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 the 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 immediately craving "one more run," Exoborne shows strong potential within the extraction shooter genre.
The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Three are currently available: the Kodiak (shield during sprints, powerful ground slam), the Viper (health regeneration on kills, strong melee attack), and the Kerstrel (enhanced mobility, high jumps, temporary hover). Each rig features unique upgrade modules, further customizing playstyles. While the three rigs are currently limiting, developer Shark Mob remains tight-lipped on future additions.
Gameplay is satisfying. Weapons have a weighty feel, melee attacks pack a punch, and the grappling hook adds exciting traversal options, surpassing simple ground movement. Weather events significantly impact gameplay; tornadoes boost aerial mobility, while rain renders parachutes ineffective. Fire tornadoes offer further traversal opportunities but pose a lethal risk.
Risk and Reward
Risk versus reward underpins Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer begins upon entry, broadcasting your location after it expires, giving you 10 minutes to extract or face elimination. Early extraction offers less loot, while extended stays yield greater rewards from environmental sources and, most lucratively, other players.
Artifacts, high-value loot boxes requiring keys, are a major draw. Their locations are visible to all players, encouraging player conflict. Similarly, high-value areas are heavily guarded by powerful AI, demanding calculated risk-taking.
The system fosters intense teamwork. Downed players aren't immediately eliminated; self-revives and teammate revives offer second chances, though risky if enemies linger.
Two concerns emerged from the preview. Firstly, Exoborne strongly favors coordinated squads. Solo play or random teammates are less than ideal, a common issue in squad-based tactical shooters, especially given the game's non-free-to-play status.
Secondly, the late-game remains unclear. While Game Director Petter Mannefelt mentioned a PVP focus, the preview lacked sufficient late-game content to judge its appeal.
Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will provide further insights into its long-term potential.
