Get in, secure the loot, and extract safely. These are the core principles of any extraction shooter, and the upcoming game Exoborne embraces this formula while amping up the excitement with super-powered Exo-Rigs, dynamic weather effects, and the beloved grappling hook. After spending 4-5 hours playing at a recent preview event, I left feeling intrigued by the game's potential, even if I wasn't immediately craving another round.
Let's dive into the Exo-Rigs, a defining feature of Exoborne. Currently, there are three types of Exo-Rigs: the Kodiak, which offers a shield while sprinting and a devastating ground slam; the Viper, which regenerates your health upon eliminating enemies and boasts a powerful melee attack; and the Kestrel, which prioritizes mobility with enhanced jumping and hovering capabilities. Each suit can be customized with unique modules, further enhancing their specific abilities.
Personally, I relished the thrill of swinging into action like Spider-Man with the grappling hook and executing a devastating crash with the Kodiak's slam, obliterating everything in my path. While the other suits were equally engaging, the current limitation to three types of rigs suggests room for expansion. Unfortunately, developer Shark Mob couldn't share details about future Exo-Rigs at this time.
When it comes to the shooting mechanics, Exoborne delivers a satisfying experience. The guns have a solid kick, and melee attacks feel impactful. Utilizing the grappling hook to glide across the map adds an enjoyable layer of mobility. The game's dynamic weather, from tornados that boost aerial mobility to rain that hampers parachutes, adds strategic depth. Even fire tornadoes enhance movement but pose a deadly risk if you get too close, perfectly capturing the post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
Risk vs. Reward
The concept of risk versus reward is central to Exoborne's design. Upon entering the game, players have 20 minutes before their location is broadcast to everyone, followed by a 10-minute window to extract or face termination. Players can leave at any time with their loot, but staying longer offers the chance to gather more valuable items. Loot is scattered across the map, from the ground to containers and AI enemy bodies, with the richest hauls coming from other players.
In addition to regular loot, artifacts represent the most coveted prizes. These are essentially high-value loot boxes that require artifact keys to open, and their locations are visible to all players, often leading to intense PvP encounters. High-value loot areas are also present, guarded by formidable AI, challenging players to take significant risks for the best rewards.
This setup creates a tense atmosphere, encouraging effective team communication. Even if you're downed, you're not out of the fight; self-revives and teammate revivals provide a chance to stay in the game, though they require time and can be risky if enemies are nearby.
My main concerns after the demo revolve around the game's social and endgame aspects. Exoborne seems best enjoyed with a dedicated squad of friends, which may not appeal to solo players or those without a regular group, especially since it's not free-to-play. Additionally, the late game remains unclear, with Game Director Petter Mannefelt hinting at a focus on PvP and player comparison, though specifics were not available.
As Exoborne prepares for its playtest from February 12 to 17 on PC, it will be interesting to see how these aspects evolve and whether the game can carve out its niche in the competitive extraction shooter genre.
