Exoprimal Review – Capcom Takes A Very Risky Gamble

Exoprimal is a name that rings with the promise of high-octane action, jaw-dropping visuals, and a fascinating blend of science fiction and prehistoric chaos. And in an era dominated by remakes and sequels, Capcom’s audacious foray into the realm of new IPs is nothing short of a breath of fresh air. It’s a testament to the company’s legacy of risk-taking and innovation – a gamble that has paid off in more ways than one.

So get ready to step into this new world, where time and space collapse to unleash dinosaurs on an unprepared future Earth, and you – equipped with advanced Exosuits – are humanity’s last line of defense. But first, survey it through this Exoprimal review.

Story And Setting

Exoprimal comes roaring into the gaming scene with a setting and narrative that are as intriguing as they are audacious. Set in the year 2043, this innovative title transports us to a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by dinosaurs, a calamity borne of spatial-temporal disruptions. The unique mix of futuristic technology and prehistoric creatures presents a compelling dichotomy that sets the stage for the heart-pounding action that follows.

Players assume the role of a pilot stranded on the enigmatic Bikitoa Island following a crash during a routine flight. The sudden opening of a space-time portal mid-flight serves as a thrilling introduction to the chaotic state of the world. Capcom has wisely woven this element of sudden, shocking shifts in the environment throughout the game, heightening the unpredictability and the tension.

But the chaos isn’t aimless. Your interaction with Leviathan, an artificial intelligence system, provides a semblance of order amidst the pandemonium. Leviathan’s role in pushing you and your squad into simulated battles against the dinosaur hordes keeps the pace fast and the stakes high. The concept is as outlandish as it is compelling, providing a quirky twist that keeps you invested in the unfolding story.

Capcom’s ability to inject storytelling into a genre typically dominated by direct combat is impressive, presenting a multi-layered experience that has you strategizing, battling, and exploring an evolving narrative.

Exoprimal also exhibits an unexpected depth in its narrative. The game ties story progression not to wins or losses, but to the number of battles fought. This smart design choice encourages consistent gameplay and removes the sting of defeat. Adding another layer of depth, cutscenes are triggered after specific matches, providing a deeper dive into the squad’s circumstances. The ability to explore the story at your own pace is a welcome touch, allowing players to balance their focus between narrative and combat as they see fit.

The combination of different elements in the game’s story is also commendable. The elements of time travel, AI involvement, and battling prehistoric beasts while piloting Exosuits create a narrative as immersive as it is unique. This blend of sci-fi, adventure, and combat in an alluring dystopian setting contributes to an engaging experience that sets this game apart from its contemporaries.

However, the game’s story is not without its share of flaws. A noticeable lack of clear progression cues might cause confusion or frustration among players, and that is particularly evident when paired with friends who are at a lower level. It tends to restrict the mission variety and create an illusion of less content. Clarity regarding these progression mechanisms would undoubtedly enhance the narrative experience, and one can hope Capcom addresses this in future updates.

Capcom’s ability to inject storytelling into a genre typically dominated by direct combat is impressive, presenting a multi-layered experience that has you strategizing, battling, and exploring an evolving narrative. With some minor tweaks to progression clarity, the game’s story and setting have the potential to elevate Exoprimal to a classic in its genre.

Gameplay

The title brings a refreshing spin to the hero shooter genre, serving up a fascinating amalgam of gameplay mechanics that keeps players thoroughly engaged. The game’s innovative approach to multiplayer combat, clever utilization of roles and objectives, and an impressive variety of enemies to battle make for a uniquely compelling experience.

The core gameplay centers around Dino Survival, a mode that combines player vs environment (PvE) and player vs player vs environment (PvPvE) elements in a captivating blend. Matches are split into two phases, which effectively contribute to a dynamic and exciting flow of action. In the first phase, you’re pitted against another team in a race to complete various objectives, battling waves of dinosaurs while protecting and escorting payloads. This frantic PvE aspect ensures that every match starts off with a bang.

Phase two ups the ante by throwing both teams into the same map to compete directly while simultaneously dealing with the dinosaur hordes. The PvPvE aspect significantly raises the stakes and complexity of the game, pushing players to strategically navigate both the enemy team and the dinosaur onslaught. This unique fusion of gameplay styles keeps players constantly on their toes, injecting unpredictability and excitement into every match.

The array of Exosuits – the game’s version of heroes – further enriches the gameplay. There are ten options split into three categories: Assault, Tank, and Support. Each suit comes with its unique abilities and can be upgraded with modules to improve performance. The diversity in the Exosuits‘ capabilities invites players to strategize and experiment, thus fostering replayability. Notably, the Support category, often underutilized in similar games, receives ample attention here, allowing for even more balanced team compositions.

The title brings a refreshing spin to the hero shooter genre, serving up a fascinating amalgam of gameplay mechanics that keeps players thoroughly engaged.

A feature that deserves particular mention is the in-game option to switch Exosuits. This offers an added layer of flexibility and strategy, as players can adapt to changing objectives and situations during a match. Whether you’re on the defensive or going all-out on the attack, the ability to change suits ensures the gameplay remains fluid and engaging. These Exosuits will be further expanded by the introduction of their Alpha variants on August 17, which provide alternate main weapons for each of the base 10 Exosuits.

The variety of dinosaurs thrown at you – from basic raptors to mutant neosaurs – offers an array of challenges that keep the gameplay fresh and exhilarating. Also, the game occasionally ratchets up the intensity by sending a massive surge of dinosaurs through a portal or transporting players to an alternate dimension to fight a boss. These high-stakes moments effectively blur the line between campaign and multiplayer modes, adding a unique flavor to the overall gameplay.

Nevertheless, it does stumble slightly with its progression system, which can feel opaque and frustrating at times. The mechanism of “unlocking” more content as you complete more matches may not be clearly communicated to the player. Moreover, playing with lower-level friends can lead to restricted access to the full scope of the game’s content.

Visuals And Performance

Exoprimal impresses not only with its unique gameplay mechanics but also with its exceptional visuals. Its graphics are meticulously crafted, with noticeable attention to detail that adds depth and realism to the experience. The performance, meanwhile, remains commendably consistent, even amidst the frantic and chaotic battles against the dinosaur hordes.

The visuals showcase a rich and diverse array of landscapes, beautifully brought to life by the game’s graphics engine. From lush jungles teeming with prehistoric flora to stark, desolate wastelands, each map presents it’s unique visual aesthetic and character. The character designs are similarly impressive, with each Exosuit standing out due to its distinct visual design and animations. 

Furthermore, the dinosaurs, the star attractions of the game, are designed with an astonishing level of detail. From Raptors and Pteranodons to genetically-modified neosaurs, each creature is rendered with a high level of accuracy and creativity. The animations accompanying each creature, whether it’s a simple movement or a full-fledged attack, are fluid and realistic, contributing to the overall immersion.

Whether it’s the radiant flare from an Exosuit’s boosters or the ominous glow of a portal opening up to unleash a dinosaur onslaught, the effects are spectacular.

The lighting and particle effects deserve special mention. Whether it’s the radiant flare from an Exosuit’s boosters or the ominous glow of a portal opening up to unleash a dinosaur onslaught, the effects are spectacular. Not only do they enhance the visual appeal, but they also help in creating a rich atmosphere that adds to the game’s overall tone and setting.

On the performance front, this title manages to maintain a steady framerate even in the heat of the most chaotic battles. Whether you’re facing off against a few raptors or dealing with a full-scale invasion of diverse dinosaur species, the performance remains smooth and stable. The efficient optimization ensures that whether you’re playing on a high-end gaming rig or a modest setup, the game delivers a seamless experience.

The game’s loading times are also commendably swift, allowing for quick transitions between different phases of a match or when switching suits. The Netcode holds up really well, ensuring smooth and lag-free multiplayer interactions, a crucial factor in maintaining the fast-paced nature of the game.

However, some minor graphical bugs and glitches occasionally mar the otherwise impressive visual presentation. While not game-breaking, these instances can briefly disrupt the immersion and are something that Capcom will hopefully address in future updates.

Verdict

Exoprimal is an adrenaline-packed journey that melds science fiction and prehistoric chaos into an engaging multiplayer experience. Its stunning visuals, riveting gameplay, and immersive storytelling set it apart in the realm of hero shooters.

However, the progression system needs some refinement to unlock its full potential. With forthcoming updates and tweaks, it has all the ingredients to evolve into a classic in its own right. It’s a daring bet by Capcom that’s largely paid off, offering a game that’s thrilling, even when you’re not on the winning side.

This has been our Exoprimal Review. While you’re here, consider checking out some of our other articles. 

• RimWorld Review
• Minecraft Review
• Layers of Fear Review
• Monster Hunter Rise Review
• Final Fantasy 16 Review
• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Review