Exodus will likely win the Mass Effect spiritual successor war, thanks partly to its Cool Octopus, but I think it has a boring hero problem

Summary

Archetype Entertainment's space RPG Exodus has received a release date of April 7, 2027, along with a new trailer exploring the backstory of Salt, a super-intelligent octopus sniper. With The Expanse: Osiris Reborn proving lacklustre in the hands, Exodus is currently the closest contender for the unofficial Mass Effect 5 title. However, the author argues that despite the cool octopus and ingenious setting, the game suffers from a boring hero problem, which could undermine its narrative impact. This raises questions about whether Exodus can truly carry the torch of BioWare's legacy while avoiding character tropes. For players, this is a highly anticipated title worth watching, though expectations for the protagonist should be tempered. For the industry, the revival of space RPGs prompts a balance between innovation and tradition, making character depth a key factor. The announcement itself signals a new milestone for the genre, and how Archetype addresses these concerns will be crucial closer to launch.