In the world of extraction shooters, the mantra is simple: "Get in, grab the loot, and get out." This fundamental principle is at the core of the upcoming game *Exoborne*, but it takes the excitement up a notch with the introduction of super-powered Exo-Rigs, dynamic weather effects, and the ever-popular grappling hooks. After spending 4-5 hours playing at a recent preview event, I left with the impression that while *Exoborne* might not have immediately hooked me for "one more drop," it certainly has the potential to make a significant impact in the extraction shooter genre.
The Exo-Rigs are central to what makes *Exoborne* stand out. Currently, there are three types of Exo-Rigs: Kodiak, which provides a shield while sprinting and allows for a devastating ground slam; Viper, which enhances health regeneration upon eliminating enemies and offers a potent melee attack; and Kestrel, which focuses on mobility with the ability to jump higher and hover temporarily. Each suit can be customized with unique modules, further tailoring your playstyle and enhancing the Exo-Rig's abilities.
Personally, I found the thrill of swinging in like Spider-Man with the grappling hook and executing a powerful ground slam with the Kodiak incredibly satisfying. While the other suits were also enjoyable to experiment with, the limited number of Exo-Rigs does feel somewhat restrictive. There's potential for more variety, but developer Shark Mob couldn't share details about future Exo-Rigs at this time.
When it comes to the shooting mechanics, *Exoborne* delivers a solid experience. The guns have a satisfying weight and kick, melee attacks are impactful, and using the grappling hook to glide around the map adds a fun dynamic to navigation. Weather events play a crucial role in gameplay, with tornados boosting aerial mobility and rainfall rendering parachutes ineffective. The inclusion of fire tornadoes adds a thrilling yet dangerous element to the post-apocalyptic setting.
Risk vs. Reward
The concept of risk versus reward is woven into every aspect of *Exoborne*'s design. Upon dropping into the game, a 20-minute timer begins, after which your location is broadcasted to all players. You then have 10 minutes to extract or face a killswitch. You can opt to extract earlier if you have the funds, but staying longer increases the potential for better loot. Loot can be found scattered across the map, in containers, or on defeated AI enemies, but the most lucrative targets are other human players, allowing you to claim their gear and collected items.
Beyond standard loot, artifacts represent the ultimate prize. These are essentially high-value loot boxes that require both the artifact and an artifact key to unlock. Their locations are visible to all players, setting the stage for intense PvP encounters. Similarly, high-value loot areas are guarded by stronger AI, requiring players to take significant risks for the best rewards.
The game's design fosters a tense atmosphere and encourages effective communication within squads. Even if you're downed, you're not out of the fight; self-revives and teammate revivals offer a chance to stay in the game, though it's a risky move if enemies are nearby.
My time with the demo raised two main concerns. Firstly, *Exoborne* seems best enjoyed with a close-knit group of friends. While solo play and matchmaking with strangers are options, they're less ideal. This is a common challenge in squad-based tactical extraction shooters, especially given that *Exoborne* isn't free-to-play, which might deter more casual fans like myself without a dedicated squad.
Secondly, the late-game content remains unclear. Game Director Petter Mannefelt mentioned that it would focus on PvP and player comparison, but without specifics, it's hard to gauge what the long-term engagement will look like. While PvP encounters were enjoyable, the downtime between them left me unsure about returning solely for that aspect.
As *Exoborne* gears up for its playtest from February 12 to the 17th on PC, it will be interesting to see how it continues to evolve and address these concerns.
