Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter Preview
Get in, grab the loot, and get out – the core tenets of any extraction shooter, 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 immediately craving another run, Exoborne shows strong potential to make waves in the extraction shooter market.
The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Three distinct rigs 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.
- Kestrel: Prioritizes mobility with enhanced jumping and temporary hovering capabilities.
Each rig can be customized with unique modules, further enhancing their specialized abilities. While the three rigs currently available feel somewhat limited, the potential for future additions is exciting.
Gameplay is smooth and satisfying. Weapons have a weighty feel, melee attacks pack a punch, and the grappling hook adds a thrilling dimension to traversal. Random weather events, including tornadoes (boosting aerial mobility) and rain (rendering parachutes ineffective), add a layer of unpredictable challenge. Fire tornadoes offer a risky but potentially rewarding traversal option.
Risk vs. Reward: The Core Loop
Risk and reward are central to Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer begins upon entry, after which your location is broadcast to other players. You then have 10 minutes to extract, or face elimination. Extracting earlier yields less loot, but staying longer increases your potential earnings. Loot is scattered throughout the environment, with other players representing the most valuable targets.
Artifacts, high-value loot boxes requiring keys, are marked on the map, creating potential for intense player conflict. High-value loot zones are heavily guarded by powerful AI, demanding strategic risk assessment.
Even when downed, players aren't immediately eliminated. Self-revives and teammate revives offer a chance for comeback, though risky. This system encourages teamwork and communication.
Concerns and Future Outlook
Two key concerns emerged from the preview:
- Squad Dependence: Exoborne strongly favors playing with a coordinated team. Solo play or random squads are less optimal, potentially hindering enjoyment for casual players. The paid nature of the game further emphasizes this issue.
2. Undefined Endgame: The lack of detailed information regarding the endgame is concerning. While PvP encounters were fun, the downtime between them needs addressing to ensure long-term engagement.
Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will be crucial in addressing these points and shaping the game's future.
