Exoborne: Extraction Shooter with a Unique Twist

In the thrilling world of extraction shooters, Exoborne stands out by amplifying the classic formula with innovative features like super-powered Exo-Rigs, dynamic weather effects, and the ever-popular grappling hooks. After spending about 4-5 hours with the game at a recent preview event, I left with a sense of cautious optimism. While I didn't feel an immediate urge to dive back in, Exoborne certainly shows promise and could make a significant impact in the genre.

Central to Exoborne's unique identity are the Exo-Rigs, which come in three distinct types: Kodiak, Viper, and Kestrel. The Kodiak provides a shield during sprints and enables devastating ground slams from above, perfect for players who enjoy a more aggressive approach. The Viper rewards close combat by granting health regeneration upon eliminating enemies and features a powerful melee attack. For those prioritizing mobility, the Kestrel offers enhanced jumping and hovering capabilities. Each Exo-Rig can be customized further with unique modules, allowing players to tailor their gameplay experience to their preferred style. While only three suits are currently available, the potential for additional Exo-Rigs in the future could further enrich the game's diversity.

The shooting mechanics in Exoborne are commendable, with guns delivering a satisfying kick and melee attacks packing a powerful punch. The grappling hook adds a thrilling dimension to navigation, allowing players to glide across the map effortlessly. The game's weather system dynamically influences gameplay; tornados can boost aerial mobility, while heavy rainfall can hinder parachute use. Even more dramatic are the fire tornadoes, which offer both a mobility advantage and a deadly risk if players get too close.

Risk vs. Reward

Exoborne's core mechanic revolves around the risk versus reward dynamic. Upon entering the game, players are given a 20-minute window before their location is broadcasted to all other players, followed by a 10-minute extraction period. The longer players stay, the more loot they can accumulate, found scattered across the map, in containers, or from defeated AI and human opponents. The most coveted items are artifacts, which function as high-value loot boxes that require artifact keys to unlock and can only be claimed upon successful extraction.

Additionally, high-value loot zones are guarded by formidable AI, challenging players to take risks for greater rewards. This setup fosters a tense atmosphere, encouraging strategic communication within squads. Even if downed, players aren't immediately out of the fight; self-revives and teammate resurrections offer a chance to get back in the game, albeit with risks if enemies linger.

My experience with Exoborne raised two significant concerns. Firstly, the game seems optimized for playing with a dedicated squad of friends, which could be a barrier for solo players or those without a regular group, especially given its non-free-to-play model. Secondly, the late-game content remains unclear, with the developers hinting at a focus on PVP without providing specifics. While PVP encounters were enjoyable, the downtime between them left me questioning the game's long-term engagement potential.

As Exoborne gears up for its playtest from February 12 to the 17th on PC, it will be interesting to see how these elements evolve and whether the game can carve out its niche in the competitive landscape of extraction shooters.