It has been a quiet couple of years since Matthew McConaughey walked onto The Game Awards stage and announced Exodus, but the silence is finally broken. At The Game Awards 2025, Archetype Entertainment released a stunning new story trailer titled “The Rise of Jun Aslan,” and it gave us our deepest look yet at this spiritual successor to Mass Effect.
While the cinematic visuals were breathtaking, the real meat was in the details. We learned about the protagonist’s lineage, a terrifying threat called “The Rot,” and—perhaps most importantly—we finally got a concrete release window. Buckle up, Travelers; we are going deep into the Centauri Cluster.
Meet Jun Aslan: The Heir to the Stars
The trailer centers entirely on Jun Aslan, the character players will control. Jun isn’t just a random soldier; they are the heir to the legendary Aslan dynasty of Travelers. The trailer reveals that Jun possesses a unique genetic gift allowing them to interface directly with “Celestial” technology—the ancient, god-like tech left behind by the universe’s apex predators.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Humanity’s new home world, Lidon, is being consumed by a techno-organic virus known as The Rot. Jun’s mission is to lead a ragtag crew into the unknown to find a cure, armed only with a ship and a gauntlet that essentially lets them wield space magic. It’s classic space opera stuff, but with a gritty, “Interstellar-meets-Indiana Jones” vibe that sets it apart.
Time Dilation: The Ultimate Enemy
We saw glimpses of the game’s core mechanic: Time Dilation. In Exodus, traveling through “Gates” at lightspeed comes with a heavy cost. Days for Jun might be decades for the people left back home. The trailer hinted at the emotional weight of this, showing characters aging and societies changing while Jun remains young.
This narrative device allows for choices that span generations. A decision you make in the first act could have consequences that ripple out for centuries by the time you return. It is a bold storytelling ambition that, if pulled off, could redefine the RPG genre.
Release Date and… Bad News for Octopus Lovers
The biggest reveal was the release window. Exodus is officially launching in Early 2027. While a delay from the rumored 2026 window is a bummer, it gives the team (comprised of ex-BioWare veterans) more time to polish this massive universe.
On a lighter note, the trailer also gave us a better look at Jun’s companions, including Salt, a hyper-intelligent space octopus in a mech suit. However, the developers have confirmed the tragic news: you cannot romance the octopus. We will just have to settle for saving the galaxy instead.
Conclusion
Exodus continues to look like the sci-fi RPG we have been starving for. With its focus on hard sci-fi concepts like time dilation mixed with blockbuster action, it is shaping up to be a defining title of this generation. The wait until 2027 will be long, but if “The Rise of Jun Aslan” is any indication, it will be worth every second.
FAQs
When is Exodus coming out?
The game is officially scheduled for release in Early 2027.
What platforms will it be on?
Exodus will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Who is Jun Aslan?
Jun Aslan is the playable protagonist, a “Traveler” who can use ancient alien technology and must save humanity from a threat called The Rot.
Is Matthew McConaughey in the game?
Yes, he voices a major character named C.C. Orlev, who acts as a mentor and guide to the player.
Can you romance companions?
Yes, the game features romance options with various companions, though the developers confirmed you cannot romance the alien octopus, Salt.