Exoborne: Sci-Fi Shooter Unveils Unique Extraction Mechanic

Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter Preview

Get in, grab the loot, and escape. This core principle defines extraction shooters, and Exoborne is no exception. However, Exoborne elevates the genre 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 competitive extraction shooter market.

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

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

Each rig can be customized with unique modules, further enhancing their individual strengths. Personally, the Kodiak's combination of grappling hook maneuvers and ground slam proved incredibly satisfying, though the other rigs offered enjoyable gameplay variations. The limited number of rigs (only three) feels restrictive, leaving room for future expansion, though the developer, Shark Mob, remained tight-lipped on future plans.

The shooting mechanics feel excellent. Weapons possess a satisfying weight and recoil, melee attacks deliver impactful blows, and the grappling hook provides efficient map traversal. Random weather events introduce dynamic challenges and opportunities. Tornadoes boost aerial mobility, while rain renders parachutes ineffective. Fire tornadoes offer another traversal option, but pose a significant risk.

Risk vs. Reward: The Core Gameplay Loop

Risk and reward underpin Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer begins upon deployment, broadcasting your location after it expires. Players then have 10 minutes to extract, or face immediate elimination. Early extraction is possible, but longer stays yield greater rewards. Loot is abundant, scattered across the environment, on enemies, and even on fallen players. The most valuable loot, however, comes from eliminating other players.

Artifacts represent high-value loot containers requiring keys for access. Their locations are visible to all, creating potential for intense player-versus-player (PvP) encounters. Heavily guarded high-value areas further incentivize risk-taking for substantial rewards.

This system fosters a tense atmosphere and necessitates effective squad communication. Even after being downed, players aren't immediately eliminated. Self-revives are available, and teammates can revive fallen comrades, though this process is time-consuming and vulnerable to attack.

Two key concerns emerged from the preview:

1. Squad Dependency: Exoborne strongly favors coordinated teamwork. While solo play and random squads are possible, they significantly detract from the optimal experience. This is a common issue in squad-based extraction shooters, exacerbated by the game's paid model.

2. Undefined Late-Game: The late-game remains unclear. While PvP encounters were enjoyable, the infrequent skirmishes didn't create sufficient incentive for repeated engagement solely for PvP. Further clarification from Shark Mob is needed.

Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will offer further insight into its long-term appeal.