, so I preordered this as soon as I could. Yeah, the first episode is kind of short, but it felt really like being in the TV show, and I loved the zero g exploration a lot. If you are an Expanse fan, you should totally check it out! I feel like it's a love letter to the show and Screaming Firehawks, and it would be a shame to miss it. I can't wait for more episodes!… Expand
  16. titan6363
    Aug 3, 2023
    10
    Loved episode 1! Great characters, storytelling, & choices. Also love how much exploration there is. Can’t wait for more
  17. Dawnieow
    Aug 13, 2023
    10
    This game is really great for Telltale's reviving
    You know some people may say blaa blah the old ones blah blah
    But dude it's 2023 you don't have your ps2 anymore everything is upgraded the graphics the gameplays everything
    The game having good graphic doesn't mean that developers focused on graphics because it has a great story too
  18. Bobzilla62
    Jul 29, 2023
    10
    Awesome game. Looking forward to the next episodes. This game has really good narrative and interesting gameplay. Don't listen to those negative Ned reviews that got nothing to say expect negative things about everything. Telltale is back on track and better than ever.
  19. Damnion
    Jul 28, 2023
    0
    If you've seen the show, the game is bad. If you haven't seen the show, don't even bother. Also, why release in episodes when the only episode released is so short?
  20. d0ntm1ndm32
    Jul 29, 2023
    8
    The sheer ignorance of reviews claiming that an episodic game is too short when only 1 episode was released so far lmao ... weren't user scores supposed to be more trustworthy?

    Anyways, the 1st episode was a good start overall! If you're a fan of previous Telltale games, you know what you're in for albeit with a bit more interactivity due to zero g space walking and I did feel like    The sheer ignorance of reviews claiming that an episodic game is too short when only 1 episode was released so far lmao ... weren't user scores supposed to be more trustworthy?

    Anyways, the 1st episode was a good start overall! If you're a fan of previous Telltale games, you know what you're in for albeit with a bit more interactivity due to zero g space walking and I did feel like there was a bit more environmental storytelling.

    Personally, even tho the plot is a bit cliche, I really like the character interactions and the story got me hooked enough to want to know what happens next. That being said tho, I do think waiting 2 weeks for each episode is frustrating more than anything so maybe wait until they're all out (September, 21).    … Expand
  21. LiveServiceSux
    Jul 29, 2023
    2
    Take this with a grain of salt, I have never seen The Expanse TV show, but my god was the game boring. Absolutely nothing happened other than I had to cut someone's leg off. THAT IS IT. One episode release, as Telltale always had done, so we really didn't get much to judge off in the first place. This game was clearly made for older audiences and by older I mean over 40, because theTake this with a grain of salt, I have never seen The Expanse TV show, but my god was the game boring. Absolutely nothing happened other than I had to cut someone's leg off. THAT IS IT. One episode release, as Telltale always had done, so we really didn't get much to judge off in the first place. This game was clearly made for older audiences and by older I mean over 40, because the reaction time events are long enough for me to play a better game. Ratchet and Clank had faster reaction time events and that's a kids game for crying out loud. I was really excited for another Telltale game and this half finished game made me wish for them to never return.… Expand
  22. TheOwelk
    Jul 28, 2023
    3
    A sad return for Telltale, the gameplay is solid, the performances are acceptable, but it's a short, limiting experience (only two choices of dialogue and actions), and the presentation of the story, characters and conflicts were very predictable and basic, it may improve, but it's a generic start.
  23. NovaKing95
    Jul 29, 2023
    4
    I will give the current developers credit for the visuals of the game as well as certain aspects of the gameplay. I have always been a huge fan of The Telltale Games, it has become very obvious to me that the spark that gave life to the older games of Telltale is no more. It's very clear to me that the newer developers cared more about how the game looked then they did about creating anI will give the current developers credit for the visuals of the game as well as certain aspects of the gameplay. I have always been a huge fan of The Telltale Games, it has become very obvious to me that the spark that gave life to the older games of Telltale is no more. It's very clear to me that the newer developers cared more about how the game looked then they did about creating an environment with both a compelling story as well as characters that you naturally gravitated towards.

    These characters are so forgettable... Dull, that's the only word I can think of when I think about these characters in the story, The protagonist has this very strange monotone voice that gives you meaningless narration throughout your gameplay, and her colleagues that around her do not provide any sense of camaraderie, or any sense of belonging with the very minimal dialog options you have to interact with them.

    I really hate to compare the new developers with the old, but I will never forget that first episode I played as Lee in The Walking Dead series when I ran into Clementine. Their interaction was so believable and genuine. It glued me in the moment I played it for the first time. Something is missing, I don't feel a connection between the characters and the protagonist.

    I don't think these developers realize that the thing that drew us in so closely with the older games was literally the story itself, and how the characters interacted with each other. I am honestly kind of sad that this is all they have to bring to the table. A little bit of profanity doesn't bother me when I'm trying to indulge in a story, but it needs to fit with the circumstance. I feel like the writers for this dialog decided to drop F bombs needlessly just to fill empty space In between their gray storytelling.    … Expand
  24. PenetratorGod
    Aug 12, 2023
    0
    Telltale Games needs to stop making new games. They will never learn. I don't think there is any other game company this badly managed.
  25. PhoneTheo
    Aug 16, 2023
    5
    Boring compared to other telltale games.
  26. Diabellus
    Aug 27, 2023
    6
    Not great, not terrible. One episode is one hour - and this is very sad for this game. The story is rather boring and doesn't bring anything new for The Expanse fans. Buy only on promo.
  27. Attackcobra6
    Sep 7, 2023
    0
    Telltale’s The Expanse is a walking simulator where occasionally you’ll get to choose between two dialogue options that mean the same thing. And then even more rarely you’ll get a choice that actually matters. You have a crew of characters, but you’ll get to know very little about them.
  28. DivusJulius
    Aug 9, 2023
    10
    Story is superb, as Expanse TV show lover I must say I did enjoyed the game. Cannot wait for new episodes. Original actress as Drummer amazing Game have expanse vibe and full immersion. I really enjoyed...
  29. Kzix
    Aug 23, 2023
    0
    2h in the game all i did i wonder about in several empty ships. Graphically it is alright but my god storywise (which is why i bought the game) NOTHING interesting happens!!! I don't care for any of the characters even though i love the tv show. I tried to get a refund but i played 2h15mn
  30. Ciocolici
    Aug 24, 2023
    8
    Update Episode 3:

    This episode marks the weakest point thus far in the Expanse Telltale series. It stands as the shortest installment, with character control encompassing 90% of the game. Regrettably, the story makes only minimal progress, with rare dialogue decisions that lack the signature Telltale touch. The foremost concern lies in its brevity – the episode's short duration is a bit    Update Episode 3:

    This episode marks the weakest point thus far in the Expanse Telltale series. It stands as the shortest installment, with character control encompassing 90% of the game. Regrettably, the story makes only minimal progress, with rare dialogue decisions that lack the signature Telltale touch. The foremost concern lies in its brevity – the episode's short duration is a bit disappointing.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Boys and girls, Telltale is back! I have been, am, and will forever be a huge fan of Telltale Games. I adore their games and am thrilled to see their return, especially with one of my favorite TV series!

    What distinguished Telltale games post the first "The Walking Dead" installment was their distinctive storytelling through cinematic dialogue-choice gameplay, interspersed with quick-time events and limited exploration and character control. The cinematic dialogue-choice gameplay was the standout. The most recent installment, "The Walking Dead: The Final Season," introduced over-the-shoulder gameplay without compromising the dialogue choices and cinematic experience. Despite the criticism that their formula was overused, I was always drawn to the unique experience they created, even as they leaned more towards cinematic than usual gameplay elements.

    "The Expanse" is presented as a Telltale game, yet I'm uncertain about Telltale's involvement. The game was made in partnership with Deck Nine, and on the Epic Games Store, Deck Nine is credited as the sole developer, with Telltale Games as the publisher. Whether this is accurate or not, the game sure feels more like "A Deck Nine Series" rather than "A Telltale Series." This isn't necessarily negative; I appreciate Deck Nine's games, their "Life is Strange" series. However, this doesn't deliver the typical Telltale Games experience. This game also features over-the-shoulder gameplay, like TWD:TFS, but unlike there, here it also lacks the cinematic essence, time-sensitive dialogue choices, movie-like scenes, and simple but clever Quick Time Events that characterize Telltale. If you removed the "A Telltale Series" title, you might not recognize it as a Telltale game. My intuition suggests that Telltale was not significantly involved in developing this game. I might be mistaken, but that's my perspective. To me, this feels like it's just wearing the Telltale Games label for marketing, and the true revival of Telltale might be showcased in "The Wolf Among Us 2."

    However, as a Deck Nine game, it performs quite well in the initial two episodes. The characters are engaging, and the graphics are exceptional. No Telltale game has looked this good or felt so fluid. Unlike the old games and their optimization issues because of their engine, this game runs smoothly. The exploration mechanics are masterfully executed, even though I occasionally feel dizzy due to the space setting and never knowing where is up or down. The character control gameplay is impressively polished, and I've been thoroughly entertained. Storywise, it's generally satisfying, although there's room for improvement. This is heightened by my affinity for "The Expanse" TV series. Camina Drummer is a standout character, and playing as her with her excellent voice acting is a treat! I do hope they will bring more meaningful choices in the next episodes though.

    Perhaps this is exactly what Telltale needs—a fresh start with diverse experiences, moving away from the predictable formula. Maybe it was time for a change? Only time will tell as more Telltale games are released, allowing us to compare and evaluate if the new Telltale truly understands the essence of the old. For now, I'm just grateful they're back!

    If there's something noteworthy after playing subsequent episodes upon their release, I'll update the review. Otherwise, I'll edit it once the entire series is complete."    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Most Discussed PC Game of 2023

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Eurogamer Germany
    Jan 8, 2024
    60
    The fact that you can't skip a single cutscene and that some save points are far apart are also relics of previous Telltale adventures that I'm not particularly stoked about. You could therefore say that the new old studio is still very much the old one, despite the closure, takeover and new start. Which also means, maybe most importantly, that it captures the essence of the source material very skillfully, which is why I can recommend The Expanse: A Telltale Series to fans of the series despite the criticisms.
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  2. CD-Action
    Nov 13, 2023
    70
    The Expanse: A Telltale Series works well as a tie-in, because it recreates the atmosphere of the series and explores the past of a loved character (Cara Gee as Drummer is amazing as always!). However, as a whole, it is a middling game that ends before it really gets going. I also regret that the developers missed the opportunity to delve deeper into The Expanse’s universe, as this setting has a lot to offer.
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  3. Shacknews
    Oct 3, 2023
    70
    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.
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