Calm

I've been asked numerous times how much a Mass Effect fan can expect to like Exodus, and while I've played it TWICE now, I've still found it difficult to put into words, but here I go; Exodus is very Mass Effect-coded, yet different. The atmosphere has exactly the type of cozy sci-fi feel that makes you want to explore the stars, much like Mass Effect 1 has. The sound design really makes a huge impact here, so a BIG shoutout to the audio & music team at Archetype. Then there's this cinematic scale to it that feels epic & grand, yet personal - not unlike Mass Effect 2 & 3. There's a ton of cinematic dialogue scenes that are just on another level. An apt way to describe it would be "blockbuster level", as I've yet to see an RPG that puts this much effort into camera placement, character movements and animations during dialogue scenes. Speaking of dialogue, I enjoy the Paladin/Immortal choices a lot. Absolutely has that Paragon/Renegade feel to it - And I really like the idea of it affecting your overall build. While I haven't engaged with all the companions, what I have seen are the "seeds" of what could possibly become deep emotional attachments that leads to heartbreak due to the element of time dilation (which, again, I haven't seen fully yet). The game generally takes itself very seriously, with just enough goofy elements that it becomes charming rather than cringey. If you've actually played the Mass Effect trilogy, KOTOR or Dragon Age: Origins, then you'll know what I mean. The moment-to-moment gameplay feels crunchy yet smooth, and while I'd like to see more weapon alternatives, the Recycler (your transforming rifle) works surprisingly well. Bomber Mode is definitely my favorite setting. What can I say, I love explosions 🧨🤷‍♂️ Finally - The setting and lore is really what separates Exodus from not just Mass Effect, but everything else really. There are so many unique & "out-there" elements, like the Awakened Animals, Celestials, Changelings (basically aliens), Mortal Gifts, Artifacts and so much more - elements that flesh out the universe of Exodus into something entirely it's own. Some of it is bizarre. Some of it is shocking. Some of it is wondrous. All of it feels enormous. And that's why I can't get my hands on Exodus again. (this is NOT a review, only first impressions from someone who's played Exodus twice, and the Mass Effect trilogy atleast 20+ times through the years)