Exoborne: Extraction Shooter Introduces Unique Twist

Get in, grab the loot, and escape—that's the essence of any extraction shooter, and the upcoming Exoborne is no exception. However, Exoborne elevates this classic formula with the addition of super-powered Exo-Rigs, which boost your strength and mobility, dynamic weather effects, and the ever-popular grappling hooks. I had the opportunity to dive into a 4-5 hour preview, and while I didn't leave craving "one more drop," I believe Exoborne has the potential to make a significant impact in the extraction shooter genre.

Let's delve into the Exo-Rigs, as they are central to what makes Exoborne unique. Currently, there are three types of Exo-Rigs available: Kodiak, which provides a shield during sprints and allows for devastating ground slams; Viper, which regenerates health upon eliminating enemies and boasts a potent melee attack; and Kestrel, which focuses on enhanced mobility, enabling higher jumps and temporary hovering. These archetypes can be further customized with modules specific to each suit, enhancing their unique abilities.

Personally, I relished the thrill of swinging in like Spider-Man with my grappling hook and unleashing the Kodiak's ground power slam to wreak havoc on the surroundings. Yet, the other suits offered their own unique and enjoyable gameplay experiences. With only three suits available, the selection feels somewhat limited, and there's certainly room for expansion. However, developer Shark Mob was unable to provide details on future Exo-Rigs at this time.

The shooting mechanics in Exoborne are top-notch. Guns have a satisfying heft and recoil, melee attacks deliver a powerful impact, and the grappling hook allows for swift and exciting traversal across the map. Weather events add another layer of strategy, with tornadoes boosting aerial mobility and rainfall rendering parachutes ineffective. To enhance the post-apocalyptic setting, fire tornadoes offer both a means of rapid movement and a dangerous threat if you venture too close.

Risk vs. Reward

Risk versus reward is the core principle driving Exoborne's design. Upon entering the game, a 20-minute timer begins, and once it expires, your location is broadcasted to all players. You then have 10 minutes to extract, or face immediate termination. Before the timer runs out, you can opt to head to an extraction point and call for transport (if you have the funds), but the longer you stay, the more loot you can accumulate. Loot is scattered across the map—in containers, on the ground, and from defeated AI enemies. However, the most lucrative targets are other human players, from whom you can claim their gear and collected loot.

In addition to regular loot, the game features artifacts—essentially high-value loot boxes that require successful extraction and the collection of artifact keys to open. Their locations are visible to all players, making competition fierce. Similarly, high-value loot areas are guarded by formidable AI, challenging players to risk it all for the best rewards.

This setup fosters a tense atmosphere and encourages effective communication within your squad. Even if you're downed, you're not out of the fight. Self-revives allow you to get back up before bleeding out, and as long as a teammate survives, they can revive you, though it's a time-consuming process that leaves you vulnerable to enemy attacks.

My main concerns after the demo were twofold. Firstly, Exoborne seems to be best enjoyed with a dedicated group of friends. While solo play and matchmaking with strangers are options, they're not as optimal. This is a common challenge for squad-based tactical extraction shooters, particularly when the game isn't free-to-play, which may deter casual fans without a regular gaming group.

Secondly, the late game remains a mystery. Game Director Petter Mannefelt mentioned that late-game content would focus on PVP and player comparisons, but specifics were not disclosed. While PVP encounters were enjoyable, the intervals between them were too long to make me eager to return solely for that aspect.

We'll keep an eye on Exoborne as it progresses, especially with its playtest scheduled from February 12 to 17 on PC.