Mass Effect Veteran Says New RPG Exodus Won’t Feature Guaranteed Romances Just Because You’re the Hero

Social dynamics in Exodus aren’t limited to the player character’s perspective. The game tracks the independent relationships between companions and how they react to the overarching narrative. Furthermore, the game’s flagship time-dilation feature promises to introduce fascinating, emotionally charged consequences for these long-term bonds.

“Every companion has their own agenda,” Karpyshyn added. “It’s far more engaging for players to navigate a world where characters don’t just worship you because you’re the chosen one. We are focusing heavily on the emotional weight of these interactions to ensure they feel earned and impactful.”

This nuanced direction feels like a refreshing shift from the ‘player-sexual’ archetypes seen in recent titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 or Dragon Age: The Veilguard, where companions often display immediate, universal attraction.

It brings to mind iconic characters like Dragon Age’s Morrigan; she wasn’t a checkbox to be filled with simple dialogue prompts. Wooing her required shared values, a specific worldview, and a willingness to embrace her perspective. True roleplaying shines when navigating these social hurdles, and Exodus seems poised to bring that depth back to the forefront.

Related: RPG legend James Ohlen transitions to a new role at Archetype Entertainment after finalized development on the foundational systems for Exodus.