In the world of extraction shooters, the mantra is simple: get in, grab the loot, and get out. Exoborne, an upcoming title in this genre, not only follows this formula but elevates it with super-powered Exo-Rigs, dynamic weather effects, and the ever-exciting grappling hooks. After spending around 4-5 hours at a recent preview event, I left with a sense that Exoborne could make a significant impact in the extraction shooter community, even if it didn't leave me craving "one more drop."
Let's dive into the heart of Exoborne: the Exo-Rigs. These rigs are what set Exoborne apart, offering three distinct types: the Kodiak, Viper, and Kerstrel. The Kodiak provides a shield while sprinting and a devastating ground slam attack, perfect for those who love to make an entrance. The Viper suits aggressive players, rewarding kills with health regeneration and a powerful melee strike. Meanwhile, the Kerstrel focuses on mobility, enabling higher jumps and temporary hovering. Each rig can be customized with unique modules, enhancing their specific abilities and adding depth to strategic play. While the current selection of three rigs might feel limited, developer Shark Mob has hinted at future expansions without confirming any plans.
When it comes to the core shooting mechanics, Exoborne delivers a satisfying experience. The guns have a tangible weight and kick, making each shot feel impactful. Melee attacks are brutally effective, and the grappling hook adds a thrilling dimension to navigation. Weather plays a crucial role, with tornados boosting your aerial mobility and rain hampering your parachute's effectiveness. Even fire tornadoes add to the post-apocalyptic atmosphere, offering both a means of rapid transport and a deadly threat if you get too close.
Risk vs. Reward
The concept of risk versus reward drives Exoborne's gameplay. Upon entering the map, a 20-minute timer starts, and once it hits zero, your location is broadcast to all players. You then have 10 minutes to extract or face a killswitch. The longer you stay, the more loot you can gather, which is scattered across the map in various forms, including from AI enemies and, most valuably, other players. The ultimate prizes are artifacts, akin to loot boxes that require keys and successful extraction to claim their contents. These are marked on the map, inviting fierce competition.
High-value loot areas are also present, guarded by tougher AI mobs, challenging players to take significant risks for the best rewards. This setup fosters a tense atmosphere and emphasizes the importance of squad communication. Even if you're downed, you can still fight back with self-revives or be resurrected by teammates, adding layers to the strategic gameplay.
My time with Exoborne raised two primary concerns. First, the game seems tailored for play with a dedicated group of friends, which could be a hurdle for solo players or those without a regular squad. This is a common challenge in squad-based tactical shooters, compounded by the fact that Exoborne isn't free-to-play. As someone who enjoys the genre casually, this aspect was disappointing.
Secondly, the late-game content remains a mystery. While PVP encounters were enjoyable, the intervals between them felt too long, leaving me uncertain about the game's long-term appeal. Game Director Petter Mannefelt mentioned that the late game would focus on PVP and player comparison, but specifics were not disclosed.
Exoborne's development will be further tested during its playtest from February 12 to the 17th on PC. As the game evolves, it will be interesting to see how these elements come together to create a compelling extraction shooter experience.
