Twister Unveiled: Exoborne's Unique Extraction Shooter

Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter Preview

Get in, grab the loot, and get out – the core tenets of any extraction shooter, 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 to make a significant impact.

The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Three distinct rigs are currently available: the Kodiak (shield during sprints, devastating ground slam), the Viper (health regeneration on kills, powerful melee), and the Kerstrel (enhanced mobility, jump height, temporary hover). Each rig boasts unique modules for further customization. The Kodiak's combination of grappling hook swings and ground slams proved particularly satisfying, but all rigs offered enjoyable gameplay. While the limited three-rig selection feels restrictive, and future expansion is hoped for, developer Shark Mob remained tight-lipped on future plans.

Gunplay is excellent. Weapons have a weighty feel, melee attacks pack a punch, and the grappling hook provides efficient map traversal, surpassing standard movement. Random weather events add a dynamic layer, with tornadoes boosting aerial mobility and rain rendering parachutes ineffective. Fire tornadoes offer another traversal option but pose a lethal risk if approached too closely. This all contributes to a compelling post-apocalyptic atmosphere.

Risk vs. Reward: The Core Gameplay Loop

Risk and reward are interwoven throughout Exoborne. A 20-minute timer initiates upon deployment, triggering a location broadcast to all players after its expiry. A 10-minute extraction window follows; failure results in immediate elimination. Early extraction is possible (with sufficient funds), but longer stays yield greater rewards. Loot is scattered throughout the environment, with player kills providing the most valuable rewards.

Artifacts are high-value loot boxes containing valuable items, obtainable only upon successful extraction. These require both the artifact and corresponding keys, often leading to player conflict over artifact locations, which are visible on the map. Heavily guarded high-value loot zones further incentivize risk-taking for maximum rewards.

The high-risk gameplay fosters intense squad communication. Downed players aren't immediately eliminated; self-revives are available (before bleeding out), and teammates can revive fallen comrades (provided they reach the body before enemy intervention).

Two Key Concerns

Two primary concerns emerged from the preview. First, Exoborne strongly favors coordinated teamwork. While solo play and random squads are possible, neither is optimal. This is a common issue in squad-based extraction shooters, exacerbated by the game's paid model.

Second, the late-game remains unclear. While the Game Director mentioned a PVP focus and player comparison, the preview lacked sufficient late-game content to assess its long-term appeal. A more defined late-game experience is crucial.

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