EXODUS Gameplay Trailer Revealed: A Sci-Fi Epic with Mass Effect Vibes
Archetype Entertainment has finally lifted the curtain on its debut title, EXODUS, with the release of the first gameplay trailer. For fans of Mass Effect, this new sci-fi RPG feels like a spiritual successor, and it’s no surprise given the studio’s pedigree. Founded by former BioWare icons such as Creative Director James Ohlen and Lead Writer Drew Karpyshyn, Archetype looks poised to deliver a galaxy-spanning adventure that blends exploration, combat, and meaningful storytelling.
A Story of Exploration and Leadership
The trailer sets the stage for a bold narrative centered on Juno, the protagonist who players can customize as male or female. Juno is part Indiana Jones, venturing into lost worlds to recover ancient artifacts, and part Paul Atreides from Dune, tasked with making civilization-defining decisions. Humanity's survival hangs in the balance as players lead expeditions to distant planets, searching for technology to fend off the looming Celestial threat.
What sets EXODUS apart is its unique approach to time. These interstellar journeys are conducted at near-lightspeed, meaning that while days or weeks pass for Juno and their team, decades or even centuries elapse back on the homeworld. Players will witness how their choices ripple through generations, shaping the future of humanity.
The trailer showcased snippets of combat, dialogue, and exploration, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come:
Combat Mechanics: Players wield a mix of conventional weapons and powers derived from the mysterious "lifestone," a blend of mineral and vegetation that grants unique abilities.
Companions: Like in Mass Effect, Juno can bring two companions on missions, each with their own stories, skills, and potential for conflict. Romance options and relationship management will be integral to the narrative.
Stealth and Grappling Hooks: New gameplay features such as stealth mechanics and a grappling hook bring fresh tactical options, including a jaw-dropping fight with an armored bear.
Curated Missions: While not an open-world game, EXODUS promises hand-crafted missions reminiscent of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, with plenty of optional content and exploration.
Themes of Choice and Consequence
One of the game’s most intriguing elements is the long-term impact of player decisions. Unlike most RPGs, where choices play out over a single timeline, the near-lightspeed travel in EXODUS means players will return to a drastically changed homeworld. Civilization’s progress—or decline—will reflect the paths chosen by Juno and their team.
Co-developed with Certain Affinity and powered by decades of experience in RPG design, EXODUS looks to deliver the deep storytelling and rich character interactions BioWare fans have been craving. With stunning cinematics from Blur Studio—known for their work on Star Wars and Halo—the game’s presentation is nothing short of breathtaking.
While a release date hasn’t been announced, Archetype hinted that more gameplay footage is coming soon. In the meantime, fans can dive into the official novel released earlier this year or stream the dedicated 15-minute Secret Level episode on Amazon Prime Video, which delves deeper into the game’s world.
Are you excited for EXODUS? Which feature or detail has you most intrigued? Share your thoughts below!
