The recent announcements from The Game Awards are creating quite the buzz, and for good reason. Allow me to share my excitement about a standout title: Exodus.
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a preview event for Exodus, a brand-new sci-fi RPG from Archetype Entertainment. This game is looking and feeling like it might just be the next big thing for fans of science fiction RPGs. What truly sets it apart? The incredible cast, including Matthew McConaughey, in his very first video game role.
Meet the Team Behind Exodus
The preview featured Archetype’s vice president and general manager Chad Robertson, alongside game director Chris King and narrative director Drew Karpyshyn, who shared insights about this single-player, third-person action-adventure titled Exodus.
What’s notable is the team’s background; Archetype boasts many former BioWare developers. Karpyshyn has a rich history, serving as the lead writer for the original Mass Effect games and contributing to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. King, too, has impressive credentials, having designed gameplay for titles like Anthem and worked at 343 Industries on Halo 5.
With such seasoned talent, Archetype aims to create a lasting franchise that will resonate with players for generations.
Explore the Story
Your character in Exodus is Jun Aslan, a scavenger turned “Traveler” who embarks on a crucial mission to recover Celestial Remnants necessary for humanity’s survival in the 23rd century. Interestingly, Jun’s homeworld, Lidon, faces a dire threat from a technological virus known as the Rot, prompting this epic quest.
Along the way, you’ll encounter quirky companions, including Salt, an octopus in a mech suit, and others who lend unique skills to your journey. As expected from a robust RPG, your decisions will influence how factions and companions interact with you over time.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
One of the standout mechanics in Exodus is its time manipulation system. Much like in Interstellar, time behaves differently for your character. While you can experience days away from Lidon, years pass back home, making your choices resonate through generations.
As Karpyshyn explained, every return home unveils the consequences of your choices. The developers have cleverly intertwined exploration with the bittersweet passage of time, a system that promises to shape your relationships and the world around you.
Dynamic Combat Experience
The latest trailer provided a glimpse into Exodus’ third-person combat mechanics, showcasing abilities that allow Jun to create cover and navigate diverse environments. The game invites players to embody a classic hero’s journey, where you evolve from a simple character to humanity’s savior.
What does this mean for you? You will have full agency in your character’s development, allowing for personal expression through skill choice and team-building as the game progresses.
Engaging Player Choices
Echoing the influence of Mass Effect, the choices you make in Exodus will have far-reaching effects. Characters evolve not only through quests but also through personal relationships, where your actions shape their destinies.
Want to expand your arsenal? Jun’s weapon, the Recycler, serves as a versatile tool, allowing you to change its attributes as you advance in the game. This customization will also be vital for confrontations, requiring a strategic approach to character loadouts resembling a tactical RPG.
Relationship Dynamics in the Game
As with any well-crafted RPG, romance options add depth to your interactions. Karpyshyn teased that players can explore relationships with companions, each influenced by time dilation, making these connections even more nuanced.
What if you’re wondering about romantic options involving quirky characters? While the octopus companion Salt may not be a suitable partner, there will be various engaging characters to get close to.
As a long-time fan of RPGs, particularly the Mass Effect series, I can hardly wait for the full release. Exodus promises a captivating narrative and immersive experience, and my next step is to dive deeper by reading the upcoming book Exodus: The Archimedes Engine, setting the stage for the universe being built by Archetype.
Mark your calendars: Exodus is set to launch in early 2027 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Do you have questions about Exodus? What are the key features that will change how we see RPGs? Will the characters develop or change over time? Stay tuned for more updates and insights into this exciting new universe. For further explorations of gaming content, visit Moyens I/O.