Archetype Entertainment has finally unveiled a substantial look at the gameplay for Exodus, an anticipated sci-fi RPG developed by a team that includes many veterans of the Mass Effect series. The initial footage strongly evokes the beloved Mass Effect experience, while also introducing compelling new mechanics.

Following earlier brief trailers and screenshots, a 20-minute gameplay demonstration provided an in-depth look at various aspects of Exodus, including dialogue interactions, companion engagement, and a significant combat sequence.

The game is set in a distant future where humanity’s reach extends to the Omega Centauri Cluster, a region approximately 16,000 light-years from Earth. Over centuries, diverse interstellar empires have emerged and vanished, culminating in the rise of genetically engineered humans known as Celestials.

Players assume the role of Juna Aslan, a salvager determined to protect their home planet from a Celestial affliction called “The Rot.” To achieve this, Juna becomes a “Traveller,” embarking on a quest for ancient, powerful relics known as Remnants to secure humanity’s future. In Exodus, this journey will span the Centauri cluster in search of a cure.

The gameplay showcase features Juna and their companions arriving on a planet named Tseng, following clues left by the grandfather of Phaedra, a key party member. This segment illustrates the third-person combat system, where Juna can issue real-time commands to allies while utilizing a variety of abilities, such as a grappling hook and rocket grenades.

Game director Chris King explained the character progression: “When you create a character at the start of the game, we make players choose what style they like to do. You can sort of think of that as your class. One thing that’s unique with how we do it, though, is that we don’t make you choose a hard commit. Once you make that choice in character creation, we have skill trees that embrace these things, and the deeper you go on those we have what’s called mastery. So one of the interesting choices you make as a player is do you build hybrid setups where you dabble in multiple things, or do you just go all in on one specific tree. We also have complementary systems based on your choices in the skill tree or character class, that’ll tie into synergies and other things you can do, like the companions and skills they have.”

The parallels between Exodus and Mass Effect are evident and are likely to persist. It’s a third-person sci-fi RPG that leans heavily into its narrative, emphasizing complex relationships with companions, much like its predecessor. This connection is understandable, given that Archetype was founded by James Ohlen (former creative director at BioWare), Chad Robertson (studio director at BioWare Austin), and Drew Karpyshyn (lead writer for Mass Effect 1 & 2).

Archetype general manager Chad Robertson stated, “We love the comparison to Mass Effect. It’s an amazing science fiction franchise, and some of us have had the pleasure of working on it. I think the thing I’d focus on, in terms of what we’re trying to deliver with Exodus, is the overall experience being based on elements that weren’t a part of that franchise. Specifically, we’ve done things in the story with time dilation, for example, that make it stand out and feel unique.”

Time dilation, a concept rooted in Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, posits that time flows differently for observers based on their relative speed or gravitational influence, famously depicted in the film Interstellar. In Exodus, this translates to significant time skips at certain points, amplifying the impact of player decisions on the fate of planets and civilizations.

Archetype plans to share further details about Exodus in the future. In the interim, a selection of new screenshots is available.

Exodus is slated for release in early 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

English Translation and Paraphrased Version:

Exodus Gameplay Demo Showcases Mass Effect-Like Sci-Fi RPG with Unique Twists

Archetype Entertainment has finally given players a substantial look at the gameplay for Exodus, their upcoming science fiction role-playing game developed by a team featuring many former Mass Effect developers. The initial footage strongly evokes the beloved Mass Effect experience while also introducing intriguing new elements.

While previous glimpses of the game were limited to brief trailers and screenshots, a recent 20-minute gameplay demonstration offered an in-depth view of core mechanics. This included conversations with characters, interactions with party members, and a substantial portion of a combat encounter.

The narrative of Exodus is set in the distant future, primarily within the Omega Centauri Cluster, a region of space located about 16,000 light-years from Earth. Throughout history, various interstellar powers have risen and fallen, leading to the emergence of a genetically enhanced descendant species known as Celestials.

Players take on the role of Juna Aslan, a salvager striving to save their homeworld from a Celestial virus called “The Rot.” To accomplish this, Juna becomes a “Traveller,” seeking ancient and advanced relics known as Remnants to ensure humanity’s future. The quest in Exodus involves journeying across the Centauri cluster in pursuit of a cure.

The gameplay demo showcases Juna and their party traveling to a planet called Tseng, following in the footsteps of the grandfather of Phaedra, one of the main companions. This segment highlights the third-person combat system, where Juna can issue commands to party members on the fly and utilize a range of abilities, including a grappling hook and rocket grenades.

Game director Chris King elaborated on character development and progression: “When you create a character at the start of the game, we ask players to choose their preferred playstyle, which essentially functions as their class. However, what makes our system unique is that it doesn’t require a permanent commitment. After making this choice during character creation, players can progress through skill trees that support these styles. The deeper you delve into a particular tree, the more you unlock ‘mastery.’ This presents players with interesting choices: do you create hybrid builds by dabbling in multiple areas, or do you fully commit to a single skill tree? We also have complementary systems tied to your skill tree and character class choices, which integrate with companion abilities and synergies, allowing for deeper cooperative gameplay.”

The comparisons between Exodus and Mass Effect are undeniable and are likely to continue. It’s a third-person role-playing shooter that prominently features mystical sci-fi elements and places a strong emphasis on complex relationships with party members. This is unsurprising, considering Archetype was founded by James Ohlen (former creative director at BioWare), Chad Robertson (studio director at BioWare Austin), and Drew Karpyshyn (lead writer for Mass Effect 1 & 2).

Archetype general manager Chad Robertson commented on the comparison: “We appreciate the comparison to Mass Effect. It’s a fantastic science fiction franchise, and some of us had the privilege of working on it. I believe what we’re aiming to deliver with Exodus centers on an experience built upon elements not present in that franchise. Specifically, we’ve incorporated narrative elements like time dilation, for example, which contribute to its distinctiveness and unique feel.”

Time dilation is a scientifically recognized phenomenon derived from Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, which suggests that time passes at varying rates for different observers depending on their relative speed or proximity to gravitational forces. This concept was notably explored in Christopher Nolan’s film Interstellar. In the context of the game, this means that significant periods of time can pass during certain in-game events, adding substantial weight to how player decisions can shape the destinies of entire planets and civilizations.

Archetype intends to reveal more information about Exodus in the future. In the meantime, several new screenshots have been released.

Exodus is scheduled for release in early 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.