The Expanse: A Telltale Series review – Decision-making life or death
Editor's Note: Our original unscored review of The Expanse: A Telltale Series, based on Episodes 1-3 of the game, has been updated to reflect the release of Episodes 4 and 5, and now includes a final score and technical breakdown.
Telltale’s games are known for their particular style of storytelling. Usually based on existing popular IPs such as Batman, The Walking Dead, and Borderlands, they tell a completely new story based in the same world. These are “choose your own adventure” games, where the main beats of the story mostly stay the same, but where the characters who survive until the end and the scenes available to you often depend on the choices you make. They are also episodic, mimicking the TV series they are often based on, and making up a mini-series of five different episodes that you can enjoy.
The Expanse is no different. Based on the TV show of the same name, you take control of Camina Drummer, a scavenger looking for a big payout that can help her impoverished community in the Belt. You find out more about the Belt as the story progresses, including the discrimination they face as they do everything they can to survive. Alongside the crew of the ship The Artemis, you make decisions that decide who you trust and who trusts you.
Episode 1: Archer’s Paradox – release date July 27, 2023
Episode 2: Hunting Grounds – release date August 10, 2023
Episode 3: First Ones – release date August 24, 2023
Episode 4: Impossible Objects – release date September 7, 2023
Episode 5: Europa’s Folly – release date September 21, 2023
Overall
Score: 7/10
Version Tested: PC (Steam Deck)
- Visuals: 8/10
- Story: 9/10
- Gameplay: 7/10
- Pacing: 5/10
The Expanse: A Telltale Series technical breakdown
The Expanse is an Epic Games Store exclusive, but I was given a Steam version for review so it is unlikely that the version I played will be similar to the one anyone else played. However, it did run extremely well and was smooth throughout. During the final episode, the framerate did start to chug, but I think this is due to my Deck’s performance rather than the game.