Exodus Romance Options Not Restricted by Gender for Both Protagonists

As expected from a space opera RPG drawing heavy inspiration from Mass Effect, Archetype Entertainment's upcoming game Exodus will feature deep character relationships shaped by dialogue, interactions, and player decisions. This includes romance, and regardless of whether you choose to play as the male or female version of protagonist Jun Aslan, all romance options remain open to you.

In an interview with Exodus narrative director Drew Karpyshyn (formerly of BioWare), he clarified that romances are not gender-locked. 'The player initiates romances; no character will pursue you without your proactive interest. We design scenarios where you can attempt to romance multiple characters, but outcomes vary based on the individual and your choices. Just like real life, it's complicated—and we want that complexity.'

However, you won't be able to please everyone. Exodus is built around difficult decisions that impact both story and relationships. Karpyshyn explained, 'We put you in positions where you can't make everyone happy. You'll have to choose sides, knowing you'll gain or lose affinity with companions.' He also noted that choices throughout a playthrough affect how characters perceive you. Rather than treating romance as a purely mechanical system, he emphasized, 'We're leaning toward romance as a role-playing relationship dynamic, not directly tied to gameplay mechanics.'

Regarding differences between the male and female versions of Jun, Karpyshyn said, 'We want players to feel that choosing male or female is about personal preference. We're telling a story that works regardless, so character reactions won't differ much based on gender.'

As for intimate scenes, game director Chris King confirmed their presence, saying, 'We're on the reserved side, but it's clear what's happening—tasteful is a good word.'

With queer romance being a significant feature in titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and the original Mass Effect trilogy, Exodus appears to follow suit. The game launches on April 7, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for our hands-on impressions and full interview with Karpyshyn, where we delve into choices, consequences, and the morality system.