Twist-Filled Shooter Exoborne Brings Next-Level Extraction

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 immediately craving "one more run," Exoborne shows strong potential within the extraction shooter genre.

The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's unique identity. Three distinct rigs are currently available:

• Kodiak: Offers a sprint shield and a powerful ground slam attack.
• Viper: Rewards aggressive play with health regeneration on kills and a potent melee attack.
• Kestrel: Prioritizes mobility with enhanced jumping and temporary hover capabilities.

Each rig features unique, customizable modules to further enhance its abilities. Personally, the Kodiak's combination of grappling hook maneuvers and devastating ground slam proved incredibly satisfying, though the other rigs offered equally engaging gameplay. The limited number of rigs (only three) feels restrictive, leaving room for future expansion, though the developers remained tight-lipped on future plans.

Gunplay is satisfyingly weighty, melee attacks pack a punch, and the grappling hook provides efficient map traversal, surpassing standard movement. Random weather events add a layer of unpredictability: tornadoes boost aerial mobility, while rain renders parachutes ineffective. Fire tornadoes offer another traversal option, but proximity is perilous.

Risk vs. Reward: A Core Mechanic

Risk and reward are integral to Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer triggers a location broadcast to all players, initiating a 10-minute extraction window or instant elimination. Early extraction offers less loot, while extended stays yield greater rewards, found throughout the environment (ground, containers, enemy corpses). The ultimate prize? Eliminating other players and seizing their loot.

Artifacts, high-value loot boxes requiring keys, present significant challenges. Their locations are visible to all, often leading to player conflict. Similarly, high-value areas are heavily guarded by stronger AI, demanding calculated risk-taking.

Even when downed, players aren't entirely eliminated. Self-revives are available (before bleeding out), and teammates can resurrect fallen comrades, though this is time-consuming and vulnerable to enemy attacks.

Two key concerns emerged from the preview:

1. Squad Dependence: Exoborne thrives with coordinated teams. While solo play and matchmaking are possible, the experience is significantly enhanced with a pre-formed squad. This is a common issue in squad-based tactical shooters, exacerbated by the game's paid model.

2. Unclear Late-Game: The developers were non-committal about late-game content, mentioning a PVP focus and player comparison. However, the preview lacked sufficient late-game content to assess its long-term appeal.

Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will be crucial in determining its final form and addressing these concerns.