The Sci-Fi hunger of the coming years is likely to be satisfied. Three games lure with exciting settings for all who yearn for Mass Effect.
Hardly any sci-fi game has shaped a generation as much as the trilogy of Mass Effect. The story surrounding Commander Shepard is considered one of the best in gaming – even though the ending is still regarded as controversial. BioWare attempted to follow up on this success with a sequel, but it didn’t quite work out with “Mass Effect: Andromeda”.
While everyone is eagerly awaiting whether BioWare can right the ship with an unannounced Mass Effect, multiple games are appearing that could reduce the hunger for Mass Effect – and they look promising.
Exodus
Exodus is likely the game that most people think of as an indirect Mass Effect successor. Because when you watch the first trailers, there is no other conclusion than to think of BioWare’s series. The combat system, companions, the story structure – the parallels are quite clear at first glance.
However, Exodus wants to be something entirely its own, which is evident from the interesting story. The adventure will not take place within a short period of weeks or months, but you will experience several ages. As a “Traveler,” you are the last hope of humanity and explore the world for a place where humanity can continue to exist. But your journey consumes time – a lot of time. Millennia pass between these travels, and what has become of the places you have already visited can be drastically shaped by you.
Exodus is set to be released sometime in early 2027. While there isn’t a specific date yet – in less than a year we will likely all experience how the Traveler’s adventure unfolds.
Star Wars: Zero Company
Those who love the Star Wars universe will probably not be able to avoid Zero Company. Zero Company takes place during the Clone Wars, and you take on the role of Hawk, who commands a mercenary group from various parts of the galaxy.
Gameplay-wise, Zero Company is reminiscent of games like X-COM, so it has more tactical and turn-based elements. As you maneuver your troops across the battlefield, engage in dialogues, and learn more about the various characters, the threat of permanent death always looms overhead. For anyone who falls in battle can be eliminated forever.
There is no release date yet – but it is likely to be a title that fans of Mass Effect (or X-COM) should definitely keep an eye on.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is based on the book series of the same name, which has also been adapted into a TV series. In the 24th century, humanity has colonized space, but most problems are far from resolved. You embody a mercenary from “Pinkwater Security”, and during a short vacation trip, your life gets seriously out of control.
Suddenly, you find yourself in the midst of a conspiracy that spans the entire solar system, trying to unravel mysteries and, above all, stay alive. Decisions are said to have a significant impact and crucially influence how this adventure develops.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is set to be released in spring 2027, but a beta is set to start in just a few weeks.
Our editor-in-chief Leya Jankowski recently interviewed the game director of Osiris Reborn, and it was a long interview. If you want to read more about the story and some anecdotes, take a look at the interview article.
