Archetype Entertainment, a studio co-founded by former BioWare veterans Chad Robertson and Drew Karpyshyn, is developing a new science fiction RPG titled Exodus. The game aims to deliver a narrative experience where player choices have profound and long-lasting consequences, a design philosophy that echoes the impactful storytelling of franchises like Mass Effect. A recent preview of the game, which took place at Archetype's headquarters in Austin, Texas, revealed a title that, despite initial skepticism regarding its inclusion of talking animals, delivered a surprisingly emotional and gripping experience.
Players step into the role of Jun Aslan, a genetically engineered protagonist on the planet Lidon. Lidon is threatened by a technological blight known as The Rot, believed to be orchestrated by the Celestials, an ancient and mysterious alien race. Jun's own family situation is complicated by a tyrannical half-brother who has seized control of Lidon, forcing Jun into hiding. The preview focused on a mid-game mission set aboard Khonsu, an orbital space platform that serves as a vital shield for Lidon. Here, Jun encounters the Kay, a race of sentient frogs responsible for Khonsu's maintenance, who have fallen victim to an attack orchestrated by Jun's brother.
Exodus boasts a striking visual presentation, with environments that are both alien and inviting, hinting at deeper exploration and lurking danger. The game's character models and animations are particularly noteworthy, imbuing NPCs with lifelike micro-expressions and subtle movements that enhance their believability. This attention to detail extends to companion characters, such as Suliman, who quickly garnered attention for his charisma and the romantic tension that can develop through player dialogue choices. The game also features an "approval" system, similar to Mass Effect, where certain dialogue options can earn Jun favor with his companions, providing immediate positive feedback.
A New Approach to Consequences
A core innovation in Exodus lies in its unique take on consequence. Unlike many RPGs where choices yield immediate results, Exodus leverages its hard science fiction setting, which eschews faster-than-light travel and incorporates gravitational time dilation, to make consequences unfold across generations. Decisions made by the player can have ripple effects that impact entire civilizations over periods of months or even years, creating a level of complexity and stakes that extend far beyond simple companion approval or friendships. The narrative takes inspiration from films like Christopher Nolan's Interstellar, particularly in its exploration of time dilation and its emotional toll on characters. This is exemplified by the character of Salt, a long-range combat specialist who is a talking octopus piloting a mech suit. Due to time dilation, three years in the field for Salt equates to 87 years passing on her homeworld, a setup that carries potentially heartbreaking implications for her future and her connections to home.
Embracing the Unconventional
Despite an initial apprehension towards the inclusion of talking animals within a hard sci-fi framework, Exodus manages to integrate these elements effectively. Characters like the Kay frogs and a formidable grizzly bear named Captain Irina Bruin, who serves as a boss encounter, are rendered with strong writing, voice acting, and animation. These encounters, rather than feeling jarring, contribute to the game's unique identity. Archetype's general manager Chad Robertson emphasized that the team aimed not to create a "Rocket Raccoon" situation, but to weave these unique species into the narrative in a way that feels natural and impactful within the game's established world. The game also features Matthew McConaughey in a spectral mentor role, appearing as a ghostly cowboy to offer Jun guidance, a nod to the film inspirations.
Combat and Identity
Exodus's combat system is described as engaging and satisfying. Jun possesses a range of abilities, including control over a substance called livestone for traversal and puzzle-solving, and a detective-vision-like ability to highlight interactive objects. The gunplay is noted for its distinct feel between different weapon types, and Jun's agility allows for effective dodging and repositioning in combat. Companions also contribute significantly in combat, each with unique abilities accessible via a combat wheel, mirroring Mass Effect's squad mechanics. Suliman can utilize cloaking for stealth attacks, while Salt can deploy blinding ink. The game's narrative also draws from a unique development partnership with sci-fi author Peter F. Hamilton, whose novel Exodus: The Archimedes Engine serves as a companion piece to the game, helping to establish a rich and cohesive original IP. This collaboration aims to give Exodus a strong, distinct identity within the crowded science fiction genre, avoiding the pitfalls of relying on existing franchises or creating something that feels derivative.
Exodus is slated for release on April 7, 2027, and is available to wishlist on PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.