Exodus, a new space RPG developed by BioWare veterans, takes a hard sci-fi approach to FTL travel with a focus on time dilation, where time passes differently for travelers compared to the rest of the galaxy. The game's choice-based gameplay and multiple endings are influenced by this concept, and there's no way to reduce its effects. The narrative revolves around a hyper-advanced technology called the 'Gates of Heaven' left behind by a missing race, the Elohim, which enables interstellar travel. The game is planned for release on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC in the coming years.
Netflix premieres "3 Body Problem," an adaptation of the hit Chinese book series "Remembrance of Earth’s Past," led by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. The series, a hard sci-fi trilogy, explores humanity's response to extraterrestrial threats and delves into complex scientific and political themes. The adaptation takes liberties with the source material, rearranging the plot and introducing new characters, but effectively streamlines the presentation of intricate concepts. With early reviews being positive, the show is likely to continue for multiple seasons.
The upcoming release of Starfield has sparked debates about whether it should be considered 'hard sci-fi.' While hard sci-fi emphasizes scientific accuracy, Starfield breaks many of these rules with elements like combat sounds in space and fantastical technologies. However, the game's aesthetic, described as 'NASA-punk,' draws on real-world space science. Todd Howard, the game's director, acknowledges that Starfield makes concessions for gameplay and storytelling. The debate around Starfield's classification as hard sci-fi affects the perception of the genre, but ultimately, going into the game with expectations of a hard sci-fi adventure with a fantastical edge is likely to avoid disappointment.
FromSoftware's Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is a complete reboot of the mech combat series, set on a new planet with a new story, but retaining the deep customization and punishing difficulty that fans love. The game aims to be a fresh start and a new first step towards a successful future for mech action games, while also incorporating the studio's action game philosophy and modernizing the controls. Armored Core 6 releases on August 25th for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
