Exoprimal is a game that promises a lot but doesn’t always deliver. This online-only title will frustrate those that love an offline experience. Moreover, its action is unfortunately repetitive, even though there are plenty of sub-game modes and loads of customisation options. However, if you are on the fence and you subscribe to Game Pass, you needn’t worry. This Triple-A title is included in this exceptional Microsoft subscription service.
Developed and published by Capcom, this is a third-person shooter. What’s more, it has some incredible dinosaur encounters, some tactical elements, and an array of heroes to choose from. Accordingly, there is plenty of depth and loads of scope to maximise your potential. Whether you love to attack every enemy or protect your teammates, there is a character for you. Additionally, the competitive online action is moreish, and the game evolves depending on your level of skill. As such, no playthrough is ever the same.
Exoprimal tells a tale of a bleak future.
The year is 2043, and a dinosaur outbreak threatens mankind. However, there is a glimmer of hope thanks to the guidance of the Leviathan system. This often overbearing lifeform drags unexpectant fighters to a test arena known as Dinosaur Survival. Here, the warriors and their exosuits will be put through their paces. By tackling waves of unruly dinosaurs, and fighting against other warriors, mankind can design the ultimate exosuit. Only when this task is completed can the threat be wiped out and humanity will be saved.
This highly unbelievable setting forms the exciting backdrop for every combat encounter. As you jump into your exosuit, you are teamed up with players from various platforms. From here, you’ll enjoy a mixture of PvP and PvE action. Accordingly, this forces you to work together with your teammates to overcome every objective. Therefore, you’ll need to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your team before undertaking each mission.
Repetitive action but plenty of game modes.
Exoprimal places all its eggs in one basket. Accordingly, Dinosaur Survival is the key focus for every mission. Moreover, this game mode helps to evolve the story. As such, players will experience different elements of the plot to their teammates. Furthermore, there is a season pass/battle pass approach to focus on during each mission. This element didn’t interest me as unlockable skins and emblems don’t float my boat. However, I know plenty of gamers adore these challenges.
As previously mentioned, the action flits between PvP and PvE modes. At times, you’ll need to work together to destroy swathes of Raptors or a large Carnaterous. Alternatively, you’ll enjoy a limited horde mode as you protect your VTOL. Alongside this, you may try out the capture the flag setting as you attempt to retrieve your opponents’ data key. On top of this, there is an array of other modes to enjoy.
Each mission comprises the Dinosaur Cull element, as well as a final mission objective. Furthermore, depending on your progress, you’ll experience different gameplay elements. As such, though the differences are minor, no playthrough is ever the same.
Exoprimal performs well.
Fast-paced shooters must be buttery smooth and problem free. Fortunately, Exoprimal ticks both of these boxes. I was impressed by its pleasant frame rate and level of detail. Moreover, the excellent HUD and minimap enable you to plan your tactics. Alongside this, the unique exosuits and custom options were a joy to look at. However, the action makes you look inwards, and this causes you to overlook the stage design. The often claustrophobic arenas are interesting and varied. Yet, once you’ve experienced them repeatedly, you soon become bored with what you see. As such, I expected more from a high-end title.
The audio was perfect for the genre. The excellent cutscenes do a great job of adding drama and energy to the proceedings. However, the poor lip-syncing was disappointing. It made me laugh, but I’m not sure this was its intention. This to one side, though, you’ll adore the crashing sound effects and the roar of every dinosaur. The cacophony of sounds was ear-splitting and an ideal setting when battling prehistoric beasts.
Excellent controls.
If a shooting game handles badly, it kills any enjoyment. Exoprimal delivers a phenomenal shooting experience thanks to its amazing tutorial and varied gameplay approaches. Whether you wish to play as assault, tank, or support, there is a suit for you. Moreover, each hero has a set list of skills that must be mastered. Thankfully, this is an easy task because of the intuitive controller layout. Consequently, this is great fun whether you play on a console or PC.
Franchises such as COD and Battlefield keep their player base coming back for more. However, I can’t see this happening with Exoprimal. Though I enjoyed each Dinosaur Survival encounter, the action was too repetitive. Subsequently, this taints the finished product and leaves you wanting. Fortunately, though, Capcom has a plan to add more content. If this expands the core gameplay to remove the tedium, then Exoprimal may survive.
Exoprimal just misses the mark.
In its current build, Exoprimal misses the mark. Yet, there is plenty to enjoy if you play it on Game Pass. If Capcom fulfils its promises and releases extra content, then it could become a niche but impressive addition to the genre. At this point, the game will be worth investing in. However, unless you have a great group of like-minded friends, this could become stale very quickly. Accordingly, I recommend trying it before you buy it. Further information can be found here! Can you help Leviathan to create the ultimate exosuit? Complete every mission, annihilate every dinosaur, and witness a cruel story unfold.
