Taking the gaming world by storm, Sharkmob, known for their game Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodhunt, has unveiled a new tactical open world shooter, Exoborne. Designed to run on the advanced Unreal Engine 5, Exoborne plants players in the make-believe near-future of Colton County, USA. Here, gamers face not just each other but also the NPCs and the unpredictable, extreme weather of a post-apocalyptic landscape.
Following the backdrop of a global collapse sparked by the failed Project Rebirth—an initiative meant to avert environmental catastrophes—Exoborne emerges as a game defined by its "dramatic playground." Creative director Petter Mannerfelt describes it as a place "where everything is broken and turned upside down." Players assume the role of a "Reborn" warrior, armed with an exo-rig, empowering them with enhanced jumping, grappling, and paragliding abilities. This gear is essential for navigating through the chaotic ruins of civilization while scavenging for precious resources.
The game showcases a third-person perspective that seamlessly transitions into first-person aiming, mixing the expansive exploration of titles like Anthem with the intensity of a battle royale game à la PUBG. The environment is peppered with remnants of grandeur, among them toppled bridges, towering silver structures named "Stratos," and giant derelict oil rigs—all suggestive of humanity's former might.
To add excitement, Exoborne offers multiple transport options, including ziplines and buggies, which are especially handy for escaping the game's deadly tornadoes. Matches range from quick 15-minute skirmishes to longer 30-minute engagements, with the primary goal being to find valuable items and extract them successfully. The game builds tension by imposing a limit on how long players can survive in the hostile environment.
Teaming up for assignments is the norm as the game's matchmaking defaults to groups of three, but it also allows for solo play or duos. Objectives vary from solo missions to group quests and dynamic public events that promise rich rewards but also higher risks of encountering foes. The prize of all prizes are hidden within storms themselves, which serve as both treasure troves and traps for unwary adversaries.
Despite its focus on combat and survival, there's no character leveling in Exoborne—progress is made by building reputation through story missions from non-player characters. Further, the game spotlights the customization of exo-rigs that cater to different playstyles and the crafting of weapons and equipment from gathered blueprints. Some rigs are designed for sneaky solo raids, others for team protection, and yet more for braving the savage elements. In the safe confines of "Home" zones, players can converse with NPCs and develop their arsenal, reminiscent of how Anthem handled gear and upgrade systems.
The development team stresses the importance of considering Exoborne as a PvP-focused shooter first and foremost, distinguishing it from "looter shooters" that emphasize RPG elements and PvE progression. Here, gear and weaponry are fine-tuned for balanced and competitive player-versus-player encounters within an open world setting.
Despite Exoborne's innovative features and thrilling premise, it might feel familiar to seasoned gamers who have explored similar game worlds and shooters. Yet, this is only one of two new IPs from Sharkmob—with another title from their London studio yet to be unveiled.
Exoborne, published by Level Infinite, promises a paid experience with additional live service elements and microtransactions. As no official release date has been shared, the gaming community eagerly awaits further announcements and teases, much like those that accompany annual gaming events.
Exoborne represents a bold step into the future of tactical, loot-heavy shooters, offering players the chance to battle foes in a torn world with a treasure trove of gameplay innovations at their fingertips. With continued development and keen community interest, it may very well reshape expectations for what an open world PvPvE shooter can be.
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