Mass Effect Spiritual Successor Officially Reveals Redesigned Protagonist
Archetype Entertainment has revealed a redesigned version of Jun, the protagonist of its sci-fi role-playing game Exodus, after fans criticised the character’s original look. The change comes as interest in the game grows following EA’s announcement that BioWare is closing and its next Mass Effect game has been cancelled, leaving Exodus in view as a possible alternative for players seeking a similar experience.
Studio co-founder Chad Robertson said the redesign followed conversations with the community, and early reactions have been more favourable. Players will be able to choose Jun’s gender and customise features such as hair, though the character’s core face and body structure are fixed; the female version has not yet been shown. The article says Exodus is due in about six months, but the cancelled Mass Effect game’s leaked trailer has renewed attention on what fans will miss.
In short
- Exodus redesigned protagonist Jun after fan feedback.
- Players can choose Jun’s gender and customise hair.
- BioWare’s closure and Mass Effect cancellation have raised interest in Exodus.
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The case for
Responding to criticism with a redesign can show that a studio listens to players and wants its protagonist to feel appealing and relatable. In a character-led role-playing game, making Jun’s gender and some features customisable may also help more players feel represented while preserving a consistent character design.
The case against
Changing a protagonist after fan criticism may risk giving vocal early reactions too much influence over a creative decision, especially when the game has not yet been released. Keeping Jun’s face and body structure fixed, and not yet showing the female version, may also leave players uncertain about how much the customisation meaningfully reflects their preferences.
Explained simply
Exodus is a science-fiction role-playing game being made by Archetype Entertainment, a studio founded by developers with experience in the genre. Players follow Jun, its central character, and can customise some aspects of their appearance, including hair, while choosing Jun’s gender.
The game has drawn comparisons with Mass Effect, BioWare’s science-fiction role-playing series, which is known for its story and character choices. EA has announced that BioWare is closing and that its next Mass Effect game has been cancelled, bringing more attention to other games that may appeal to fans of the series.
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