The science fiction role-playing game Exodus, developed by Archetype Entertainment and published by Wizards of the Coast, is targeting an April 7, 2027 release date. The game, which was first shown in 2023, aims to blend deep narrative elements with engaging action-RPG gameplay, drawing clear inspiration from titles like BioWare's Mass Effect series.
The Threat of The Rot and a Father's Legacy
Exodus places players in the role of Jun Aslan, a "Traveler" tasked with saving their homeworld from a technovirus known as The Rot. This devastating plague is a byproduct of the Celestials, a highly advanced civilization that evolved from humanity approximately 40,000 years prior and poses a constant threat. Jun, the son of a famed Traveler named Orion Aslan, begins the game as a salvager on a dying planet. To combat The Rot, Jun must reclaim his father's legacy. Jun also possesses a unique genetic trait that allows him to interact with Celestial technology, granting him special abilities that can be upgraded throughout the game, akin to Mass Effect's biotic and tech powers.
A Universe Populated by "Awakened" Beings
The game's universe is teeming with life, including "Awakened" beings – animals that have gained human-level intellect. These intelligent creatures, alongside various alien races, offer unique interactions and perspectives. To date, eight companions have been revealed, with hints of more to come, bringing the total crew count to eleven. Notable companions include an anthropomorphic wolf named Houston, who is also Jun's adopted brother, and Salt, an Awakened Octopus bounty hunter who utilizes a mech suit and can deploy ink for cover in combat. The game's narrative director, Drew Karpyshyn, a veteran writer from BioWare, is leading a team with experience from studios like Naughty Dog and 343 Industries.
Familiar Mechanics in a New Sci-Fi Setting
Gameplay in Exodus emphasizes action-RPG mechanics. Players control Jun Aslan, who can sprint, jump, grapple, take cover, roll, and climb ledges, offering a degree of player freedom. The game incorporates a familiar radial command menu for issuing orders to squadmates during slowed-down time, allowing for tactical coordination of abilities and attacks. Players can also engage in direct combat, utilizing a variety of skills, including aerial bombardments and stealthy teleportation attacks, which can be combined for bonus damage. The development team has focused on creating a sense of familiarity for players of genre leaders, ensuring accessibility even when jumping into later-game content.
Resource gathering, crafting, and unlocking new items, weapons, and skills are core components of the gameplay loop. The game also features engaging dialogue sequences with impressive facial animations, reflecting the team's pedigree in narrative design.
Moral Ambiguity and Meaningful Choices
Exodus does not shy away from complex ethical dilemmas. Players will face difficult decisions that can put them at odds with their companions and impact the narrative's direction. These choices are categorized into "Paladin" or "Immortal" alignments, reminiscent of Mass Effect's Paragon and Renegade systems. The game features branching dialogue trees that can lead to vastly different outcomes, and player actions are met with judgment from their crew. The preview highlights a mission that culminates in a boss fight against a gigantic Awakened Grizzly Bear, emphasizing the importance of mastering abilities and squad coordination.
Unanswered Questions and Promising Prospects
While a preview of Exodus reveals significant promise, several questions remain. The exact implications of the time dilation concept and the overall structure of the game, including its linearity, are still unclear. However, the game boasts strong production values, including a notable score that integrates weapon fire with the music. Archetype Entertainment's work is described as a "space opera," aiming for emotional depth and character-driven storytelling within a science fiction framework. The game's blend of intelligent storytelling, hardened sci-fi gunplay, and strategy aims to fill a niche for fans of this style of RPG, especially with the anticipation for new entries in the Mass Effect series.