Exoborne Is an Extraction Shooter With a Twist(er)

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 considerable potential within the extraction shooter genre.

The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Three currently exist: the Kodiak (shield during sprints, devastating ground slam), the Viper (health regeneration on kills, powerful melee), and the Kerstrel (enhanced mobility, jumping, and temporary hover). Each Rig features unique modules for further customization. The Kodiak's combination of grappling hook maneuvers and ground slam proved particularly satisfying, though the other Rigs offered enjoyable gameplay variations. The limited selection of three Rigs feels restrictive, leaving room for future expansion, although developer Shark Mob remains tight-lipped on future plans.

Gunplay is excellent. Weapons possess a weighty feel, melee attacks are impactful, and the grappling hook provides efficient map traversal, surpassing standard movement. Random weather events introduce both advantages and challenges. Tornadoes enhance aerial mobility, while rain renders parachutes ineffective. Fire tornadoes offer another traversal option, but proximity is perilous.

Risk vs. Reward Mechanics

Risk and reward are integral to Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer initiates upon entry, broadcasting your location after expiration. A 10-minute extraction window follows; otherwise, you're eliminated. Early extraction yields less loot, but prolonged stays increase potential rewards found throughout the environment (ground, containers, enemy corpses). The most valuable loot comes from eliminating other players and seizing their possessions.

Artifacts, valuable loot boxes requiring keys for access, represent significant prizes. Their locations are visible to all players, often leading to player conflict. High-value loot areas are heavily guarded by challenging AI, demanding calculated risk-taking.

Even after being downed, players aren't entirely eliminated. Self-revives are available before bleeding out, and teammates can revive fallen comrades, provided they reach the body before enemy intervention. This mechanic, while time-consuming and vulnerable, offers a crucial lifeline.

Two key concerns emerged from the preview. Firstly, Exoborne strongly favors coordinated squads. While solo play and random matchmaking are possible, they are less optimal. This limitation, inherent in squad-based tactical shooters, is exacerbated by the game's paid nature, potentially deterring casual players lacking established groups.

Secondly, the late-game remains unclear. Game Director Petter Mannefelt indicated a focus on PvP and player comparisons, but the preview lacked sufficient late-game content to gauge its appeal. A more defined late-game strategy is crucial for sustained engagement.

Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will offer further insight into its development and address these concerns.