Exoborne Is an Extraction Shooter With a Twist(er)

Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter Preview

Get in, grab the loot, and escape. This core principle defines extraction shooters, 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 craving an immediate replay, Exoborne shows significant potential within the genre.

The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Three distinct rigs are currently available: the Kodiak (shield during sprints, powerful ground slam), the Viper (health regeneration on kills, strong melee), and the Kerstrel (enhanced mobility, jump height, and temporary hover). Each rig features unique modules for customization, enhancing their specific abilities. The Kodiak's combination of grappling hook maneuvers and devastating ground slams proved particularly satisfying, though the other rigs offered enjoyable gameplay. The limited number of rigs (three) feels restrictive, leaving room for future expansion, though the developer, Shark Mob, remained tight-lipped about future plans.

Gunplay is satisfying, with weighty firearms and impactful melee attacks. The grappling hook adds a dynamic traversal element, significantly improving map navigation. Random weather events introduce strategic challenges. Tornadoes boost aerial mobility, while rain renders parachutes ineffective. Fire tornadoes offer a risky but rewarding traversal option, but proximity is deadly.

Risk vs. Reward Mechanics

Risk and reward are integral to Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer begins upon entry, broadcasting your location after it expires. A 10-minute window for extraction then follows, or you're eliminated. Extracting earlier yields less loot, but the longer you stay, the richer the rewards. Loot is scattered throughout the environment, including enemy corpses and containers. Other players represent the ultimate prize, their possessions becoming potential spoils.

Artifacts are high-value loot boxes requiring keys for access and successful extraction. Their locations are visible to all players, potentially leading to player-versus-player (PvP) encounters. Heavily guarded high-value areas offer significant loot but demand considerable risk.

Even after being downed, players aren't immediately eliminated. Self-revives are available before bleeding out, and teammates can revive fallen comrades, though this process is time-consuming and vulnerable to enemy attacks.

Two key concerns emerged from the preview. First, Exoborne strongly favors close-knit squads. While solo play and random matchmaking are possible, they are less than ideal. This limitation, common in squad-based extraction shooters, is exacerbated by the game's paid model.

Secondly, the late-game remains unclear. While PvP encounters were enjoyable, the infrequent skirmishes didn't create a compelling reason for solely PvP-focused gameplay. The developer's plans for this aspect need further clarification.

Exoborne's PC playtest, running from February 12th to 17th, will provide further insight into its development and address these concerns.