In the world of extraction shooters, the mantra is simple: get in, grab the loot, and get out. Exoborne, the upcoming title from developer Shark Mob, takes this core concept and amplifies it with a thrilling twist. During a recent preview event, I spent around 4-5 hours diving into the game. While it didn't leave me craving "one more drop," Exoborne certainly has the potential to make waves in the extraction shooter genre.
At the heart of Exoborne's unique identity are the Exo-Rigs, super-powered suits that enhance both your strength and mobility. There are currently three types of Exo-Rigs available: the Kodiak, which provides a shield while sprinting and allows for devastating ground slams; the Viper, which offers health regeneration upon eliminating enemies and a powerful melee attack; and the Kestrel, which focuses on mobility with higher jumps and the ability to hover. Each suit can be further customized with unique modules, enhancing their specific abilities. While the current selection of three suits might feel limiting, Shark Mob has yet to reveal plans for additional Exo-Rigs.
The shooting mechanics in Exoborne are satisfying, with guns delivering a weighty kick and melee attacks packing a punch. The inclusion of grappling hooks adds a dynamic element to navigation, allowing players to swing and glide across the map. The game's post-apocalyptic setting is brought to life with wild weather effects, such as tornados that boost aerial mobility and rainfall that hampers parachutes. Even fire tornadoes add to the chaotic environment, offering both a means of transportation and a deadly hazard.
Risk vs. Reward
Exoborne's design revolves around the principle of risk versus reward. Upon entering the game, a 20-minute timer starts, and once it hits zero, your location is broadcast to all players, giving you a mere 10 minutes to extract or face a killswitch. Players can choose to extract early if they have the funds, but staying longer increases the potential for greater loot. Loot is scattered throughout the map, in containers, on the ground, and from defeated AI enemies, but the most valuable items come from other players.
Artifacts, the game's high-value loot boxes, require not only finding the artifact itself but also collecting artifact keys to unlock them. These locations are visible to all players, often leading to intense confrontations. Additionally, high-value loot areas are heavily guarded by stronger AI mobs, challenging players to take significant risks for the best rewards.
The game fosters a tense atmosphere, encouraging effective communication within squads. Even if downed, players aren't immediately out of the fight; self-revives and teammate revivals offer a chance to stay in the game, though these actions are time-consuming and risky if enemies are nearby.
My experience with Exoborne raised two main concerns. Firstly, the game seems best enjoyed with a dedicated group of friends. While solo play and matchmaking with strangers are options, they aren't ideal, especially given that Exoborne isn't free-to-play. This could be a drawback for casual fans without a regular squad.
Secondly, the late-game content remains unclear. Game Director Petter Mannefelt mentioned that late-game would focus on PVP and player comparisons, but specifics were not disclosed. While PVP encounters were enjoyable, the downtime between them was too long to make me eager to return solely for that aspect.
Exoborne's development will continue to be tested during its playtest from February 12 to the 17th on PC. As the game evolves, it will be interesting to see how Shark Mob addresses these concerns and further refines the experience.
