The closure of BioWare and the apparent cancellation of the next Mass Effect game have left a void for fans anticipating new squadmates, immersive ship life, and impactful decisions. Fortunately, the sci-fi RPG landscape is not entirely barren, with several upcoming titles poised to fill that niche.
Exodus
Slated for release on April 7, 2027, for PS5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, Exodus draws direct inspiration from the Mass Effect series. Players can expect cover-based shooting, commandable squadmates, a dialogue system that fosters companion affinity, and a personal spaceship. Developed by Archetype Entertainment, which includes former BioWare developers like narrative director Drew Karpyshyn, the game promises a deep narrative. The lore centers on humanity's exodus from a dying Earth to the Centauri cluster, where early arrivals, known as Celestials, have evolved over millennia, creating a stark division with ordinary humans. Players assume the role of Jun Aslan, a Traveler battling a technological virus threatening the human stronghold planet of Lidon, while also navigating a conflict with his exiled brother, Gideon. The game's narrative is further enriched by Peter F. Hamilton's novel Exodus: The Archimedes Engine and short stories by Adrian Tchaikovsky.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn
Launching in Spring 2027 for PS5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is another title looking to capture the Mass Effect magic. Owlcat Games, the developer, has openly cited Mass Effect as a key inspiration. During a 90-minute preview, the game demonstrated tight, cover-based combat, the ability to direct two squadmates, and a mission structure that rewards both combat and non-combat approaches. Players control a custom character alongside an identical twin and a crew of diverse misfits. A mission set in the dockyards of Ganymede highlighted the game's emphasis on environmental interaction and problem-solving, requiring players to hack computers and forge documents to access objectives. The game faces the challenge of appealing to both existing fans of The Expanse series and newcomers. For those eager to delve into the universe beforehand, James S.A. Corey's novel Leviathan Wakes serves as a starting point.
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic
While a release date remains TBA for PC and consoles, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is a highly anticipated title helmed by Casey Hudson, the director behind Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and the Mass Effect trilogy. Developed by Hudson's studio, Arcanaut, this single-player, narrative-driven action RPG places players in the role of a Force-sensitive hero within a galaxy undergoing a significant transformation. Similar to its spiritual predecessors, player decisions will significantly impact their alignment with the light or dark side of the Force. The project's timeline has been a subject of discussion, though Hudson has indicated a release prior to 2030. Given the uncertainty, revisiting the original Knights of the Old Republic is a viable option for fans.
