Action-RPG Exodus, from developers Archetype Entertainment, has shown flashes of creative potential, particularly in its zero-gravity combat sequences. However, early hands-on impressions suggest the game risks falling into the shadow of its clear inspirations, offering familiar tropes and less compelling characters.
The game draws clear parallels to the Mass Effect series, aiming to fill the void left by BioWare's franchise with its blend of guns and conversation. Yet, initial gameplay experiences indicate that Exodus may need to reveal more depth to compete. The demo featured corridor battles and protagonists that, according to critics, lacked distinctiveness. Protagonist Jun Aslan, for example, is described as a "medium-sliced bag of Hovis Soft White," with his dialogue often defaulting to unremarkable heroics, even in situations where consensus is already established.
Even the game's concept of using "awakened" Earth species as its alien counterparts, while conceptually neat, has so far resulted in unconvincing or unentertaining dialogue from these creatures, adopting a casual Americanized vernacular. This approach, alongside familiar science fiction elements reminiscent of Starfield's less imaginative aspects, has led to a sense that Exodus may be playing it too safe with its world-building.
Combat mechanics present a similar dichotomy. While the powers-assisted gunplay is functional, specific abilities, such as conjuring jagged rocks from the ground to launch enemies into the air, offer moments of enjoyment. The game's "catalyst" system, which involves setting up and activating elemental effects, is noted as a re-skinned version of Mass Effect's prime and detonate mechanics. Critics found that ground-based fights often devolved into rote shootouts against predictable enemy combinations, occasionally punctuated by a bullet-spongey mech. The power wheel, intended for commanding allies, also suffered from targeting issues, sometimes locking onto the wrong enemies during critical moments.
Despite these drawbacks, Exodus shines when players venture into the vacuum of space. The zero-G combat sections elevate the experience considerably. Dead Space-inspired audio design, featuring the quiet isolation of breathing in space and the muffled thud of weapon fire, significantly enhances the atmosphere. The adaptive soundtrack further complements these moments, with ethereal synth riffs accompanying powers like the ground spike, adding a musical flourish to the otherwise silent action. One particular highlight involved a companion's rocket launch culminating in a musically and visually impactful explosion.
These zero-G segments demonstrate a level of flavor and creativity that is otherwise perceived as lacking in the demo. While it's possible these moments represent the game's potential rather than its entirety, and that later hours will offer more unique experiences, the current impression is one of unfulfilled promise. The optimistic view suggests that a poorly chosen vertical slice of the game was presented, and that the developers are capable of more. However, the alternative is that Exodus is a less ambitious shooter that fails to fully develop its most promising ideas, which would be a significant disappointment after glimpsing its zero-G brilliance.