Is Exodus the New Mass Effect? The Gameplay Fuels the Comparison
In anticipation of the Future Games Show: Summer Showcase 2026, Archetype Entertainment has presented a new and substantial gameplay trailer dedicated to Exodus, a sci-fi action RPG currently slated for release in early 2027 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
The video represents the most comprehensive overview shown so far of the project and delves into various aspects of the gaming experience, from exploration to the combat system, as well as character progression and narrative choices that will influence the adventure.
Set about 40,000 years in the future, Exodus puts the player in the role of Jun Aslan, an apparently ordinary space scavenger who discovers he possesses a unique genetic trait that allows him to utilize advanced technologies. Among these is a augmentable glove that grants special abilities, such as invisibility and other capabilities usable both during combat and in exploration phases.
The plot revolves around the fight against the Celestial, a looming threat to humanity, and the search for a cure for the Rot, a disease that is gradually decimating the human species. To achieve this goal, it will be necessary to visit numerous alien worlds and tackle missions that can be completed through different approaches.
The trailer indeed shows a structure that leaves ample room for freedom of action. Some situations can be resolved by resorting to stealth, exploiting special abilities and alternative paths, while others encourage a more direct approach through the use of firearms, grenades, and offensive powers. Exploration will also be supported by movement tools like grappling hooks, in addition to the ability to modify or extend certain portions of the environment to reach new areas.
Great importance will be attributed to moral choices, a central element of the protagonist's progression. During the adventure, players will be called to make decisions that may prioritize altruism or self-interest, influencing not only the narrative evolution but also the available skills, relationships with other characters, and the protagonist's perception within the game's universe.
The companion system seems destined to play an equally significant role. The footage introduces various allies, each characterized by unique abilities, specific equipment, and personal opinions that may come into play during the most delicate decisions. Among the characters shown are the xeno-archeologist Phaedra Nath, veteran Tom Vargas, mech pilot Elise Charrous, and Salt, a 'woken' octopus encased in combat robot armor. The mysterious space cowboy CC Orlev, portrayed by actor Matthew McConaughey, also makes an appearance.
Another highlighted element from the trailer is the presence of the city of Persepolis, a nerve center frequented by humans and 'Awakened' creatures. Here, players will be able to interact with numerous characters and delve into some of the core themes of the narrative, including time dilation, a concept that seems destined to have significant weight in the story. According to what was shown, a few hours spent in certain regions of space could correspond to years or even decades spent elsewhere.
The new sequences also confirm a characteristic that has accompanied Exodus since its presentation: the strong references to the great sci-fi RPGs of the past, particularly the Mass Effect series. Mission structure, companion systems, multiple-choice dialogues, and the setting of the narrative universe have once again fueled the comparison between the two productions.
However, there is still a considerable amount of time before the commercial debut. With a launch planned for the first months of 2027, Archetype Entertainment will have the opportunity to further showcase the distinctive elements of its work and clarify how Exodus intends to differentiate itself within the landscape of sci-fi action RPGs.