Mass Effect 2
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This week in PC games: an RTS inspired by Majesty, a flying city RPG from former Mass Effect writers, and one Metal Gear-affiliated octopus
This week's PC game releases include a variety of genres such as RPGs, real-time strategy, and horror. Notable titles include Aether & Iron, a narrative RPG from former Mass Effect writers, and Darwin's Paradox, a side-scroller featuring a Metal Gear Solid-affiliated octopus. Several games are launching in early access, including Endalor and Bloodletter.
Why Pragmata May End Up in a League of Its Own
Pragmata aims to stand out in the science fiction genre by blending familiar mechanics with a unique dual-character gameplay system that integrates action combat with real-time hacking puzzles. Unlike many contemporaries that focus on spectacle or open-world exploration, Pragmata emphasizes constant mechanical engagement and coordination between its two protagonists, Hugh Williams and Diana. This approach, combined with a more immediate narrative focus on survival, could make it a distinctive and successful new intellectual property.
Xbox Partner Preview March 2026 - All the News and Reveals
The Xbox Partner Preview showcase featured over 30 minutes of content from third-party developers, revealing new trailers and release windows for numerous upcoming games. Highlights included Hunter: The Reckoning - Deathwish, Wuthering Waves, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, Grave Seasons, Serious Sam: Shatterverse, Stranger Than Heaven, Super Meat Boy 3D, Forever Ago, Ascend to Zero, Dispatch, Alien Deathstorm, Frog Sqwad, Bluey's Happy Snaps, Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl expansion, Moosa: Dirty Fate, The Eternal Life of Goldman, Vaunted, Hades 2, and Artificial Detective.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn devs "do not think of ourselves as a successor to the Mass Effect series," even if the Owlcat team "really enjoyed" and take "great inspiration" from BioWare's sci-fi RPGs
Owlcat Games' upcoming RPG, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, draws significant inspiration from BioWare's Mass Effect series, particularly Mass Effect 2's suicide mission. However, the developers emphasize that they do not consider their game a direct successor, aiming to create their own distinct identity.
Mass Effect Fans, You Cannot Ignore The Expanse: Osiris Reborn on PS5 Next Year
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a science fiction RPG developed by OwlCat Games, is set to release in spring 2027 for PlayStation 5. The game adapts The Expanse book series with an original story and characters, featuring cover-based third-person shooter combat. This title is noted as a potential spiritual successor to the Mass Effect series while fans await the next official installment.
"Everything in the final version will definitely 100% be human made" - But Owlcat says gen-AI is being used during The Expanse: Osiris Reborn development
Owlcat Games has confirmed the use of generative AI during the development of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, primarily for prototyping and technical iteration, with all final assets being human-made. The studio previously clarified its AI usage in a job posting, assuring that artists would not be replaced and that AI would only serve as a tool for inspiration and speeding up internal processes. The game is set to release in spring 2027 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox Series S/X, with a closed beta available next month for pre-purchasers.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn’s Companions and Perks Revealed
Owlcat Games has revealed details about companions and their unique 'Exploit' abilities in their upcoming game, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn. These companions, including J, Teo, Regina, Polly, Aleesha, Michael, and Zafar, offer diverse personalities and combat roles. The game is in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with more information expected at the Xbox Partner Preview.
Baldur's Gate 3 devs had bigger romance system ambitions that got killed by 'time constraints,' like a platonic 'friendship system' for the companions you don't smooch
Baldur's Gate 3 writer Kevin VanOrd revealed that Larian Studios had ambitions for a more expansive romance and friendship system that were cut due to time constraints. He expressed a desire for companions to have their own romantic relationships independent of the player, similar to Mass Effect 3, and noted the positive reception of the existing romance options.
Xbox Partner Preview March 26: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and The Expanse Lead Sci-Fi Gaming Showcase
Xbox announced an upcoming Partner Preview event for March 26th, highlighting S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn as key sci-fi titles. The showcase will also feature Stranger Than Heaven and new Xbox Game Pass announcements, aiming to deliver a significant sci-fi gaming experience.
Seismic Squirrel Explores the Visual Identity of Aether & Iron in Dev Diary #5
Seismic Squirrel released a developer diary detailing the creation of Aether & Iron's decopunk noir visual identity, with Narrative Lead Tyler Whitney explaining the artistic evolution. The narrative-driven RPG, set in an alternate 1930s New York, will launch on Steam on March 31, 2026. The game features writing talent from Mass Effect and Far Cry, and a score by Grammy winners Christopher Tin and Alex Williamson.
Science Confirms RPG Players Hit Hardest by Post-Game Depression
A new scientific study confirms that players of role-playing games experience the most severe post-game depression upon completion. Researchers, including Dr. Janowicz, attribute this to the deep player agency, character bonds, and immersive worlds inherent in RPGs, which create a strong emotional investment that is difficult to leave behind. The findings validate the long-held community sentiment about the emotional impact of finishing epic RPGs like The Witcher 3, Persona, Mass Effect, Baldur's Gate 3, and Final Fantasy.
The great RPG debate: Defined playable characters or blank slates?
This opinion piece from PC Gamer's RPG column debates the merits of pre-defined characters versus blank slates in role-playing games. It explores popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Mass Effect, and Disco Elysium to illustrate the strengths of each approach to player character design.
Massively Overthinking: The nine games portrait of you
This article features Massively OP staff members sharing their personal lists of nine core video games that have shaped them. Contributors discuss foundational titles, franchise representations, and personal favorites across various genres, including MMOs, JRPGs, and action RPGs, reflecting on their impact on their gaming identities and creative work.
The Steam Spring Sale Is Back With Deep Discounts on AAA Games
The Steam Spring Sale is offering significant discounts on various AAA titles, including Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Fallout: New Vegas, Mass Effect Legendary Edition, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and The Long Dark. These deals provide a cost-effective opportunity for players to acquire popular games, with some titles seeing substantial price reductions.
Exodus Receives its First Gameplay Trailer, Deeper Showcase Coming This Summer
Archetype Entertainment has released the first gameplay trailer for its upcoming sci-fi action RPG, Exodus. The trailer showcases combat with various firearms, platforming using a grappling gun, and intriguing environments. A more in-depth look at the game is promised for this summer, with a 2027 release planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
First Look At Exodus Gameplay, More This Summer | Console Creatures
Archetype Entertainment has released a first look at gameplay for their upcoming sci-fi RPG, Exodus, scheduled for a 2027 release. The game casts players as The Traveler, tasked with stealing alien technology to save humanity amidst Earth's demise, with choices impacting the narrative due to time dilation. A longer gameplay reel is expected this summer.
First Look At Exodus Gameplay, More This Summer | Console Creatures
Archetype Entertainment has released a first look at gameplay for their upcoming sci-fi RPG, Exodus, scheduled for a 2027 release. The game casts players as The Traveler, tasked with stealing alien technology to save humanity amidst Earth's demise, with choices impacting the narrative due to time dilation. A longer gameplay reel is expected this summer.
Exodus, the space opera epic with trailers narrated by Matthew McConaughey, drops a trio of gameplay clips that still…
Archetype Entertainment has released new gameplay clips for their upcoming space opera RPG, Exodus, which features narration by Matthew McConaughey. The clips showcase combat, traversal with a 'railclaw,' and environmental exploration, drawing comparisons to the Mass Effect series. The game is expected to launch in early 2027.
First look at Exodus gameplay confirms what most have been thinking: It’s Mass Effect reborn
The upcoming science fiction RPG Exodus, developed by Archetype Entertainment with many former BioWare employees, shows strong Mass Effect influences in its debut gameplay footage. The game features third-person combat, squadmate recruitment, and a time dilation mechanic that impacts the narrative. While still in development with a planned 2027 release, Exodus aims to be a spiritual successor to the beloved Mass Effect series.
Mass Effect-like space RPG Exodus drops another in-game trailer, much to the misfortune of Biggs "The Bolt" Keil
The space RPG Exodus, developed by former BioWare staff, has released a new trailer showcasing its Mass Effect-like gameplay, including cover-based shooting and squad mechanics. The trailer also features a glimpse of an antagonist named Biggs "The Bolt" Keil and introduces a grappling hook mechanic, hinting at exploration elements.
