TECHMASH

Tag: #RolePlayingGame

  • Mass Effect Vibes & Time Dilation: Everything We Learned From the EXODUS Extended Gameplay Reveal

    Mass Effect Vibes & Time Dilation: Everything We Learned From the EXODUS Extended Gameplay Reveal

    Sci-fi RPG fans, it’s time to get genuinely excited. Archetype Entertainment just dropped a massive, 20-minute Extended Gameplay Reveal for EXODUS at the Future Games Show Summer Showcase, and it is doing a lot more than just scratching that classic BioWare itch.

    Being developed by industry veterans (including former Mass Effect leads), EXODUS has had a lot of eyes on it. But this deep dive, guided by Game Director Chris King, finally pulls back the curtain on how combat, exploration, and the mind-bending reality of time dilation actually function.

    If you missed the showcase, don’t worry. Here is a breakdown of the biggest takeaways from the gameplay reveal.

    1. Jun Aslan: Your Character, Your Way

    We finally got a comprehensive look at the protagonist, Jun Aslan. Starting out as a scrappy salvager, Jun becomes a “Traveller”—humanity’s last hope against the Celestials (highly evolved humans 40,000 years in the future) and a deadly cosmic virus known as the Rot.

    • Full Customisation: You can fully customise Jun’s appearance, gear, and choose to play as either a male or female Traveller.
    • The Morality System: EXODUS is introducing a dual-alignment system: Paladin vs. Immortal.
      • Paladin is the path of virtue, where you prioritise others at your own expense.
      • Immortal is the path of pure ambition, where you seize power to serve your goals.

    Morally Gray Warning: The devs made it clear that choices aren’t just black and white. A choice to vent an enemy autocannon might clear out mercenaries, but it could easily take out innocents with them. Your companions will remember, and relationships will shift based on your calls.

    2. Dynamic Combat: Recyclers, Gauntlets, and Livestone

    The combat looks incredibly versatile, blending tactical stealth with heavy-hitting sci-fi powers. Jun utilises advanced Traveller technology that adapts to the battlefield on the fly.

    The Recycler (Your Primary Weapon)

    This isn’t just a gun; it’s a morphing multi-tool for destruction. It seamlessly shifts between multiple configurations:

    • Repeater Mode: Mid-range automatic fire.
    • Shredder Mode: Close-quarters, high-impact scatter fire.
    • Piercer/Spectre Mode: Long-range sniper precision, perfect for stealth.
    • Bomber Mode: To launch grenades and clear out groups.

    The Gauntlet & Mobility

    Jun wields an alien Gauntlet that can be upgraded with salvaged tech. We saw abilities like Eruption, which literally manipulates “livestone” terrain to create cover or launch enemies into the air, and Lance, used for piercing heavy armour and clearing out Rot bramble. Combine that with a Railclaw for vertical grappling traversal and a Scramble Cloak for invisible stealth takedowns, and the combat sandboxes look incredibly dynamic.

    3. A Galaxy Shared with “The Awakened”

    One of the coolest world-building details features the Awakened—highly intelligent, bioengineered, and cybernetically enhanced animals that came over on the original ark ships.

    They aren’t just pets or sidekicks; they are fully integrated members of society. The gameplay video showed everything from an Awakened elephant running a vendor market stall on the primary hub city of Persepolis to an Awakened octopus named Salt interacting with the crew. They serve as merchants, soldiers, medics, and crewmates alongside humans.

    4. The Ultimate Cost: Time Dilation

    The defining narrative feature of EXODUS is Time Dilation, and the showcase emphasised just how heavy this mechanic will weigh on players.

    Because you are travelling at the edge of lightspeed across the Centauri Cluster to raid ruins and fight Celestials, time moves differently for you. Days spent on a mission for Jun could mean weeks, months, or even decades passing back home. When you return to your central hub city of Persepolis, you will actively see how the choices you made—and the decades you “lost”—have reshaped the world and the loved ones you left behind.

    The Verdict: When Can We Play It?

    EXODUS is currently in its final stretch of development and is slated to launch in Early 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store).

    While the internet will always draw comparisons to Mass Effect, EXODUS feels like it’s carving out a fascinating, darker, and more conceptually complex niche of its own. The gunplay looks punchy, the companion dynamic feels authentic, and the heavy sci-fi focus on time dilation could make for an incredibly emotional story.

    What did you think of the extended gameplay reveal? Are you rolling Paladin or Immortal first? Let’s talk in the comments!

    Source – https://www.exodusgame.com/en-US

    #Exodus #sciencefiction #roleplayinggame #actionadventure #ArchetypeEntertainment

  • Lords of the Fallen II: The Umbral Apocalypse Rises

    Lords of the Fallen II: The Umbral Apocalypse Rises

    The veil is thinning, the blood is flowing, and the world of Mournstead is about to get a whole lot darker. Fans of the brutal, dual-realm action-RPG, Lords of the Fallen (2023), have reason to sharpen their blades as the sequel, Lords of the Fallen II, is officially on the horizon!

    Following its electrifying reveal at Gamescom 2025 and a jaw-dropping first look at gameplay at The Game Awards, here’s a deep dive into what we know about Hexworks and CI Games’ much-anticipated next chapter.

    A Century of Darkness: The Umbral Ending is Canon

    One of the most exciting revelations is the sequel’s setting: 100 years after the events of the first game. And, for those who delved deep into the lore, the developers have confirmed that the grim Umbral ending is canon.

    • The Umbral realm, the horrifying world of the dead, has utterly flourished.
    • Axiom, the realm of the living, is now suffering under the encroaching gloom.
    • The stakes are drastically higher, with the horrors of the dark slipping freely between worlds.

    As the new Lampbearer, you will once again explore both realms, but prepare for an even more gruesome, macabre, and expanded Mournstead.

    Brutality Redefined: Faster, Bloodier Combat

    The original Lords of the Fallen brought a fast and fluid pace to the Soulslike genre, and the sequel is ramping up the intensity. The developers at Hexworks have taken community feedback to heart, promising a game that is bolder, braver, and undeniably bloodier.

    Key Combat and Gameplay Enhancements:

    • Dismemberment System: Get ready for ultra-visceral combat. A new, dynamic dismemberment feature means you can literally tear enemies limb from limb, culminating in all-new, satisfying execution animations.
    • Faster and More Unforgiving: The combat system has been refined for quicker, more tactical battles, demanding even greater skill and precision from players.
    • Expanded Roster: Prepare for a significantly greater variety of enemies and truly spectacular, monstrous boss battles. The gameplay trailer offered a glimpse of colossal foes like the Heartroot Warden and the draconic Lingao, the Souring Storm.
    • Harness the Umbral: The signature dual-realm mechanic returns, allowing you to pass between Axiom and Umbral to uncover new pathways, secrets, and, of course, deadly new creatures.

    Next-Generation Co-op and Launch Details

    Built on the powerful Unreal Engine 5, Lords of the Fallen II is poised to deliver a massive visual upgrade alongside its technical improvements.

    FeatureDetail
    DeveloperHexworks
    PublisherCI Games
    Release Window2026
    PlatformsPS5, Xbox Series X
    MultiplayerFull shared-progression Co-op and optional PvP multiplayer will return, and reportedly ‘better’ than before.

    The developers have made it clear they are committed to building on the successful foundation of the 2023 title, incorporating all the community-celebrated updates and refinements.

    Our Verdict So Far

    Lords of the Fallen II is shaping up to be a true evolution of the franchise. By doubling down on the dual-realm mechanic, embracing a darker, more established lore, and injecting a brutal new layer of gore into the already-solid combat, it promises a Soulslike experience that stands apart. If you loved the challenge and gothic horror of the first game, prepare for an absolute feast in 2026.

    One world. Two realms. No mercy.

    Lords of the Fallen II – https://www.lordsofthefallen.com/

    #LordsoftheFallenII #PlayStation #combat #Xbox #pc #CIGames #Action #roleplayinggame #Hexworks #horror #gothic #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • The Ultimate Life Simulation: Why The Pursuit of Happiness is a Board Game Must-Have

    The Ultimate Life Simulation: Why The Pursuit of Happiness is a Board Game Must-Have

    We’ve all played “The Game of Life” at some point. It’s a classic, but let’s be honest—it often feels more like a roll-and-move chore than a genuinely engaging life simulation. Enter The Pursuit of Happiness, the worker placement game that offers a much deeper, more strategic, and beautifully thematic journey from your teenage years to old age.

    Forget spinning a plastic wheel; this is where you truly live a life on the tabletop.

    More Than Just a Game: It’s a Life Story

    At its heart, The Pursuit of Happiness (published by Artipia Games) is about crafting a compelling life narrative for your character. You start as a teenager, choosing a unique Child Trait that gives you a starting bonus and hints at your character’s personality.

    From there, you spend Hourglass markers (your workers, representing precious time) on the board to take actions:

    • Get a Job: Climb the corporate ladder from a simple office assistant to a high-level executive.
    • Take on Projects: Dedicate time to hobbies, studying, or starting a business.
    • Find a Partner: Build a relationship, move in, and maybe even start a family (with the popular Experiences expansion).
    • Buy Items & Activities: Indulge in consumerism with a sports car, or find relaxation through meditation or a good book.

    The choices are vast, but the time is always limited—just like in real life.

    The Balancing Act: Time and Stress

    The genius of this game lies in its central resource management challenge: Stress. Every action you take, especially working overtime or overloading yourself with too many commitments, increases your Stress level.

    • Stress Management: Your Stress level directly impacts how many Hourglass markers (actions/time) you get in the next round. Too much stress, and you have less time to live and pursue happiness!
    • The Health Challenge: Neglect your health projects, and too much stress can ultimately lead to an early “death,” ending your game sooner. This mechanic creates a constant, thrilling tension: Do you push for that big promotion now and risk burnout, or take a round to “Relax” and destress?

    You are constantly juggling short-term happiness (immediate rewards) with Long-Term Happiness (victory points), which you gain from completing high-level projects, jobs, and long-term relationships.

    Why Gamers Love It

    While the theme is the main draw, the mechanics are what make it a satisfying “Euro-style” board game:

    • Worker Placement with a Twist: Unlike traditional worker placement games, you are rarely blocked from taking an action. However, the cost—in resources, time, or accumulated stress—will often make you think twice.
    • Tableau Building & Synergies: Your character’s “life” is built in front of you through a tableau of cards. Finding powerful synergies between your Job, Partner, and Projects is key to generating the resources you need for bigger, more impactful life goals.
    • Incredible Replayability: With a massive deck of Project, Item, Job, and Partner cards, plus unique Child Traits and random Life Goals at the start of each game, no two lives will ever be the same. One game, you might be a globetrotting artist; the next, a stressed-out CEO with an expensive board game collection.

    Final Thoughts

    The Pursuit of Happiness is more than just a points-scoring exercise; it’s a vehicle for storytelling. The post-game discussions are often the best part, as players recount the hilarious, tragic, or oddly specific turns their lives took—from getting a midlife crisis motorcycle to finally completing that lifelong dream of becoming a master chef.

    If you are looking for a game with a light-hearted, accessible theme that still offers the strategic depth a dedicated gamer craves, retire your old Game of Life and pick up a copy of The Pursuit of Happiness.

    It’s truly a life well-lived… on your dining room table.

    Are you a The Pursuit of Happiness veteran? What was the funniest life story your character ever lived out? Share in the comments below!

    Pursuit of Life on Steam – https://shorturl.at/o0hdB

    #PursuitofLife #DreamboatGames #2DGame #simulation #RPG #Retail #Cooking #Athletic #Music #Business #games #gaming #gamers #Roleplayinggame #SimulationVideoGame #Indiegame #videogames

  • Into the Void: Why You Should be Excited for Fractured Worlds

    Into the Void: Why You Should be Excited for Fractured Worlds

    The world of Action RPGs (ARPGs) is about to get a whole lot more… well, fractured. Developed by Laser Guided Games, Fractured Worlds is an upcoming dark fantasy ARPG that is generating buzz for its blend of classic loot-centric gameplay, deep build-crafting, and a unique, atmospheric approach to multiplayer.

    Set in a reality shattered into fragments by a cataclysmic event, the game tasks you with exploring these broken realms to piece together the past and confront the forces responsible. It’s a compelling premise that’s perfectly reflected in the gameplay mechanics.

    Precision Combat Meets Power Fantasy

    One of the first things that sets Fractured Worlds apart is its focus on deliberate, precision-based combat. This isn’t your typical button-mashing frenzy. Each weapon feels distinct: a two-handed mace offers slow, staggering power, while a nimble spear is better for crowd control, and a magic wand allows you to manipulate the flow of Aether. Mastering the weight, speed, and moveset of your chosen gear is key to survival against the game’s formidable bosses and hordes of enemies.

    Forget rigid classes, too. Fractured Worlds embraces a classless progression system. This means complete freedom to mix and match skills and equipment, allowing you to truly build-craft to your heart’s content. Found a legendary item that changes your whole playstyle? No problem! The system is designed for easy re-specification, encouraging experimentation and adaptation.

    The Worlds That Break and Blend

    The shattered reality you explore is not static. Expect to journey through a diverse array of procedurally generated environments—from medieval dungeons to futuristic industrial cities and enchanted forests. This variety, combined with the procedural generation, promises high replayability as no two excursions will feel exactly the same.

    The concept of reality being ‘broken’ also feeds into a unique multiplayer system inspired by titles like Dark Souls.

    • Emergent Multiplayer: The worlds of other players might briefly overlap with yours. You can choose to interact, assist, or even deceive them. This opens up possibilities for spontaneous co-op, unexpected invasions, or even sharing profitable loot piles before luring them into a deadly ambush.
    • Map Shards: These are powerful artefacts that let you share a piece of your world with others to create a co-operative instance. These instances come with random modifiers that alter monsters and boost loot, but you can leave comments for other players—will you be honest about the vast riches, or trick them into a particularly challenging fight?

    A Dark Challenge Awaits

    As with any good dark fantasy ARPG, a challenging roster of bosses stands in your way. Encountering the likes of the mind-altering Rorsch or the imposing Ghostly Knight will be a test of skill, demanding that you learn their patterns and use your precision combat to its fullest. These fights are designed to be tough, where a single mistake can be costly, but every action is telegraphed, rewarding practice and mastery.

    Ready to Step into the Abyss?

    With an Early Access period already underway on the Epic Games Store and a full release anticipated in Q1 2026, Fractured Worlds looks poised to be an exciting addition to the ARPG landscape. It promises a deep, rewarding experience for fans of classic loot-driven games who are looking for a title that also demands skill and offers a fresh take on multiplayer interaction.

    If you enjoy old-school action RPGs with a contemporary twist on combat and co-op, it’s time to wishlist Fractured Worlds and prepare to navigate the beautiful, broken ruins of reality.

    Fractured Worlds http://www.fracturedworldsgame.net

    #FracturedWorlds #fantasy #Roleplayinggame #Actiongame #LaserGuidedGames #Steam #darkfantasy #ARPG #arcade #games #gaming #gamers

  • Batora Lost Haven Choice Driven Action Game

    Join Batora Lost Haven a game set in the open universe but with a difference its a choice-driven action-adventure game that creates a whole different feel to the usual space-based role-playing games. You will need to plan, scheme and negotiate your way through this game and of course, there will be battles too, are you ready? Find out more on Batora Lost Haven here; https://www.batora.game/ #BatoraLostHaven #ChoiceDrivenActionGame #RolePlayingGame #Games #NintendoSwitch #Team17

  • Marvel Multiverse RPG Coming Soon

    Marvel and role-playing games come together next year with the launch of the Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game, this is a great addition for all Marvel fans. More details can be found here; http://marvel.com/rpg #Marvel #RPG #Game #MarvelMultiverse #RolePlayingGame #MCU #Gaming #NewGame #Comics #MarvelGames