As a long-time fan of space opera RPGs, I was excited to get my hands on Archetype Entertainment’s upcoming title, Exodus. From the moment I started playing, it was clear that this game is aiming for something special – a blend of emotional storytelling, engaging characters, and thrilling gameplay that harkens back to the golden age of the genre.
First Impressions: A Promising Start
The first thing that struck me about Exodus was its visual style. The game world is beautifully rendered, with stunning landscapes and detailed character models. The characters themselves are also well-designed, each with their own unique personality and backstory. I played a little over an hour of Exodus and saw for myself how the gameplay piece of that puzzle comes into place. Punchy third-person shooting with two party members whose tech- and biotic-coded abilities you command through a wheel as time slows, it’s like I was playing a legally distinct BioWare game. Archetype isn’t shy about the parallels here nor should they be, because from my brief time with Exodus, it seems to be filling that massive void effectively.
The gameplay is another highlight of Exodus. The shooting mechanics are tight and responsive, and the combat is challenging but rewarding. I largely relied on calling in their abilities whenever they were ready while blasting away with my standard arsenal of rifles and shotguns, but there’s a synergistic system that also paves the way for a primer-detantor type of dynamic if you can line things up.
During my playthrough, I was tasked with infiltrating Khonsu, a construct in space orbiting humanity’s new home planet Lidon. This mission involved liberating a species of hyper-intelligent animals called the Kay, who had been enslaved by a hostile human faction led by Gideon Aslan, Jun’s half-sibling. The gameplay felt familiar yet fresh, with a focus on strategic combat and character progression.
One of the most interesting aspects of Exodus is its morality system, which is based on the concepts of Paladin and Immortal. This system allows players to make choices that have a real impact on the story and characters, shaping Jun’s personality and relationships. I pushed back, questioning the idea of manipulating them after restoring their independence, to which Suliman simply says, “The irony is not lost on me.” “That’s all you have to say?” Jun replies. Jun implies he was misled and that this is what Gideon would’ve wanted. They go back and forth about how loyalty ensures protection and the Kay leader you saved isn’t entirely opposed to it.
Exodus has a clear goofy edge to it, especially with the Kay being silly frogs with names derived from the number and section of the ship they were born in. Early in the mission, you meet 42C, who’s listening to loud rock music and greets you with an irreverent attitude that contrasts with the serious tone of the initial infiltration cutscene.
The consequences of the decisions you make will be exacerbated by the fact that Exodus’s story abides by the scientific theories of relativity and time dilation. We’ll see characters affected in different ways by the passage of time – and going back to the trailer I mentioned at the beginning, it feels like Archetype knows the material it’s working with in order to win the hearts and minds of those who are looking for that emotional space opera adventure.
Exodus is shaping up to be a must-play title for fans of the genre. With its engaging story, memorable characters, and thrilling gameplay, it has the potential to fill that Mass Effect-sized hole in my heart. I’m eagerly anticipating its release in September 2026.
Exodus: A Glimpse into the Future
The world of Exodus is vast and diverse, with a rich history and culture to explore. From bustling cities to remote outposts, there’s always something new to discover. I had a prearranged build centered around the Soldier branch, but there were so many more directions you can spec into (Knight, Prodigy, Oracle, Operative, and Specialist, which lean into perks and buffs for different playstyles). I could see several other Gauntlet Glyphs locked at this point in the story as well, so I’m looking forward to seeing if there’s an element of build crafting here because so far, combat feels like it has the sauce.
One of the most exciting aspects of Exodus is its focus on player choice. The game features a complex morality system that allows players to shape the story and characters through their decisions. This system is based on the concepts of Paladin and Immortal, which represent two different approaches to problem-solving and interacting with the world.
Exodus also features a robust character progression system that allows players to customize their abilities and playstyle. Players can choose from a variety of classes, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. They can also unlock new skills and abilities as they progress through the game.
Looking Ahead
Exodus is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of 2026. With its blend of emotional storytelling, engaging characters, and thrilling gameplay, it has the potential to become a modern classic. I’m eagerly awaiting its release and can’t wait to see what Archetype Entertainment has in store for us.
While you’re here, check out these recent previews of other big upcoming games we’ve checked out recently! my conversation with Drew Karpyshyn
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