Exoborne: Extraction Shooter with a Unique Twist

The essence of any extraction shooter is simple: get in, grab the loot, and get out. Exoborne, the upcoming title from developer Shark Mob, takes this concept and amplifies the excitement with the introduction of super-powered Exo-Rigs, dynamic weather effects, and the ever-popular grappling hooks. After spending around 4-5 hours at a recent preview event, I left with a sense that Exoborne could make a significant impact in the extraction shooter genre, even though it didn't leave me craving "one more drop."

The heart of Exoborne's unique gameplay lies within its Exo-Rigs. Currently, there are three types available: Kodiak, Viper, and Kestrel. The Kodiak offers a shield while sprinting and a devastating ground slam, perfect for those who love a dramatic entrance. The Viper thrives in the thick of battle, rewarding players with health regeneration upon defeating enemies and delivering powerful melee attacks. Meanwhile, the Kestrel prioritizes mobility, allowing for higher jumps and temporary hovering, ideal for players who prefer a more agile approach. Each suit can be customized with modules, which are unique to each type and enhance their specific abilities.

Personally, I found the thrill of swinging in like Spider-Man with the grappling hook and then crashing down with the Kodiak's power slam to be incredibly satisfying. While the limited number of Exo-Rigs feels somewhat restrictive, there's certainly potential for expansion. Shark Mob, however, was not ready to discuss future Exo-Rig plans during the event.

Exoborne's shooting mechanics are robust, with guns that have a satisfying kick and melee attacks that pack a punch. The grappling hook not only adds a fun mobility element but also transforms how you navigate the map. Weather plays a critical role in gameplay, with tornados boosting aerial mobility and rainfall rendering parachutes nearly useless. The game's post-apocalyptic setting is further emphasized by fire tornadoes, which can aid your movement but are deadly if you get too close.

Risk vs. Reward

The core of Exoborne's design revolves around risk versus reward. Upon dropping in, a 20-minute timer starts, broadcasting your location to all players once it hits zero, giving you just 10 minutes to extract or face termination. You can choose to leave at any time before this, provided you have the funds to call for an extraction. The longer you stay, the more loot you can potentially gather, which is scattered across the map in various forms, including from AI enemies and, most notably, other players.

Artifacts represent the ultimate prize on the battlefield. These high-value loot boxes require both the artifact itself and an artifact key to open, with their locations visible to all players, often leading to intense player confrontations. High-value loot areas are also present, guarded by formidable AI, challenging players to risk more for greater rewards.

The game fosters a tense atmosphere, encouraging effective squad communication. Even if downed, players aren't out of the fight thanks to self-revives and the ability for teammates to resurrect fallen comrades, adding depth to the gameplay and providing a lifeline in critical situations.

However, I have two major concerns about Exoborne. Firstly, the game seems best enjoyed with a dedicated group of friends. While solo play and playing with strangers are options, they're not ideal, particularly given that Exoborne isn't free-to-play. This is a common challenge for squad-based tactical extraction shooters and could be a barrier for casual fans like myself without a regular gaming squad.

Secondly, the late-game content remains unclear. Game Director Petter Mannefelt mentioned that future plans focus on PVP and player comparisons, but specifics were not shared. While the PVP encounters were enjoyable, the intervals between them were too long to make the game solely appealing for those encounters.

Exoborne's development will be further tested during its playtest from February 12 to the 17th on PC. As the game continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Shark Mob addresses these concerns and shapes the final product.