Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter Preview
Get in, grab the loot, and escape. That's the core gameplay loop of Exoborne, an upcoming extraction shooter that elevates the genre with powerful Exo-Rigs, dynamic weather effects, and grappling hooks. After a 4-5 hour preview, Exoborne shows strong potential, though some aspects require further development.
The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Currently, three distinct rigs are available:
- Kodiak: Offers a sprint shield and a powerful ground slam attack.
- Viper: Rewards aggressive play with health regeneration on kills and a strong melee attack.
- Kestrel: Prioritizes mobility with enhanced jumping and temporary hover capabilities.
Each rig can be customized with unique modules, enhancing their specific strengths. While the current selection feels limited, the potential for future additions is exciting. The gameplay itself is satisfying, with weighty weaponry, impactful melee combat, and the grappling hook adding a thrilling dimension to traversal. Dynamic weather, including tornadoes and rain, significantly impacts movement and adds a layer of unpredictable challenge.
Risk and Reward:
Exoborne's design revolves around calculated risk-taking. A 20-minute timer triggers a location broadcast, followed by a 10-minute extraction window. Staying longer yields greater rewards, but increases the risk of encountering other players. Loot is abundant, with valuable artifacts requiring both collection and keys for extraction. High-value loot areas are heavily guarded, demanding strategic planning and teamwork.
Even when downed, players aren't entirely eliminated. Self-revives and teammate revives offer chances for comeback, adding tension and strategic depth.
Concerns:
Two key concerns emerged from the preview:
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Squad Dependence: Exoborne strongly favors coordinated squads. While solo play is possible, the experience is significantly enhanced with a pre-formed team. This is a common limitation in the genre, but it's amplified by the game's non-free-to-play model.
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Late-Game Uncertainty: The late-game focus on PvP, while enjoyable, lacked sufficient structure in the preview. More defined late-game content is needed to maintain long-term engagement.
Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will be crucial in addressing these concerns and shaping the final product. The core mechanics are compelling, but the long-term appeal hinges on addressing the late-game and fostering a more inclusive experience for solo players and smaller groups.
