The Expanse: A Telltale Series Review

Release Date: July 27, 2023
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One X|S
Developer: Deck Nine, Telltale Games
Publisher: Telltale Games

Overview

The Expanse: A Telltale Series is a narrative-driven adventure game developed by Telltale Games in collaboration with Deck Nine. Set as a prequel to the acclaimed television series, the game follows Camina Drummer, a prominent character from the show, as she navigates the treacherous politics and dangers of the Belt. Players make consequential decisions that influence the storyline, staying true to Telltale's signature choice-based gameplay. The game immerses players in a richly detailed sci-fi universe, blending character-driven storytelling with the expansive lore of The Expanse.

Story

The narrative explores Drummer’s early struggles and growth as a leader, placing her in a series of difficult choices that shape her crew's fate and her own morality. The emotional stakes feel grounded, with intimate character moments balanced against life-or-death decisions in the harsh environment of space. Dialogue scenes are tense and layered, and story branches unfold with subtle variations depending on player decisions. The pacing occasionally slows, but it allows space for character depth and reflection.

Gameplay

Mechanics: Gameplay combines traditional dialogue trees and quick-time events with sections of environmental exploration. The inclusion of zero-gravity movement adds variety, letting players freely navigate space wrecks and abandoned stations. Inventory management plays a small role, with items found during exploration sometimes influencing interactions. The core loop centers around narrative progression, putting player choices front and center as the primary driver of gameplay.
Controls: The controls are intuitive and easy to grasp, whether navigating conversations or maneuvering through zero-g segments. Camera movement is smooth and responsive, with minimal interference during exploration. Dialogue choices are snappy and don’t feel delayed, which is important during time-sensitive decisions. While there’s not much mechanical complexity, everything functions well and supports the story-first design.
Difficulty: The game isn't meant to be difficult in the traditional sense—there are no combat systems or skill-based challenges. Most of the tension comes from moral choices and quick reactions during key moments. There are occasional sequences where poor timing can result in failure, but they’re forgiving and allow quick retries. The experience focuses more on emotional weight and decision-making than challenge or mastery.
Replayability: Multiple branching paths and outcomes give good reason to revisit the game. Some choices drastically shift how characters react or which scenes unfold, offering new perspectives on repeat playthroughs. Collectibles and optional dialogue provide small incentives to explore thoroughly. While it’s a short experience overall, its layered narrative structure encourages players to see how different choices play out.

Graphics

Visual Style: The visual presentation leans into a grounded, realistic style with a gritty, worn-in look that suits the space-faring setting. Characters are stylized but expressive, and environments feel dark, metallic, and utilitarian—true to life aboard a Belter ship. There’s a strong use of lighting to create mood, especially in the quiet isolation of abandoned space stations. Despite the limitations of the art engine, the visual identity feels consistent and atmospheric.
Technical Performance: Performance is mostly stable, with smooth frame rates across exploration and dialogue segments. Load times are brief and transitions are clean, keeping immersion intact. There may be the occasional visual hiccup or stiff animation, but nothing that detracts significantly from the experience. Overall, the game runs reliably and doesn't suffer from major technical issues.
Art Design: The art direction captures the harsh beauty of space and the industrial grit of the Belt. Environments feel tactile and believable, whether it's the cramped halls of a scavenger ship or the eerie silence of a wreck. Character design reflects their backstories and affiliations without relying on over-the-top aesthetics. Visual storytelling through lighting, props, and layout adds depth to the world without needing exposition.

Sound

Soundtrack: The music strikes a moody, cinematic tone, with ambient synths and subtle cues underscoring tense or emotional moments. It doesn’t overpower the scene but works quietly in the background to shape mood and atmosphere. Key sequences feature more prominent themes that raise the stakes and highlight dramatic turns. The soundtrack enhances the narrative pacing without ever feeling intrusive.
Sound Effects: Sound design plays a crucial role in creating immersion, from the hum of ship engines to the echo of boots on metal flooring. Quiet moments are filled with ambient textures, making space feel alive—or unsettlingly empty. Action sequences are punctuated with well-timed effects, helping sell the danger of explosions, pressure leaks, or equipment failure. It’s detailed and finely tuned to the game's tone.
Voice Acting: Cara Gee delivers a compelling performance as Camina Drummer, capturing the character's strength, vulnerability, and internal conflict with authenticity. Her voice work anchors the entire experience, making every choice and conversation feel personal and impactful. The supporting cast also provides strong performances, each bringing distinct personalities and emotions to their roles. The delivery across the board feels natural, drawing players deeper into the story through believable and emotionally charged dialogue.

Archangel - DLC

The Archangel DLC shifts the focus to a new character and setting, offering a politically charged narrative set within the world of the UN. While it provides some insightful background and a more grounded, dialogue-heavy experience, it lacks the tension and exploration that defined the main series. The content is well-written but feels too brief, wrapping up in under an hour without offering much replay value. Given its short length and limited gameplay, the price feels steep for what you actually get.

Multiplayer (None)

Modes: The game does not feature a multiplayer mode. The game is designed as a single-player experience, focusing on the narrative-driven campaign.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Strong Narrative Foundation – The game delivers a tightly written, emotionally driven story that explores identity, loyalty, and survival through the eyes of a well-developed protagonist.
Immersive Space Setting – The detailed environments, zero-gravity exploration, and moody sound design create an authentic sci-fi atmosphere that feels both vast and claustrophobic.
Impactful Player Choices – Decisions carry meaningful consequences, shaping character relationships and outcomes in a way that encourages replayability and emotional investment.

Cons:

Limited Gameplay Variety – The mechanics primarily revolve around dialogue and exploration, which may feel repetitive or overly simple to players expecting more interactivity.
Short Episode Lengths – Some episodes feel rushed or underdeveloped, leaving certain narrative threads or character arcs without the depth they deserve.
Occasional Technical Hiccups – Minor animation stiffness and camera issues can momentarily disrupt immersion during key scenes or transitions.

Final Verdict

The Expanse: A Telltale Series offers a grounded and emotionally resonant journey through the gritty world of deep space politics and survival. With strong writing, a compelling lead performance by Cara Gee, and impactful choices, it stands out as a solid narrative-driven experience. While the gameplay is relatively light and some technical issues persist, the overall storytelling and atmosphere make it worth experiencing for fans of the genre. It's a strong return for Telltale's signature style with a fresh sci-fi edge.

My final verdict for The Expanse: A Telltale Series is 4 leaves out of 5.