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 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 craving an immediate replay, Exoborne shows strong potential within the extraction shooter genre.
The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Three distinct types are currently available:
- Kodiak: Offers a sprint shield and a devastating ground slam attack.
- Viper: Rewards aggressive play with health regeneration on kills and a powerful melee strike.
- Kerstrel: Prioritizes mobility with enhanced jumping and temporary hovering.
Each Rig can be customized with unique modules, further enhancing their abilities. Personally, the Kodiak's combination of grappling hook maneuvers and ground slam proved incredibly satisfying, though the other Rigs were enjoyable as well. The limited selection of three Rigs feels restrictive, leaving room for future expansion, though developer Shark Mob remained tight-lipped on future plans.
Gunplay is satisfying, with weighty recoil and impactful melee attacks. The grappling hook adds a dynamic element to traversal, surpassing standard movement. Random weather events, including tornadoes boosting aerial mobility and rain rendering parachutes ineffective, add an unpredictable layer to gameplay. Fire tornadoes offer a risky but rewarding traversal option.
Risk vs. Reward Mechanics
Risk and reward are central to Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer initiates upon deployment, broadcasting your location after it expires. A subsequent 10-minute window allows for extraction, or immediate elimination. Extracting earlier yields less loot, while extended stays increase rewards found throughout the environment (ground, containers, enemy corpses). The most valuable loot comes from eliminating other players and seizing their possessions.
Artifacts, high-value loot boxes requiring keys for access, are marked on the map, inevitably leading to player conflict. Heavily guarded high-value areas further incentivize risk-taking for optimal loot acquisition.
Even after being downed, players aren't immediately eliminated. Self-revives and teammate revives offer a chance for comeback, though these are time-consuming and vulnerable to enemy attacks.
Concerns
Two main concerns arose from the preview:
- Squad Dependence: Exoborne strongly favors coordinated squads. While solo play and random matchmaking are possible, they are less than ideal, particularly given the game's non-free-to-play model.
2. Unclear Late-Game: The late-game remains undisclosed, though PVP is mentioned as a key component. The preview lacked sufficient late-game content to assess its long-term appeal.
Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will offer further insight into its overall potential.
