Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter with Powerful Exo-Rigs
Exoborne, an upcoming extraction shooter, refines the core loop of "get in, get the loot, get out" with amplified action. Powered exosuits, dynamic weather effects, and grappling hooks elevate the gameplay experience. After a 4-5 hour preview, Exoborne shows strong potential within the genre.
The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Three distinct suits are available:
Each suit can be customized with unique modules, enhancing their individual strengths. While the limited number of suits currently feels restrictive, the developer, Shark Mob, remains tight-lipped about future additions.
The shooting mechanics are polished. Weapons possess a satisfying weight and recoil, melee attacks are impactful, and the grappling hook adds dynamic traversal options, surpassing the limitations of standard movement. Random weather events, including tornadoes (providing aerial mobility) and heavy rain (rendering parachutes ineffective), significantly impact gameplay. Fiery tornadoes offer a risky but rewarding traversal option.
Risk and Reward: The Core Gameplay Loop
Exoborne's design centers around risk versus reward. A 20-minute timer triggers a location broadcast to other players, initiating a 10-minute extraction window. Early extraction yields less loot, while extended stays increase potential earnings. Loot is scattered throughout the environment, with player elimination offering the most significant rewards.
Artifacts, high-value loot containers requiring keys, add another layer of strategic depth. Their fixed locations on the map often lead to player conflict. Heavily guarded high-value zones further incentivize calculated risk-taking. The system fosters intense gameplay and emphasizes squad communication. Downed players aren't immediately eliminated; self-revives and teammate revives offer a chance for comeback.
Concerns and Future Outlook
Two key concerns emerged from the preview:
2. Unclear Late-Game: The late-game focus on PvP, while enjoyable, lacked sufficient engagement to fully assess its long-term appeal. Further clarification is needed.
Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will provide further insight into its overall potential.