Sci-Fi RPG Everreach: Project Eden is like a mini-Mass Effect this Sept.

Everreach: Project Eden from Elder Games looks to fill the void of space with a story-driven role-playing game this September. The game takes place on the planet Eden. You’ll take control of  Nora Harwood, a member of Everreach’s Security Division. Presumably, there is a project happening in there somewhere too. “Security” seems to be a loose term here though. Nora seems more like a Blackwater mercenary than someone meant to keep the peace, but if all media has taught me anything, it’s that space is the new wild west.

Everreach: Project Eden boasts a robust-looking skill tree for those looking to build out their characters to match their play style. Early visible options include deployable shields, defense buffs, and possibly explosion-based abilities if the icons that flash are to be believed. There also seems to be a handful of guns to sling around the planet, each with a suitably futuristic aesthetic.

Speaking of which, I would be remiss to not mention how much this reminds me of the canceled StarCraft: Ghost game. It’s mainly the design of the protagonist, Nora Harwood, but it’s hard for me not to link the two mentally. Other visual aspects seem inspired by games like Red Faction: Guerrilla, Anthem, and Destiny. Not to say that’s a bad thing. I like a lot of what’s going on here visually. The hex pattern that appears on Nora’s armor when she is hit in particular is a nice touch.

Ghost ride the whip

The planet of Eden promises plenty to explore and mysteries to unravel. You won’t have to explore on foot though. Everreach: Project Eden will hand you the keys to your very own hoverbike. Moreover, the game will feature vehicular combat in addition to the standard ground shooting. In the trailer, we see at least one instance of a larger gunship firing down on you on your hoverbike. Another moment shows you flying by ground troops on your space-whip. While it doesn’t appear in the trailer itself, early screenshots also show off a jetpack will be included in the game. The game is going for a lot, but given how Anthem ended up being a bit of a non-starter, there’s room for Everreach: Project Eden to try and eat Bioware’s lunch. Speaking of which…

The Mass Effect effect

The story will play out over roughly eight hours, which is perfect for those afraid of the massive time commitment most RPGs ask for. Any RPG lives and dies by the quality of its writing, so we’ll have to wait and see how this one shakes out. That said, the game is bringing talent from the popular Mass Effect franchise to help solidify their space cred. Michelle Clough, the former narrative QA for the Mass Effect trilogy, will be penning the story. D.C. Douglas, the voice of Legion in Mass Effect, will also be part of the voice cast. Given the void left by the dismal Mass Effect: Andromeda all but killing its franchise, there’s plenty of room for Everreach: Project Eden to scratch that particular itch.

If you’re looking for a bite-sized RPG to tide you over, Everreach: Project Eden comes out this September.