Exodus: Cool Octopus Can’t Save It From Its Bland Hero Problem

In the crowded landscape of space RPGs vying for the unofficial “Mass Effect” crown, Archetype Entertainment’s time-bending title, Exodus, has emerged as a strong contender. While it boasts intriguing characters like Salt, the super-intelligent octopus sniper, the game struggles with a central issue: its protagonist, Jun Aslan, is simply too generic.

A Glimpse into the World of Exodus

Archetype recently unveiled a release date – April 7th, 2027 – accompanied by a new trailer that delves into the backstory of Salt, a fascinating character fighting in a unique human-octopod hybrid mech. The developers have wisely avoided turning this beautiful sea creature into a “wholesome” stereotype. Another intriguing companion, Emrys, a Celestial who siphons energy from opponents, is also being highlighted. Emrys’s species possesses plural consciousness, promising complex squad interactions.

The Blandness of Jun Aslan

However, the focus on these compelling characters only serves to highlight what I see as Exodus’s biggest flaw: its protagonist, Jun Aslan. He embodies the tired trope of the “chosen one,” complete with Paragon/Renegade-style moral alignments and a predictable celebrity father complex. The story revolves around Jun, starting as a backwater scavenger who discovers the ability to activate ancient Celestial artifacts, setting in motion a quest to save humanity from an interstellar disease.

Jun’s default appearance is a major turn-off. He looks like he walked straight out of an Instagram influencer’s feed: perfectly styled hair, flawless skin, and that carefully cultivated five o’clock shadow. The lack of a robust character editor further exacerbates this issue. While players can add some personality through scars and other details, the core options are “curated,” meaning you’re always playing a variation on that strangely unappetizing Adonis.

The Importance of Grotesque Protagonists

In an RPG about time dilation, space viruses, and the potential for horrific transformations, the protagonist should be more grotesque than conventionally attractive! “Charismatic” and “ugly as sin” aren’t mutually exclusive – just ask Commander Shepard. Shepard’s iconic status stems from a bizarre void formed by conflicting elements: Chad Spaceman with his imposing forehead, Femshep celebrated for her red hair and Jennifer Hale’s voice, and the countless custom Shepards created through extensive character customization.

When Mass Effect launched, I created a platinum blonde pixie cut Femshep (inspired by Star Trek’s Tasha Yar). Over the course of the trilogy, save import software seemed to leach essential nutrients from her skin, shrinking her chin while plot shenanigans filled her flesh with cybernetic augmentations. She was slowly being pickled, and she wasn’t exactly a bombshell to begin with. I’m not sure I’ve ever met a truly hot Commander Shepard. The appeal lies in the dream of an “ur-Shepard” as magnificent and sexy as the game intends. I don’t get that same deferred gargoyle vibe from Jun Aslan, even though he’s named after the lion from Narnia. Perhaps the world’s surviving machinima artists can salvage him once the game launches next year. For now, here’s a longer playthrough to give you a sense of the cover combat and dialogue direction.

Source: Rock Paper Shotgun