Archetype Entertainment has released the first gameplay trailer for its debut title, EXODUS, and it's clear that the game shares many similarities with the Mass Effect series. This isn't surprising given that the studio was founded by key BioWare veterans James Ohlen and Drew Karpyshyn.
The trailer features brief dialogues with companions, shooting combat, a grappling hook used against an armored foe, and even stealth mechanics (which was largely absent from Mass Effect). The gameplay debuted during a stream hosted by CohhCarnage, where Ohlen and Archetype General Manager Chad Robertson answered questions about the game.
Gameplay Details
EXODUS is described as an action role-playing game that will not feature an open world, instead focusing on curated missions like in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic or Mass Effect. However, there will be room for exploration and optional side content.
A key element of EXODUS is that player choices will impact their homeworld over decades or centuries. The story revolves around Travelers, like the protagonist Juno, who embark on dangerous journeys to distant planets to recover lost technology to help humanity fight the Celestials.
Juno, who can be either male or female, is portrayed as a blend of Indiana Jones and Dune's Paul Atreides—an explorer venturing into the unknown and a leader making pivotal choices for their civilization.
Travel occurs at near-lightspeed, meaning that while journeys might only take days or weeks for Juno, years or even decades may pass on the home planet. This time dilation promises to create interesting plot progression.
Character Relationships and Lifestone
As expected from BioWare veterans, EXODUS will feature deep relationships with companions, with romance options available. There may also be infighting among the companions, adding depth to the narrative.
The "lifestone" is a blend of minerals and vegetation that Juno can use in combat and exploration, acting as a form of magic-like power in the game.
Release Details
EXODUS is being co-developed with Certain Affinity and will be released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X. A release date has yet to be announced, but more gameplay footage is expected soon.
In the meantime, you can explore the EXODUS universe by reading the novel or watching the 15-minute episode of Blur Studio's Secret Level on Amazon Prime Video.
