In the world of extraction shooters, the formula is simple: get in, grab the loot, and get out. Exoborne, the upcoming title from developer Shark Mob, takes this concept and dials up the intensity with super-powered Exo-Rigs, dynamic weather effects, and the thrill of grappling hooks. After spending around 4-5 hours with the game during a recent preview event, I walked away intrigued but not yet craving another session. However, Exoborne shows promising potential to shake up the extraction shooter genre.

The heart of Exoborne's unique identity lies in its Exo-Rigs, which are divided into three distinct types: Kodiak, Viper, and Kestrel. The Kodiak rig enhances your defensive capabilities with a shield during sprints and allows for devastating ground slams. The Viper rig encourages aggressive play with health regeneration upon enemy takedowns and a powerful melee attack. Meanwhile, the Kestrel rig prioritizes mobility with the ability to jump higher and hover temporarily. Each rig can be further customized with unique modules, enhancing their specialized abilities. While the current selection of three rigs feels somewhat limiting, Shark Mob's silence on future additions leaves room for anticipation.

The shooting mechanics in Exoborne are robust, with guns delivering a satisfying weight and recoil, and melee attacks packing a punch that feels immensely gratifying. The grappling hook adds an exhilarating layer of mobility, allowing for swift map traversal and Spider-Man-like swings. Weather effects play a significant role in gameplay; tornados can boost your aerial movement, while heavy rainfall hampers parachute use. Fire tornadoes, a nod to the game's post-apocalyptic setting, offer a risky yet rewarding method of navigation.

Risk vs. Reward

Exoborne's gameplay is built around the principle of risk versus reward. Upon dropping into the game, players face a 20-minute countdown, after which their location is revealed to all, followed by a 10-minute window to extract or face immediate termination. Players can choose to leave at any time, but staying longer increases the potential for loot, which is scattered across the map in various forms, including on AI enemies and within containers. The most lucrative targets are other players, offering the chance to steal their accumulated loot.

Artifacts, essentially high-value loot boxes, are another major draw. To claim their contents, players must not only secure the artifact but also find the corresponding keys. These artifacts are visible to all players, setting the stage for intense confrontations. Additionally, high-value areas guarded by formidable AI mobs present another challenge for those seeking the best loot.

The game fosters a tense atmosphere, encouraging strong communication within squads. Even if downed, players aren't immediately out; self-revives and teammate revivals provide a chance to stay in the fight, albeit at the risk of enemy interference.

Despite its engaging mechanics, I have two main concerns about Exoborne. Firstly, it seems to be most enjoyable with a dedicated group of friends, which may not appeal to solo players or those without a regular gaming squad. This is particularly notable given its non-free-to-play model. Secondly, the late-game content remains unclear, with developer Petter Mannefelt hinting at a focus on PvP without elaborating on specifics. While the PvP encounters I experienced were fun, the intervals between them were too long to make me eager for more.

Exoborne's development will be further tested during its upcoming playtest from February 12 to 17 on PC. As the game evolves, it will be interesting to see how Shark Mob addresses these concerns and continues to refine the experience.