Exoborne Is an Extraction Shooter With a Twist(er)

Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter with Exo-Suit Action

Exoborne, an upcoming extraction shooter, refines the core loop – get in, grab the loot, get out – with amplified action. Powered exosuits (Exo-Rigs), dynamic weather effects, and grappling hooks elevate the gameplay. 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 currently available:

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

Each suit can be customized with unique modules, enhancing their abilities further. While the limited suit selection feels restrictive, the developer, Shark Mob, remains tight-lipped about future additions.

The shooting mechanics feel excellent. Weapons have satisfying recoil, melee attacks are impactful, and the grappling hook provides efficient traversal, surpassing standard movement. Random weather events introduce strategic elements: tornadoes boost aerial mobility, while rain renders parachutes ineffective. Fire tornadoes offer a risky but rewarding traversal option.

Risk vs. Reward: Core Gameplay Loop

Risk and reward are integral to Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer begins upon entry; at zero, your location is broadcast, triggering a 10-minute extraction window. Extraction requires funds. Staying longer yields greater loot, found throughout the environment, on enemies, and, most lucratively, from eliminated players.

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Artifacts, high-value loot boxes requiring keys, are a major draw. Their locations are visible to all players, encouraging player conflict. High-value loot zones, heavily guarded by AI, present significant challenges.

Even when downed, players aren't immediately eliminated. Self-revives are available before bleeding out, and teammates can revive fallen comrades, though this is a risky maneuver.

Concerns and Future Outlook

Two key concerns emerged from the preview:

1. Squad Dependence: Exoborne strongly favors coordinated squads. While solo play and matchmaking are possible, they are less than ideal, potentially alienating solo players. This is compounded by the game's non-free-to-play status.

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2. Unclear Late-Game: The late-game remains undisclosed, with only general comments about player comparison and PVP. While PVP encounters were enjoyable, their infrequency raises concerns about long-term engagement.

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