Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter Preview
Get in, grab the loot, and get out – the core principle of any extraction shooter, and Exoborne is no exception. However, Exoborne elevates this familiar formula with powerful Exo-Rigs boosting strength and mobility, dynamic weather effects, and the ever-popular grappling hook. After a 4-5 hour preview, while not immediately craving "one more run," Exoborne shows strong potential within the extraction shooter genre.
The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's unique identity. Three distinct rigs are currently available:
- Kodiak: Offers a sprint shield and a powerful ground slam attack.
- Viper: Rewards aggressive play with health regeneration on kills and a potent melee attack.
- Kestrel: Prioritizes mobility with enhanced jumping and temporary hover capabilities.
Each rig can be customized with unique modules, further enhancing their abilities. While the limited three-rig selection feels restrictive, and future rig additions remain unconfirmed by developer Shark Mob, the existing options provide diverse gameplay experiences. Personally, the combination of grappling hook maneuvers and the Kodiak's ground slam proved incredibly satisfying.
Gunplay is weighty and impactful, melee attacks deliver satisfying blows, and the grappling hook provides efficient map traversal, surpassing the limitations of standard movement. Random weather events introduce dynamic challenges and opportunities: tornadoes boost aerial mobility, while rain renders parachutes ineffective. Fire tornadoes offer another mobility option, but carry the risk of fiery demise.
Risk vs. Reward: The Core Gameplay Loop
Risk and reward are integral to Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer initiates upon entry, triggering a location broadcast to all players upon expiration. Players then have 10 minutes to extract or face elimination. Early extraction is possible, but longer stays yield greater rewards. Loot is abundant, scattered throughout the environment, on enemies, and even from fallen players.
Artifacts represent high-value loot, requiring both extraction and corresponding keys to unlock their contents. Their marked locations guarantee player encounters. Heavily guarded high-value areas further incentivize risk-taking for optimal rewards.
This system fosters intense gameplay and necessitates strong squad communication. Even after being downed, players aren't entirely eliminated. Self-revives are available before bleeding out, and teammates can resurrect fallen comrades, provided they reach the body before enemy intervention.
Two key concerns emerged from the preview:
- Squad Dependency: Exoborne heavily favors coordinated squads. While solo play and random matchmaking are possible, they fall short of the ideal experience. This limitation, inherent in squad-based tactical extraction shooters, is exacerbated by the game's paid model.
2. Unclear Late-Game: The late-game remains undefined, primarily focusing on PvP, according to Game Director Petter Mannefelt. While PvP encounters were engaging, the infrequent occurrences didn't establish a compelling reason for solely pursuing PvP.
Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will offer further insight into its long-term potential.
