Playing Mass Effect spiritual successor Exodus was the best kind of surprise

Exodus, an upcoming sci-fi RPG from debut developer Archetype Entertainment, has impressed hands-on reviewers at Gamescom with its unapologetic homage to Mass Effect. Created by former BioWare developers including narrative director Drew Karpyshyn, co-founder Chad Robertson, and game director Chris King, the game adopts the formula that made Mass Effect successful while charting its own course.

The game features cover-based combat with pausable ability wheels for commanding party members, dialogue choices that affect relationships and morality alignment, and extensive romance options available regardless of the player character’s gender. Players control Jun Aslan, the customizable protagonist, who leads a crew aboard a spaceship exploring derelict alien structures. Notable gameplay moments include zero-G combat sequences in vacuum environments.

One distinctive element setting Exodus apart is its roster of alien companions, which includes talking animals—frogs, bears, and notably, an octopus sniper—marking a departure from Mass Effect’s more humanoid aliens. The game includes romance and intimate scenes comparable in explicitness to Mass Effect’s approach.

Despite the strong spiritual similarities to BioWare’s franchise, reviewers found Exodus to be an evolution rather than a copy, praising the developer’s ambition and execution. While some noted the familiar gameplay loops felt somewhat repetitive, the zero-gravity combat and overall presentation were standout elements. The game is scheduled for release on April 7, 2027, for PlayStation 5 and Windows. Actor Matthew McConaughey is involved with the project.

Overall, hands-on impressions suggest Exodus could fill the void left by Mass Effect’s dormancy, offering players the space opera RPG experience they’ve been seeking.

Playing Mass Effect spiritual successor Exodus was the best kind of surprise

Sources