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The Expanse: A Telltale Series

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Expanse: A Telltale Series
Item: The Expanse: A Telltale Series
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Drama, Single Player

AvailableJul 26, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperDeck Nine Games

Overview

In the near future on the outskirts of the asteroid belt, a bloody mutiny breaks loose on the Artemis. You take the role of XO Camina Drummer, where your choices determine the fate of the ship. What will you do with the truth, Bosmang?

Elsewhere

8.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on The Expanse: A Telltale Series story. Positive reviews praise its mature and captivating narrative with impactful choices, while negative feedback points out its small-scale feel and lack of depth compared to the TV series. Overall, the game delivers engaging characters and twists but falls short in narrative depth and scale for some reviewers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of The Expanse: A Telltale Series are varied, but there are some common positive aspects that stand out. Finger Guns praises the game for its mature and grounded story, with emotional moments and believable motivations. Push Square also highlights the originality of the story set in an established universe, with twists, gut-wrenching decisions, and immediate regrets. Movies Games and Tech describes the story as captivating and dramatic, with exceptional twists and turns. These positive reviews indicate that the game successfully delivers a compelling narrative with engaging characters and impactful choices. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the story of The Expanse: A Telltale Series. Checkpoint Gaming feels that the story feels disappointingly small-scale and uninteresting compared to the TV series' high-stakes plots about interplanetary political power struggles. SomosXbox mentions that while the game explores the past of the character Camina Drummer, it falls short of offering a deep and well-developed narrative. The pacing is inconsistent, and the conversations lack depth. These criticisms suggest that the game may not fully live up to the expectations set by the TV series and lacks the depth and scale that some reviewers were hoping for. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of The Expanse: A Telltale Series has its strengths and weaknesses. The positive reviews highlight the mature and grounded nature of the story, the impact of choices, and the captivating twists and turns. However, there are also reservations about the narrative's depth, pacing, and scale compared to the TV series. While some critics find the story compelling and well-executed within the episodic format, others feel that it falls short in certain aspects. Ultimately, players who are fans of The Expanse universe may find enjoyment in exploring the game's story, but it may not fully satisfy those seeking a narrative on par with the TV series' grand scale.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics praise The Expanse: A Telltale Series for its improved gameplay featuring exploration, larger level design, interactive cutscenes, and immersive experiences. However, some criticize forced stealth sections, limited dialogue options, and repetitive gameplay elements. Overall, the game offers a more engaging experience with room for improvement in certain areas.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of The Expanse: A Telltale Series are generally positive. Finger Guns and Gaming Age both praise the gameplay for its improved exploration and larger level design, which sets it apart from previous Telltale titles. Metro GameCentral highlights the inclusion of conversations with branching choices, action scenes with quick time events, and open areas with optional collectables. PlayStation Universe mentions the inclusion of guiding the protagonist around the ship, talking to the crew, making decisions, and dialogue choices to steer the narrative. Push Square appreciates the interactive cutscenes, light puzzle-solving, and exploration of detailed environments. Movies Games and Tech also mentions a balanced mix of cinematic QTEs, dialogue choices, and exploration. These positive aspects of the gameplay contribute to a more immersive and engaging experience for players. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the gameplay of The Expanse: A Telltale Series. Metro GameCentral criticizes the forced stealth sections involving drones, considering them basic and rote. Checkpoint Gaming mentions limited dialogue options and minimal interactivity during action scenes, which may limit player engagement. SomosXbox goes as far as describing the gameplay as repetitive and limited in interaction, comparing it to a "walking simulator" with minimal environmental interaction and few moments of action. These negative aspects may detract from the overall gameplay experience and potentially leave players wanting more depth and variety in their interactions. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Expanse: A Telltale Series offers an improved gameplay experience compared to previous Telltale titles. The inclusion of exploration, freedom of movement, hidden interactions, and more to see and do contribute to a more immersive and engaging gameplay experience. The game effectively captures the fear and danger of living and working in space, as mentioned by ZTGD. However, there are some areas of improvement, such as the limited interactivity during action scenes and the repetitive nature of certain gameplay elements, as mentioned by Metro GameCentral and SomosXbox. Despite these criticisms, the gameplay of The Expanse: A Telltale Series is generally well-received and offers an enjoyable narrative-driven experience with impactful player decisions.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics praise The Expanse: A Telltale Series for its impressive graphics, detailed environments, and well-done character models and animations. Some critics mention minor flaws like audio mixing issues and limited environments, but overall, the consensus is positive. The game is visually appealing with improvements in animations and graphical quality, making it worth exploring.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Expanse: A Telltale Series are generally positive. Several critics, such as Finger Guns and Push Square, appreciate the impressive environments and lighting in the game. The visuals are described as consistently excellent, with extensive and detailed environments that are worth exploring. PlayStation Universe also praises the game for its visually impressive elements, including improved facial animation, high geometric detail, and gorgeous zero-g set pieces. The character models and animations are mentioned by Gaming Age and ZTGD as being well done, with the slightly animated art style mimicking the look of the real-world actors from the TV show. The game's art direction and smooth animations are also highlighted by Movies Games and Tech. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Metro GameCentral points out that certain elements of the presentation, such as audio mixing, can pull the player out of the fantasy. Checkpoint Gaming mentions that while the character models and animations are improved, the environments are mostly limited to samey grey space stations. SomosXbox mentions occasional bugs and technical issues that can be frustrating. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Expanse: A Telltale Series has impressive graphics and visual design. The game's environments, lighting, and character models receive praise from multiple critics. While there are some negative aspects mentioned, such as audio mixing issues and limited environments, the overall sentiment is positive. The game is considered visually appealing, with improvements in animations and graphical quality throughout the episodes. Critics like Finger Guns, Gaming Age, and ZTGD specifically highlight the positive aspects of the game's visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of The Expanse: A Telltale Series. Some praise the immersive experience created by the sound effects and music, while others criticize issues like poor audio mixing and localization problems. However, most agree that the strong voice acting and original series elements contribute to a memorable gameplay experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Expanse: A Telltale Series are varied. Finger Guns and Movies Games and Tech both praise the sound design and music of the game. Finger Guns mentions that while the voice acting could be improved, the performance capture adds nuance to the characters' appearances. Movies Games and Tech, on the other hand, simply describes the sound effects as excellent and highlights the wonderful cast of actors. These positive opinions indicate that the sound design and music of The Expanse: A Telltale Series have successfully created an immersive and engaging experience for the players. However, Metro GameCentral and SomosXbox express some negative opinions regarding the sound design and music. Metro GameCentral criticizes the audio mixing, stating that it is bizarrely poor and undermines some of the best scenes. They specifically mention the jarring high volume when replicating speaking through spacesuits. SomosXbox, while acknowledging the inclusion of the original voice of Camina Drummer and the use of original music from the series, criticizes the Spanish localization for not always matching the terms used in the series. These negative opinions suggest that there are some flaws in the execution of the sound design and music that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Expanse: A Telltale Series has a solid and memorable cast of characters, with great voice acting from Cara Gee, who voices the lead character. This is supported by the positive opinions of Gaming Age and Generación Xbox, who both highlight the strong voice acting in the game. Additionally, the inclusion of the original voices and music from the series contributes to the immersion in the universe of The Expanse, as mentioned by Generación Xbox and SomosXbox. However, there are some flaws in the sound design and music, such as the audio mixing issues mentioned by Metro GameCentral and the localization problems mentioned by SomosXbox. Despite these flaws, the overall sentiment seems to lean towards the positive side, with the sound design and music successfully enhancing the gameplay experience in The Expanse: A Telltale Series.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics largely praise the voice acting in The Expanse: A Telltale Series, especially Cara Gee's return as Camina Drummer. The performances are described as great, authentic, and impactful, contributing to the immersive experience of the game. While some critics suggest room for improvement in the voice acting without specifying details, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting the strong vocal performances and memorable characters.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in The Expanse: A Telltale Series, it is evident that there is a generally positive sentiment towards the performances. The voice acting is praised for being great overall, with Cara Gee's return as Camina Drummer receiving particular acclaim. Critics such as Gaming Age, Metro GameCentral, and PlayStation Universe highlight Gee's performance as fantastic, showcasing a hardened exterior tempered by acerbic wit and simmering rage. The inclusion of the original voice of Camina Drummer is also appreciated by fans of the series, as mentioned by SomosXbox. The cast of characters is described as solid, memorable, eclectic, and largely great, with strong vocal performances from both returning and new actors, according to Checkpoint Gaming. These positive aspects of the voice acting contribute to the immersive and authentic experience of the game. However, there are also some critics who believe that the voice acting could be improved. Finger Guns expresses the opinion that the voice acting could be better, without specifying any particular flaws. While this criticism is quite general, it suggests that there may be some areas where the voice acting falls short of expectations. It would have been helpful to have more specific examples or details to better understand the shortcomings mentioned by Finger Guns. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in The Expanse: A Telltale Series is largely positive. The performances are described as spectacular, authentic to the TV series, impactful, and a standout aspect of the game. The return of Cara Gee as Camina Drummer is particularly praised, with critics appreciating the depth and emotion she brings to the character. The solid and memorable cast of characters adds to the overall positive reception of the voice acting. While there is a minor criticism regarding the potential for improvement, the overall sentiment is that the voice acting enhances the immersive and engaging nature of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics praise The Expanse: A Telltale Series for its smooth gameplay and enhanced graphics on PS5 and Xbox Series X. Despite minor issues like occasional bugs, the game delivers a technically solid and visually appealing experience on both platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the PS5, the critics generally had positive opinions. Gaming Age mentions that the game runs well on the PS5 without any visual issues or bugs. Metro GameCentral also praises the game as the most polished Telltale experience yet, with improved character models and visuals. PlayStation Universe adds that The Expanse: A Telltale Series is the best-looking title from Telltale, utilizing Unreal Engine 4. These positive opinions highlight the smooth gameplay experience and enhanced graphics on the PS5. On the Xbox Series X, the critics also express satisfaction with the technical performance, although some minor issues are mentioned. Generación Xbox notes that the game runs at a high resolution and constant 60 fps on the Xbox Series X, with improved graphics and animations throughout the episodes. Movies Games and Tech highlights the responsive controls and easy-to-follow markers, indicating a smooth gameplay experience. However, SomosXbox mentions occasional bugs and technical issues, such as the need to restart from checkpoints or the loss of collectibles. Despite these minor setbacks, the overall performance on the Xbox Series X seems to be stable and enjoyable. Overall, the critics agree that The Expanse: A Telltale Series delivers a positive technical performance on both the PS5 and Xbox Series X. The game showcases improved visuals, character models, and animations, providing an immersive experience for players. While some minor issues are mentioned on both platforms, such as audio mixing problems on the PS5 and occasional bugs on the Xbox Series X, these do not significantly hinder the overall gameplay experience. The consensus among the critics is that The Expanse: A Telltale Series offers a technically solid and visually appealing experience on both the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise The Expanse: A Telltale Series for its replay value due to different outcomes based on player choices. However, some critics find the final episode underwhelming and predictably short, limiting overall replayability. Despite mixed feedback, the game offers a variety of experiences with weighty decisions, making it enjoyable for Telltale fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

88%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Expanse: A Telltale Series are generally positive. Finger Guns, Gaming Age, and Generación Xbox all mention that the game offers replay value through different choices leading to different outcomes. Finger Guns specifically highlights the subtle choices and different story outcomes based on player decisions, indicating a strong replayability factor. Movies Games and Tech also mentions longevity and replay value with multiple choices and collectibles, further supporting the positive aspect of replayability in the game. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Metro GameCentral states that while the game has branching decisions that shape the story, the ultimate finish is underwhelming and predictable. PlayStation Universe mentions that the final episode is disappointingly short, which could potentially affect the replay value for some players. SomosXbox also points out that the majority of impactful decisions are concentrated in the fifth and final chapter, which may limit the overall replayability of the game. Overall, the critics agree that The Expanse: A Telltale Series offers replay value through different choices and outcomes. Finger Guns, Gaming Age, and Generación Xbox all emphasize the positive aspect of replayability. However, there are concerns raised by Metro GameCentral, PlayStation Universe, and SomosXbox regarding the underwhelming finish, short final episode, and concentration of impactful decisions in the final chapter. Despite these negatives, the overall consensus is that the game provides a good variety of experiences for players, with weighty decisions and potential negative consequences, making it enjoyable for fans of Telltale's past work, as mentioned by ZTGD.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Expanse: A Telltale Series has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its potential and emotional moments, while others criticize its lack of innovation and narrative consistency. Finger Guns commends the game for its highs and lows, acknowledging its potential and ability to deliver emotional moments. Gaming Age considers it a solid attempt to re-establish Telltale as the king of adventure games, highlighting its polished gameplay and timely release. PlayStation Universe praises the game as a hugely enjoyable adaptation of the television show and books, with engaging characters and improved visuals. Push Square believes that The Expanse retains what made earlier Telltale games successful, delivering a tight and well-told story. Generación Xbox appreciates the game's adherence to the spirit of the series and graphical improvement, but criticizes the lack of innovation in gameplay and underdeveloped characters. ZTGD describes it as a fantastic companion piece to The Expanse show, with strong storytelling and engaging gameplay, urging fans of Telltale's previous work not to miss it. On the negative side, Metro GameCentral mentions that The Expanse lags behind genre frontrunners and fails to evolve Telltale's tired gameplay design. Checkpoint Gaming states that the game suffers from being short, linear, and low-stakes. SomosXbox criticizes the game for its lack of narrative consistency, gameplay variety, and overall delivery, making it unlikely to appeal to a wider audience. Overall, the critics' opinions on the Overall Verdict of The Expanse: A Telltale Series are divided. While some critics appreciate the game's potential, emotional moments, and adherence to the spirit of the series, others criticize its lack of innovation, underdeveloped characters, and narrative consistency. However, there is a consensus among some critics that the game is a solid attempt to re-establish Telltale as a leader in adventure games, with polished gameplay and enjoyable adaptation of the television show and books. Ultimately, the game may appeal more to die-hard fans of The Expanse who want to explore its universe through a game, rather than a wider audience.

TL;DR

The Expanse: A Telltale Series receives mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its emotional moments and potential, while others criticize its lack of innovation and narrative consistency. Critics highlight its polished gameplay and enjoyable adaptation of the TV show and books, but note shortcomings such as underdeveloped characters and tired gameplay design. Overall, opinions are divided on whether the game successfully re-establishes Telltale as a leader in adventure games, making it more appealing to hardcore fans of The Expanse.

MONSTER

Reviews

65 reviews found

Movies Games and Tech

Xbox Series X

Sep 15, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Must-play game with minor frustration about short chapters

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Gaming Age

PlayStation 5

Sep 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a solid attempt to re-establish Telltale as the king of adventure games. It hits release deadlines, has a polished game, and will likely be enjoyed by fans of the show or Telltale's prior efforts.

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ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Sep 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a fantastic companion piece to The Expanse show, with strong storytelling and engaging gameplay. Fans of Telltale's previous work should not miss this series.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Sep 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that The Expanse is a return to form for Telltale Games, with a good franchise to explore and a charismatic protagonist. It praises the game's adherence to the spirit of the series and the graphical improvement. However, it criticizes the lack of innovation in gameplay and the underdeveloped characters.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Sep 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a hugely enjoyable adaptation of the television show and books, with engaging characters and improved visuals. The final episode and plodding pace are minor drawbacks.

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Push Square

PlayStation 5

Oct 2, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Expanse: A Telltale Series retains what made the earlier games successful and delivers a tight, well-told story. It's a bold new direction for fans of The Expanse or the glory days of Telltale Games.

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Finger Guns

PlayStation 5

Sep 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Expanse: A Telltale Series has its highs and lows, but shows potential and delivers emotional moments.

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SomosXbox

Xbox Series X

Sep 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Expanse: A Telltale Series may satisfy die-hard fans of the series who want to explore its universe through a game. However, it falls short in terms of narrative consistency, gameplay variety, and overall delivery, making it unlikely to appeal to a wider audience.

Checkpoint Gaming

Xbox Series X

Sep 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a fairly decent return to form for Telltale Games, representing the show and the character of Camina Drummer authentically. However, it suffers from being short, linear, and low-stakes.

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Metro GameCentral

PlayStation 5

Sep 22, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Telltale's The Expanse is among the strongest in the studio's history but lags behind genre frontrunners. It captures the spirit of the universe and Drummer's character, but fails to evolve Telltale's tired gameplay design.