Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter Preview
Get in, grab the loot, and escape. This core principle defines extraction shooters, and Exoborne is no exception. However, Exoborne elevates the genre 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 craving an immediate replay, Exoborne shows strong potential within the competitive extraction shooter market.
Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's unique identity. Three distinct Exo-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 hovering capabilities.
Each rig can be customized with unique modules, further enhancing their abilities. Personally, the Kodiak's combination of grappling hook mobility and devastating ground slam proved incredibly satisfying. While enjoyable, the limited number of Exo-Rigs feels restrictive, leaving room for future expansion.
The shooting mechanics are excellent. Weapons possess a weighty feel, melee attacks deliver impactful hits, and the grappling hook adds a thrilling dimension to traversal, surpassing standard movement. Random weather events introduce dynamic challenges and opportunities. Tornadoes boost aerial mobility, while rain renders parachutes ineffective. Fire tornadoes offer risky but rewarding traversal options.
Risk vs. Reward: The Core Gameplay Loop
Risk and reward underpin Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer begins upon entry, broadcasting your location to other players upon expiration. A 10-minute extraction window follows, or immediate elimination. Early extraction yields less loot, while extended stays increase potential rewards. Loot is scattered throughout the environment, with other players representing the ultimate prize, their possessions becoming yours upon elimination.
Artifacts, high-value loot boxes, require both extraction and corresponding keys. Their locations are visible to all, often leading to player conflict. Similarly, high-value loot zones are heavily guarded by powerful AI enemies, demanding calculated risk-taking.
Even after being downed, players aren't immediately eliminated. Self-revives are available before bleeding out, and teammates can revive fallen comrades, although this is a time-consuming and risky process.
Two key concerns emerged from the preview:
- Squad Dependency: Exoborne strongly favors playing with coordinated friends. Solo play or random squads are less optimal, a common issue in squad-based extraction shooters, particularly concerning given the game's paid model.
2. Unclear Late-Game: The late-game remains undefined, focusing on PVP. While enjoyable, the infrequent PVP encounters leave the long-term appeal uncertain. Further clarification is needed.
Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will offer further insights into its development and overall potential.
