Exodus Preview: GameRant's First Impressions

A preview of just over an hour organized by Archetype Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast in Austin, centered on Khonsu, an orbital station above Jun Aslan's home planet. That's what GameRant got to experience. It's not much, but enough to form a solid first impression. And the dominant feeling coming out of the headset: the journalist wished it would keep going!

The comparison to Mass Effect is unavoidable from the very first minutes. Companion-led combat, dialogue wheel, classic BioWare-like RPG mission structure. Nothing surprising given the studio's DNA. But past that observation, Exodus quickly carves out its own identity. Khonsu's atmosphere is heavier, more oppressive than what you'd typically find in Mass Effect. The ancient technology of the Kay, these giant talking frogs, gives a constant sense of unease, almost a Starfield-like vibe. Visually, the station holds up well: environmental details that invite you to slow down, polished animations during dialogue, convincing voice acting in the tested sample.

The final choice regarding the fate of the freed Kay - contractual protection versus risky independence - required real thought, with no obvious answer. The options don't just vary the tone of the same response. Exploration is also surprising, the journalist tells us: Khonsu hides passages that must be sought out deliberately, with no blinking marker on screen. And companions finally matter in fights, unlike some Mass Effect squadmates you'd quickly forget. Suliman and his stealthy Shadow Step, Elise and her missiles, each one concretely changes the outcome of a battle.

The downside: the demo's final boss posed real challenges, with a death recorded before victory on the second attempt, and GameRant didn't see much of the long-term progression systems. It's impossible to know whether relationships with companions will hold up over dozens of hours.

Based on this hour-long slice, it's safe to say things are off to a clearly good start. To be confirmed over the full length of the game, set for April 7, 2027 on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), Xbox Series X|S and PS5.