Exoborne: Extraction Shooter with a Unique Twist

In the thrilling world of extraction shooters, Exoborne stands out by amplifying the core principles of "get in, get the loot, and get out." With its introduction of super-powered Exo-Rigs, dynamic weather effects, and the ever-exciting grappling hooks, Exoborne promises to make a significant impact in the genre. After spending about 4-5 hours at a recent preview event, I left with a sense of potential rather than an immediate craving for "one more drop," but the game's unique features certainly caught my attention.

The Exo-Rigs are at the heart of Exoborne's identity, offering three distinct types that cater to different playstyles. The Kodiak enhances your defensive capabilities with a shield during sprints and allows for devastating ground slams from above. The Viper, on the other hand, thrives in combat, rewarding players with health regeneration for each enemy taken down and boasting a powerful melee attack. Lastly, the Kestrel prioritizes mobility, enabling higher jumps and temporary hovering, though it sacrifices the offensive power of its counterparts. Each rig can be customized further with unique modules, adding depth to the strategic elements of gameplay.

Personally, swinging into action with the grappling hook and unleashing the Kodiak's ground slam was immensely satisfying, though experimenting with the other rigs was equally enjoyable. While the current offering of three rigs might feel limiting, developer Shark Mob has yet to reveal plans for additional Exo-Rigs, leaving room for future expansion.

The shooting mechanics in Exoborne are notably satisfying, with guns that have a weighty feel and impactful recoil. Melee attacks are equally thrilling, delivering powerful blows that enhance the combat experience. The grappling hook not only adds a fun way to navigate the map but also interacts with the game's dynamic weather system. Tornados can boost your aerial mobility, while rain can hinder your parachute, adding layers of strategy to movement. Fire tornadoes, a nod to the post-apocalyptic setting, offer both a mobility advantage and a lethal threat if you get too close.

Risk vs. Reward

Exoborne's gameplay is driven by a compelling risk vs. reward dynamic. Upon entering the game, a 20-minute timer starts, broadcasting your location to other players when it expires, leaving you with just 10 minutes to extract or face elimination. You can choose to leave early with whatever loot you've amassed, but staying longer increases your potential rewards. Loot is scattered across the map, found in containers, on the ground, or from defeated AI enemies, but the most lucrative targets are other players, whose gear and collected loot become yours upon their defeat.

Artifacts represent the pinnacle of loot in Exoborne, functioning as high-value loot boxes that require both the artifact itself and a key to unlock. Their locations are visible to all players, making them hotspots for PvP encounters. Additionally, high-value loot areas are heavily guarded by stronger AI, challenging players to take risks for the best rewards.

The game fosters intense gameplay and encourages effective communication within squads. Even if downed, players aren't immediately out; self-revives and teammate revivals offer chances to stay in the fight, albeit with the risk of enemy interference.

My main concerns after the demo revolve around the necessity of playing with a close-knit group of friends, which may deter solo players or those without a dedicated squad. While solo play and matchmaking are options, they aren't ideal for a game that thrives on coordinated teamwork, especially given its non-free-to-play model.

Another concern is the lack of clarity around Exoborne's late-game content. While PvP encounters are enjoyable, the downtime between them could affect long-term engagement. Game Director Petter Mannefelt hinted at future PVP-focused elements, but specifics remain undisclosed.

As Exoborne gears up for its playtest from February 12 to the 17th on PC, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and addresses these concerns. The game has the potential to redefine the extraction shooter genre with its unique mechanics and dynamic gameplay.