The essence of any extraction shooter is to get in, secure the loot, and escape. Exoborne, an upcoming title in this genre, not only adheres to this formula but elevates the gameplay with the introduction of super-powered Exo-Rigs, dynamic weather effects, and the beloved grappling hooks. After spending 4-5 hours at a recent preview event, I found myself intrigued by Exoborne's potential to make a significant impact in the extraction shooter community, even if I wasn't left craving "one more drop."
Central to Exoborne's unique identity are the Exo-Rigs, which come in three distinct varieties: Kodiak, Viper, and Kestrel. The Kodiak enhances your defensive capabilities with a shield during sprints and a powerful ground slam attack. The Viper, on the other hand, thrives in close combat, offering health regeneration upon enemy takedowns and a devastating melee attack. Lastly, the Kestrel prioritizes mobility, allowing for higher jumps and temporary hovering. Each Exo-Rig can be further customized with modules specific to their type, enhancing their unique abilities. While the selection of only three suits might feel restrictive, developer Shark Mob has yet to reveal plans for expanding the Exo-Rig lineup.
The shooting mechanics in Exoborne are both satisfying and impactful, with guns that deliver a tangible kick and melee attacks that pack a punch. The inclusion of grappling hooks for swift map traversal adds an exhilarating dynamic to movement. The game's environment is further enhanced by unpredictable weather events, such as tornados that boost aerial mobility and rain that hinders parachutes, adding strategic depth to navigation. Even more thrilling are the fire tornadoes, which offer mobility advantages but pose a lethal risk if approached too closely.
Risk vs. Reward
Exoborne's core mechanic revolves around the delicate balance of risk versus reward. Upon entering the game, players are given a 20-minute window before their location is broadcast to all, followed by a 10-minute extraction phase. The longer players remain in the field, the more loot they can accumulate, found scattered across the map or taken from defeated AI or human opponents. The most coveted items are artifacts, essentially high-value loot boxes that require both the artifact itself and a key to unlock upon successful extraction. Additionally, high-value loot zones guarded by formidable AI present lucrative opportunities for those willing to take the risk.
The game fosters a tense atmosphere, encouraging effective squad communication. Even if downed, players aren't immediately out; self-revives and teammate revivals offer a chance to stay in the fight, albeit with the risk of enemy interference.
However, my experience with Exoborne raised two concerns. Firstly, the game seems best enjoyed with a dedicated squad of friends, which may not be ideal for solo players or those without a regular group. This issue is compounded by the game not being free-to-play, potentially limiting its accessibility to casual fans of the genre. Secondly, the late-game content remains unclear, with Game Director Petter Mannefelt indicating a focus on PvP and player comparison, yet specifics are still under wraps. While PvP engagements were enjoyable, the downtime between them could detract from the overall experience.
As Exoborne gears up for its playtest from February 12 to 17 on PC, the community eagerly awaits further developments to see how this promising extraction shooter evolves.
