Exoborne: Twisting Extraction Shooter Unveiled

Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter Preview

Exoborne, an upcoming extraction shooter, refines the genre's core tenets – get in, grab the loot, and escape – by introducing powerful Exo-Rigs, dynamic weather effects, and grappling hooks. A recent preview session revealed a thrilling experience, though some aspects require further development.

The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Three distinct rigs are currently available: the Kodiak (shield, powerful ground slam), the Viper (health regeneration on kills, strong melee), and the Kerstrel (enhanced mobility, hover). Each rig boasts unique modules for customization, enhancing their specialized capabilities. While the three rigs offer varied gameplay, the limited selection feels restrictive, leaving room for future expansion.

The core shooting mechanics are polished. Weapons deliver satisfying recoil, melee strikes pack a punch, and the grappling hook adds exciting traversal options. Unpredictable weather events, including tornadoes and rain, significantly impact movement and strategy. Tornadoes boost aerial mobility, while rain renders parachutes ineffective. The inclusion of fire tornadoes adds another layer of environmental challenge and tactical opportunity.

Risk and Reward: A Core Mechanic

Risk versus reward permeates Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer initiates upon deployment, triggering a location broadcast to other players after its expiration. Players then have 10 minutes to extract or face elimination. Early extraction yields less loot, but staying longer increases potential rewards, including valuable artifacts requiring keys to unlock. High-value loot zones, heavily guarded by AI, offer significant risk for substantial rewards. These elements encourage strategic planning and team communication.

Even after being downed, players aren't immediately eliminated. Self-revives and teammate revives offer a chance for comeback, though these require strategic positioning and timing.

Areas for Improvement

Two key concerns emerged from the preview. Exoborne strongly favors coordinated squads, potentially alienating solo players or those without established groups. This is exacerbated by the game's non-free-to-play model. Furthermore, the late-game experience remains unclear, with current information focusing primarily on player versus player (PvP) encounters. While PvP is engaging, the infrequent skirmishes need to be balanced to ensure consistent engagement.

Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will be crucial in addressing these issues and shaping the final product. The core gameplay loop is undeniably exciting, but the long-term appeal hinges on refining these aspects.