Exoborne is an extraction shooter set in a world of extreme climate change

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In a dystopian future envisioned by game developers at Sharkmob, survival is key as essential resources are scarce and humanity must unite to endure. The forthcoming game, Exoborne, is an extraction shooter where teams embark on missions to collect supplies and accomplish diverse objectives in a devastated world. While players will be focused on surviving against both humans and machines, the most treacherous threat could very well be the unforgiving environment itself. Shacknews got a chance to explore the hazardous landscapes of Exoborne.

In a not-too-distant future, humankind teeters on the edge of survival due to a ruthless corporation that has left a trail of environmental destruction in its wake. The foremost tech company on Earth, Rebirth, initially aimed to construct colossal towers as a defense against climate change’s consequences. However, the corporation became corrupted by power and used their towers maliciously against humanity. To add insult to injury, the relentless progression of climate change brought about the ruination of much of the planet. From the smoldering embers of civilization, a small rebellious force emerged, adopting the name Reborn. This group has been forced by Rebirth to control their Exo-Rig suits via implants, which they will use to battle against Rebirth while simultaneously navigating the progressively treacherous landscape outside.

In Exoborne, although you can embark on solo adventures, it’s recommended to join matchmaking and team up with two others. A three-member squad is much better prepared to handle the challenges that occur in the game’s diverse stages, as their difficulty increases based on the strength of the enemy AI. Some advanced stages even have complex layouts, like Sinkhole, which is treacherous due to most of its ground being covered by fire and magma.

From my perspective, what really pulls me into Exoborne is the thrill of exploring a treacherous landscape that’s always in flux. Just because you’re enjoying clear skies today doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way. The weather could suddenly turn harsh, bringing downpours, thunderstorms, or gale-force winds. Navigating through such conditions can be challenging, but they also conceal valuable treasures. Whether the potential rewards justify the significant risk is a decision each player must make. Additionally, these adverse weather conditions can intensify combat encounters, as Exo-Rig kits often attract lightning strikes, which can severely deplete your health.

As a fan, I must say that while Exoborne shares the thrill of shooting and combat with other extraction shooters, it’s the traversal that truly sets it apart and makes gameplay enjoyable. The grappling hook provides quick movement, even though it has a short cooldown and limited range. With a pull, you can launch yourself a short distance and, attached to your suit, a parachute lets you glide and ride the wind to safety – just be mindful of the wind’s direction, as I’ve found myself swept up in tornadoes before, only to be hurled off course. Although there’s no fall damage, tornadoes can still inflict heavy harm, especially when coupled with fire. Moreover, you have little control over where you land during a tornado, so it’s crucial to watch out for those windy situations!

Readying oneself for these missions significantly contributes to the overall Exoborne adventure. Each Exo-Rig suit boasts distinct capabilities; for example, the Viper STR1’s Blade Dash and the Kodiak OX1’s Ground Slam. You can enhance these abilities with augmentations, making expeditions less challenging, but remember, going in fully armed is always a risk. Perishing in the field results in losing all equipped items, so players must consider whether it’s wise to jeopardize a precious piece of equipment for a Sinkhole excursion.

In this vast world, you won’t only encounter Rebirth as a hostile force. Bandits from two separate groups, the Nord and the Bodkin, roam freely and are likely to open fire without warning. Also, remember that each journey has a time limit, and extraction can lead to intense confrontations. Even if an extraction plane arrives, you might still find yourself under attack and potentially meet your end just before boarding.

Exoborne won’t be launching right away, since Sharkmob is diligently incorporating player feedback. During the demo period, they paid close attention to the comments made, particularly those about the loot system. They plan to keep this up as the game moves forward to its next playtest. The Exoborne Playtest is scheduled for February 12-17, and the full PC version will be available soon after that.

This sneak peek is derived from an initial PC edition that was played at a press gathering in Las Vegas, Nevada. The developer covered our travel and accommodation expenses.

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2025-01-28 18:28