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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: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

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

AvailableJul 26, 2023

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

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

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Expanse: A Telltale Series impresses with its character-driven storytelling and emotional depth, particularly through Camina Drummer's journey, earning praise for its engaging narrative and impactful player choices. However, critics highlight issues with pacing, a small-scale story lacking depth compared to the TV series, and a feeling of being constrained by its prequel status. While it offers an engaging experience for fans and newcomers, it may fall short for those craving the high-stakes drama of the original Expanse universe.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of The Expanse: A Telltale Series has garnered a variety of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its character-driven narrative and emotional depth. Reviewers like Finger Guns highlight the mature and grounded storytelling, noting the emotional moments and believable character motivations that resonate throughout the game. Critics such as Gamereactor UK and GameSpot praise the engaging narrative that effectively explores Camina Drummer's character, emphasizing the impact of player choices on the story's progression. The episodic format is also seen as a strength, allowing for a mix of personal and action-driven moments, as noted by Cultured Vultures and Generación Xbox, which helps to create a compelling experience for both fans of the series and newcomers alike. However, several critics have pointed out significant shortcomings in the game's narrative. Many reviews, including those from Checkpoint Gaming and SomosXbox, express disappointment with the story's perceived small-scale nature and lack of depth compared to the high-stakes plots of the television series. Critics like Multiplayer.it and New Game Network mention pacing issues and a tendency for the narrative to feel padded with unnecessary dialogue, which detracts from character development and engagement. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Destructoid and Games.cz, argue that the story feels less impactful within the broader context of the Expanse universe, with a sense of "prequel-itus" that limits the tension and stakes. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while The Expanse: A Telltale Series offers a compelling character-driven narrative with emotional weight and meaningful choices, it also suffers from pacing issues and a lack of depth in world-building. The game successfully introduces players to Camina Drummer and the conflicts of the Expanse universe, as noted by critics like Eurogamer Germany and PCGamesN, but it often feels constrained by its prequel status, leading to mixed feelings about its overall significance. Ultimately, the game provides an engaging experience for fans and newcomers alike, but it may not fully satisfy those seeking the high-stakes drama characteristic of the original series.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Expanse: A Telltale Series impresses with enhanced exploration and engaging narrative mechanics, winning over critics with its freedom of movement and zero-gravity environments. However, it suffers from repetitiveness, shallow combat, and lack of meaningful challenges, leading to a mixed reception that highlights both its potential and limitations. While it shows progress for Telltale, many feel it sticks too closely to its formula, leaving some players wanting more depth and innovation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

81%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Expanse: A Telltale Series has garnered a generally positive reception from critics, highlighting improvements over previous Telltale titles. Finger Guns notes a significant enhancement in exploration and level design, while Gaming Age appreciates the added freedom of movement and hidden interactions that enrich the narrative experience. Critics like Metro GameCentral and PlayStation Universe emphasize the inclusion of branching dialogue choices and quick-time events (QTEs), which contribute to a more engaging gameplay experience. Additionally, the zero-gravity mechanics and expansive environments are praised by Gamereactor UK, who points out that they effectively capture the essence of living and working in space. Overall, many reviewers agree that the game successfully blends exploration with narrative-driven gameplay, making it a step forward for Telltale. However, despite these positive aspects, several critics have pointed out significant drawbacks in the gameplay. A common criticism is the perceived repetitiveness and lack of depth in interactions, with SomosXbox describing the game as a "walking simulator" with minimal environmental engagement. Critics like New Game Network and Eurogamer Germany express disappointment in the simplistic nature of the gameplay, noting that exploration can feel tedious and lacks meaningful challenges. The reliance on QTEs, while engaging for some, is seen as a limitation by others, including IGN, who mention that combat mechanics feel shallow and fail to deliver depth. Furthermore, issues such as sluggish movement and camera control during exploration have been highlighted by critics like PCGamesN and Gfinity, detracting from the overall experience. In summary, while The Expanse: A Telltale Series has made strides in enhancing gameplay through exploration and decision-making, the overall consensus among critics suggests that it still falls short of delivering a fully immersive experience. Many reviewers, including Multiplayer.it and CD-Action, note that the game adheres closely to the familiar Telltale formula, which, while enjoyable for fans, lacks the innovation some were hoping for. The balance between narrative and gameplay elements is appreciated, but the execution is often criticized for being too simplistic and repetitive, leading to a mixed reception that recognizes the game's potential while acknowledging its limitations.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Expanse: A Telltale Series impresses with stunning visuals and immersive environments, especially in zero-gravity scenes, earning praise for its artistic direction. However, critics point out flaws like subpar character models, low texture details, and rough animations that detract from the experience. While many celebrate it as Telltale's most visually beautiful game, concerns about repetitiveness in environments and technical issues remain. Overall, the game marks a significant improvement, striking a balance between eye-catching design and notable shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of The Expanse: A Telltale Series have received a generally positive reception from critics across various platforms. Many reviewers praised the game for its impressive environments, particularly the zero-gravity sections, which showcased beautiful visuals and a strong sense of immersion. For instance, PlayStation Universe highlighted the game's "gorgeous zero-g set pieces," while Multiplayer.it noted the game's ability to create an immersive space environment, especially during quiet moments and battles. Critics like IGN and Cultured Vultures appreciated the balance between cartoonish and realistic elements, with IGN specifically mentioning the detailed character expressions that enhance the storytelling experience. Overall, the game is seen as a significant improvement over previous Telltale titles, with Destructoid calling it the "most visually beautiful Telltale game yet." However, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the graphics and visual fidelity. Some reviews indicated that character models, while improved, still fell short of expectations, with Finger Guns mentioning that the character details were not the best. Issues such as low texture detail up close were noted by PlayStation Universe, while GamesRadar+ and TechRadar Gaming mentioned rough animations and visual bugs that could detract from the overall experience. Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming criticized the environments for being limited to "samey grey space stations," which could lead to a feeling of repetitiveness as players navigate through the game. The overall consensus among critics is that The Expanse: A Telltale Series delivers a visually appealing experience that successfully captures the essence of the source material, though it is not without its flaws. While many reviews, such as those from GameSpot and Worth Playing, commend the game for its polished visuals and immersive environments, others, like New Game Network and Games.cz, expressed concerns about character designs and some lack of detail in the environments. Ultimately, the game is recognized for its artistic direction and improvements in visual quality, making it a notable entry in Telltale's portfolio, even if it does not fully escape the technical issues that have plagued the studio in the past.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Expanse: A Telltale Series boasts standout voice acting and atmospheric sound that many critics praise, especially Cara Gee's return as Camina Drummer. However, significant flaws in audio mixing and design have raised concerns, with issues like microphone clipping and inconsistent sound quality detracting from the experience. While the emotional impact of the voice performances is strong, technical shortcomings in sound design create a mixed reception overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

44%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of The Expanse: A Telltale Series have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly regarding the voice acting and the atmospheric elements that enhance the gaming experience. Critics like Gaming Age and Generación Xbox commend the return of Cara Gee as Camina Drummer, noting that her performance, along with the original voice cast, significantly contributes to the game's immersive quality. Movies Games and Tech also highlight the "wonderful cast of actors" and "excellent sound effects," reinforcing the idea that the voice performances are a strong point of the game. Additionally, several reviewers, such as PCGamesN and VideoGamer, appreciate how the sound design and score elevate the atmosphere, particularly in action sequences and emotional moments, with some even mentioning the effective use of the series' original music. However, not all feedback is positive, as several critics point out notable flaws in the sound design. Metro GameCentral criticizes the audio mixing as "bizarrely poor," which detracts from key scenes, while Gfinity mentions distracting issues like microphone clipping. Twinfinite echoes this sentiment by describing the sound design as inconsistent, with some strong performances overshadowed by audio glitches and unmemorable ambient music. Adventure Game Hotspot also notes that while sound effects are solid, they can be occasionally absent, suggesting a lack of cohesion in the overall audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divide between the strengths of voice acting and the weaknesses in sound design. While many reviewers, including IGN Portugal and TheGamer, acknowledge the emotional impact of the voice performances and the atmospheric music, there are significant concerns about audio quality and mixing that cannot be overlooked. This duality suggests that while the game successfully captures the essence of The Expanse through its voice talent and thematic music, it struggles with technical execution in sound design, leading to a mixed reception in this aspect of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in The Expanse: A Telltale Series is largely praised, especially Cara Gee's standout performance as Camina Drummer, which adds depth and authenticity. Critics commend the overall cast for their emotional delivery, enhancing the narrative experience. However, some inconsistencies among secondary characters' performances are noted, suggesting a mixed quality across the board. Overall, the voice acting is a major strength of the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in The Expanse: A Telltale Series has garnered a predominantly positive reception from critics, with many praising the performances, particularly that of Cara Gee as Camina Drummer. Reviewers from Gaming Age and PlayStation Universe highlighted the overall strength of the voice cast, with Gee’s portrayal being described as "fantastic" and "showcasing a hardened exterior tempered by acerbic wit and simmering rage." Critics like Metro GameCentral and Multiplayer.it echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that her return adds depth and authenticity to the character, which resonates well with fans of the original series. The eclectic cast has been noted for delivering impactful performances, with several reviewers like Push Square and Checkpoint Gaming remarking on the authenticity and emotional weight of the dialogue, which enhances the overall narrative experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting. Finger Guns pointed out that the voice acting could be improved, suggesting that not all performances reached the high bar set by the standout roles. Additionally, while many critics praised the performances of the main characters, some noted inconsistencies among secondary characters. For instance, Adventure Game Hotspot mentioned that one character's portrayal felt inconsistent, and Twinfinite acknowledged that while Gee's performance was commendable, other performances varied in quality from impressive to merely passable. This indicates a slight disparity in the overall quality of voice acting across the cast. In summary, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a strong point of the game, with Cara Gee's performance as Camina Drummer receiving particular acclaim. The majority of reviewers, including those from GameSpot and IGN, highlighted the emotional depth and authenticity brought to the characters through the voice performances. While there are some critiques regarding the inconsistency in quality among secondary characters, the overall sentiment leans heavily toward a positive evaluation, indicating that the voice acting significantly contributes to the game's narrative and character development.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Expanse: A Telltale Series impresses with solid technical performance on PS5 and Xbox Series X, earning praise for smooth gameplay and stunning visuals thanks to Unreal Engine 4. Critics celebrate it as Telltale's best-looking title yet, though some lingering audio issues and bugs mar the experience. The PC version is mixed, with reports of clunky controls and glitches. Overall, it’s a significant improvement for Telltale, hinting at a brighter future despite some persistent drawbacks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of The Expanse: A Telltale Series has garnered generally positive feedback across different gaming platforms. On the PS5, critics like Gaming Age and Metro GameCentral praised the game for running smoothly without the visual bugs that plagued earlier Telltale titles, with Metro GameCentral specifically noting it as the most polished experience yet. PlayStation Universe also highlighted the impressive visuals made possible by Unreal Engine 4, marking it as Telltale's best-looking title to date. On the Xbox Series X, reviews from Generación Xbox and Movies Games and Tech noted high resolution and a stable 60 fps, with Generación Xbox emphasizing improvements in graphics and animations. This sentiment is echoed by Multiplayer.it, which acknowledged technical enhancements since the initial preview. On PC, while the opinions varied, several critics like CGMagazine and GameOver.gr pointed out significant improvements, with GameSpot and VideoGamer noting a stable performance overall. Despite the positives, several criticisms emerged regarding technical performance on all platforms. On PS5, Metro GameCentral pointed out issues with audio mixing, which detracted from the overall experience. For Xbox Series X, SomosXbox mentioned occasional bugs, such as the need to restart from checkpoints and loss of collectibles, while Multiplayer.it noted some movement mechanics in zero gravity remained problematic. The PC version faced a more mixed reception, with critics like Adventure Game Hotspot and GamesRadar+ highlighting rough mechanical issues and clunky controls. Eurogamer Germany raised concerns about limitations such as the inability to skip scenes, while TheGamer and PCGamesN pointed out glitches and responsiveness problems that disrupted gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that The Expanse: A Telltale Series represents a significant step forward in technical performance for Telltale Games, particularly on PS5 and Xbox Series X, where the improvements are most pronounced. Critics agree that the game runs smoothly and is visually appealing, especially on the newer consoles. However, the PC version reveals a more mixed bag of experiences, with some critics citing persistent technical issues that detract from the gameplay. Despite these drawbacks, many reviewers, including GameSpew and Worth Playing, noted that the game has made substantial strides from its predecessors, suggesting a promising future for Telltale's technical capabilities.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Expanse: A Telltale Series shows promise for replayability with its decision-driven mechanics and multiple story paths, praised by critics for encouraging varied experiences. However, limitations like a linear narrative and predictable outcomes, along with slow pacing and repetitive dialogue, may dampen enthusiasm for multiple playthroughs. Overall, while the game has replay potential, its execution might not fully satisfy players seeking deeper variation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

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

The opinions on the replay value of The Expanse: A Telltale Series reveal a generally positive sentiment regarding the game's potential for multiple playthroughs. Critics like Finger Guns and Gaming Age highlight the significance of player choices, noting that different decisions can lead to varied story outcomes, which enhances the game's replayability. Metro GameCentral points out that the short length of each episode makes it easier for players to engage in repeat runs, while Generación Xbox emphasizes the transformative nature of the game with different paths to explore. Additionally, Movies Games and Tech mention the inclusion of collectibles as a factor that adds to the longevity and replay value, suggesting that players can find new experiences with each playthrough. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the limitations of replay value. Several reviewers, such as Destructoid and Eurogamer Germany, argue that the game suffers from a linear narrative, with few significant branching paths that can affect the overall outcome. This sentiment is echoed by critics like Games.cz and New Game Network, who express concerns about the tediousness of replaying dialogue and the slow pacing that may deter players from wanting to revisit the game. Furthermore, some critics, including Multiplayer.it, suggest that fans of the TV series might find the outcomes predictable, which could diminish the incentive to replay the game. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while The Expanse: A Telltale Series offers some replay value through its decision-driven mechanics and branching paths, the limitations in narrative depth and the predictability of outcomes may hinder its appeal for multiple playthroughs. Critics like GameSpot and VideoGamer acknowledge the potential for varied experiences based on player choices, yet many also caution that the game's structure and pacing might restrict its replayability in the long run. As a result, while the game is designed to encourage exploration of different choices, the execution may leave some players wanting more substantial variations in their experiences.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding The Expanse: A Telltale Series is largely positive, with many critics praising its narrative depth and character development. Reviewers like Gaming Age and PlayStation Universe highlight the game as a solid attempt to re-establish Telltale's reputation in the adventure game genre, noting its polished execution and engaging characters. Critics such as Metro GameCentral and GameSpot commend the game for capturing the essence of the source material and delivering emotional moments, with GameSpot even calling it a "masterclass in narrative design." The game's visual improvements and strong voice acting have also been well-received, making it an enjoyable experience for fans of the franchise. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Many reviewers point out issues with pacing and gameplay mechanics. Checkpoint Gaming and SomosXbox mention that the game feels short, linear, and low-stakes, which detracts from the overall experience. Critics like New Game Network express disappointment with the slow pacing and unlikable characters, while Metro GameCentral notes that the game fails to evolve Telltale's gameplay design, which some find outdated. Additionally, IGN and Multiplayer.it highlight a lack of gameplay depth and diversity, suggesting that these shortcomings may limit the game's appeal beyond its dedicated fanbase. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Expanse: A Telltale Series represents a commendable return for Telltale Games, successfully appealing to fans of the franchise while also attracting newcomers. While there are notable flaws, particularly in gameplay mechanics and pacing, the game's strong narrative and character development resonate well with many players. Critics like Cultured Vultures and Worth Playing emphasize that despite its shortcomings, the game is a worthwhile experience that showcases Telltale's storytelling strengths, indicating a promising direction for future titles from the studio.

TL;DR

The Expanse: A Telltale Series earns praise for its narrative depth and character development, marking a solid return for Telltale. Critics hail its emotional storytelling and visual improvements, but point out flaws like slow pacing and gameplay mechanics that feel outdated. While it captivates franchise fans, its linearity and lack of gameplay depth may limit broader appeal. Overall, it's a commendable effort that showcases Telltale's storytelling prowess, hinting at a promising future despite its shortcomings.

MONSTER

Reviews

65 reviews found

GameSpot

Aug 1, 2023

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

The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a masterclass in narrative design, providing a refreshing change from typical RPGs with its focus on character depth and meaningful choices.

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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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IGN Portugal

Sep 19, 2023

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

The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a significant evolution in Telltale's game design, offering an emotional experience with stunning visuals and impactful choices.

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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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Worth Playing

Aug 15, 2023

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

Overall, The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a strong return for Telltale Games, appealing to both fans of the genre and the TV show, with a promising start.

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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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GameOver.gr

Sep 23, 2023

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

Overall, The Expanse: A Telltale Series is considered an excellent addition to Telltale's portfolio, standing out with its engaging story and improved technical execution.

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Cultured Vultures

Sep 26, 2023

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

Overall, Telltale’s The Expanse is a successful reinvention of their mechanics, appealing to both fans of the source material and newcomers, despite some shortcomings.

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VideoGamer

Jul 25, 2023

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

The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a compelling addition to Telltale's catalogue, with a strong narrative, engaging characters, and immersive design, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

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