Exodus, the upcoming sci-fi RPG from Archetype Entertainment, will feature a character creator that prioritizes curated options for customization rather than a traditional slider-based system that allows for minute adjustments to facial features. The development team has opted to establish a more defined appearance for the protagonist, Jun Aslan, with customization focusing on elements such as hairstyles, facial hair, hair color, eye color, makeup, and tattoos.
In a recent community update on Reddit, the studio detailed this approach, stating that "along the way, we made a creative decision to build a more defined character." This means players will not have the ability to extensively alter Aslan's base facial structure, such as the width of his nose or the curve of his brow. Archetype Entertainment plans to showcase the available hair and makeup customization in upcoming months to demonstrate how players can still personalize the character.
The developers believe this focused approach allows for a more distinct character while still offering avenues for player expression. The studio's decision draws parallels to other RPGs where protagonists have a set appearance, such as Geralt in The Witcher 3, where players generally do not encounter issues with his defined look, especially when mods are not involved. The ultimate success of this design choice will likely depend on how players respond to the established personality and appearance of Jun Aslan.