Exoborne: Revolutionary Shooter Unveiled

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 this 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 strong potential within the genre.

The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Three distinct rigs are 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 upgrade modules, further customizing playstyles. While the three rigs currently available feel somewhat limited, developer Shark Mob remained tight-lipped about future additions.

Gameplay is fluid and satisfying. Weapons have a weighty feel, melee attacks pack a punch, and the grappling hook adds exciting traversal options, surpassing standard movement. Random weather events introduce dynamic challenges and opportunities. Tornadoes boost aerial mobility, while rain renders parachutes ineffective. Fire tornadoes offer traversal advantages but pose a lethal threat if approached too closely.

Risk vs. Reward Mechanics

Risk and reward are integral to Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer initiates upon entry, broadcasting your location after it expires, leaving a 10-minute window for extraction or elimination. Early extraction yields less loot, but staying longer increases potential rewards found throughout the environment (on the ground, in containers, and from fallen enemies). Eliminating other players offers the greatest potential loot acquisition.

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Artifacts, high-value loot boxes requiring keys for access, are marked on the map, creating potential for player conflict. Similarly, high-value loot areas are heavily guarded by powerful AI, demanding strategic risk assessment.

Even after being downed, players aren't immediately eliminated. Self-revives are available before bleeding out, and teammates can revive fallen comrades, though this is a time-consuming and risky endeavor.

Concerns and Future Outlook

Two key concerns emerged from the preview. Firstly, Exoborne strongly favors cooperative play with a pre-formed squad. While solo and random matchmaking are options, they are less than ideal, particularly given the game's non-free-to-play model.

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Secondly, the late-game remains unclear. While Game Director Petter Mannefelt mentioned a focus on PvP comparisons, the preview lacked sufficient late-game content to assess its long-term appeal.

Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will provide further insight into its overall potential.