Exodus, the upcoming sci-fi RPG from Archetype Entertainment, is striving to carve out its own identity while drawing clear parallels to BioWare's acclaimed Mass Effect series. While actor Matthew McConaughey's involvement was a prominent aspect of its initial reveal, the game's deeper narrative and universe are being shaped by veteran developers, including former BioWare senior creative director James Ohlen, writer Drew Karpyshyn, and live-service specialist Chad Robertson. McConaughey is set to voice C.C. Orlev, though his role appears to be relatively minor within the broader narrative.
This ambitious project is part of a larger multimedia initiative by Wizards of the Coast, which includes two prequel novels by author Peter F. Hamilton, an animated short film, and a tabletop game. The game itself is positioned as the culmination of this extensive world-building effort. Archetype Entertainment's dedication to a grand scale is evident, with a presentation showcasing impressive scope and depth.
At its core, Exodus is a third-person sci-fi RPG shooter that emphasizes narrative choices, mortality mechanics, and rich lore, much like Mass Effect. Players assume the role of Jun Aslan, a Traveler exploring various planets and ships approximately 40,000 years in the future. Jun possesses the unique ability to interact with ancient celestial technology, a skill that may prove crucial in saving their home planet from an environmental collapse that occurred millennia ago. The game is slated for release in 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Beyond its human inhabitants, Exodus incorporates familiar animal life that has been granted sentience and the ability to speak. Early glimpses include an elephant shopkeeper with a penchant for jokes about memory, a wolf accompanying the protagonist, and an octopus character piloting a large mech suit. Drew Karpyshyn also teased a particularly noteworthy raccoon character.
A significant lore element is the concept of time dilation, where travel to specific planets can cause time to accelerate back on the player's home world. Hours spent exploring may translate to years passing for those left behind.
Gameplay appears to blend cover-based shooting with dynamic traversal and stealth mechanics. Jun can grapple-swing between platforms, temporarily turn invisible for strategic repositioning, and execute stealth takedowns. The combat system also features tools like hacking abilities and a thruster grenade designed to neutralize heavy targets such as turrets. While the gameplay shares similarities with the Mass Effect series, the developers are aiming for Exodus to establish its own distinct identity upon release.