The prime year of Capcom with 2 great releases, came out a dud maybe on the 3rd one afterwards. Exoprimal is their answer to whatever multiple reality-mixed, Dino killing game. But it reminds me of other games like Lost Planet as well. Capcom is no stranger to multiplayer games either.
So why is this one so in the rough? It feels like it's missing something, a good progression system, robust content like more Exosuits to play, or a good gameplay loop that keeps you going on and on? How is this a full priced video game when it should be F2P? Of all the games that came out this year, this one is their weakest link. It's a bit conceptually vague and too prematurely released.
Could have spent more time in the oven with maybe more stuff to give or maybe get it on sales, because despite some imperfections, it's not entirely a bad game. Especially with the new update, there are some stuff here that'll really spice things up.
Dino Crisis memes aside, this is a PvE on PvP type that involves actual team cooperation to win the games rather than solo carrying the entire thing. When I was playing the default soldier exosuit, it did remind me of Anthem minus the flying. But aside that, this is literally the most easiest one to play.
He shoots a rifle that reloads, flips to dodge, has a grenade launcher, does a basic AoE melee, and he shoots barrages of rockets as an ultimate. He's the poster choice for a reason, but alas I also tried playing the other guys, and each are unique to a certain degree that they offer interesting deviations, but not too difficult of a learning curve either.
Because Dino Culling needs a good skill ceiling to stick to thanks to how hyper active the shooting is, I mow down barrages of dinosaurs being summoned through portals, various types of them that challenges fights and changes the scenario for the teammates to adapt. I need healing, protection, helping hands, and lot more. A team based title that does work when anyone knows how to play it.
I don't have to play the PvP mode only, but ah, that would also mean I'll be earning less the XP and it also cuts down the experience kind of by half. Because the PvP is where you make all the differences, clearing the waves right to the final one before other enemy team does it is kind of an adrenaline rush. Objectives differ each match like delivery defense, conquest, etc.
There are notably different types of map areas that I have played in; like cities, forest mountains, port areas, facilities, etc. And they don't stay the same. The game's main story progression is where I am taken to different parts of these locations and deal with different escalations. Like, instead of one tyrannosaurus rex, I deal with two.
And this while an A.I. story companion kind of pulls espionage moves and takes data from the in-game A.I., Leviathan. Something about him going rogue, and pushing humanity to the brink of extinction, but also having portals to different timelines in different dimensions. Cuz he likes data.
So a game like this seems like it has a lot to offer, it kind of does. Despite how repetitive each mode feels and the collectibles storytelling it does, I really like the cut of its jive. It's fast-paced, well-streamlined in terms of goals, and a progression system where you get to earn stuff. So where the problems at?
I started seeing the issues right after the 5th hour, the game feels like cut and paste. There's something lacking about the authenticity I saw in the two other games that came out this year. In trying to be different, it expects me to grind mindlessly till I get to the actual good stuff. I said the map design was great, that's because they looked great, playing the game there on the other hand, at times was holding the balance of the PvP and verticality of the game back.
It's that or the fact that if you want to play the good story missions again you get for paying attention, you kind of have to hope that the other players you match with, have reached that area too, otherwise, you're stuck in the rinse and repeat.
Now there's a story progression, and a player progression system. And while it does have some live service monetization, not everything needs to be bought out in IRL money, and I can happily report that my time spent, I've managed to unlock a few skins and buy modules for my exosuits already.
The cutscenes, the monologuing audio, ah, it's sleep inducing stuff. Voice acting is good, as in acceptable terms. It doesn't really evoke the need to be engaged in both the story and into the game itself. It's just there to help conceptualize what Exoprimal really is about. Maybe weird sh!tposting, and nepotism work from the guys in Capcom? I've heard some stories.
In the player progression, my exosuits get to level up, and be buffed by modules spent purchased with in-game currency. More earned through playing. If I want certain things like rare skin, I'll have to buy the season pass, fork up real cash, or continue to level each one till I can get the option to buy them with BikCoin. (really? BikCoin? That's Square Enix level of a bad joke).
Now, I never played the PvE part only. And that's because the PvE kind of sucks, even after dealing with different variations of dinosaurs, the way to play them is the same somehow. MMO games did the co-op thing way better, heck you can search for any co-op games out there, there are facets of intense gameplay mixed with PvP done much better and feels fun to play.
I only had my hands on 4 of the suits; Deadeye, Barrage, Brigadier, and Witchdoctor. 2 assault types, one tank, and a healer. Now, I've seen the spotlight of each of the 10 exosuits in YouTube, they look amazing to play, and if anyone knows how to use them, the games will get a lot easier. Except no, usually the matches I've played got carried by 2 or 3 skilled players. Teamwork overall helps too, tho.
So summing this up, a month after its release, the game lacks content and good game modes to keep me busy, and the story is sort of worthless. Note that, it's not the gameplay that's the issue. It's most of the stuff around it. Progressing my suit has never felt old, the modules I upgrade and equip kept me stronger.
Also, with the new August 16th patch, I get to play the Alpha variants, and they have differences in attributes and buffs from the same abilities. Only unlocked after fully levelling each of the originals. Rigs which are special abilities, can be either focused laser, shield, healing zone, quick dodge, and other 2 unlocked, with situational use factor. So when there's EDF5 level of mayhem, they're there.
The problem with Exoprimal right now is, it hasn't hit that fun factor I think it could have, and it probably might if Capcom is willing to give their devs what they need. Just everything else needed sorting out, and I can guarantee you, this will be the best Dino killer out there. Story be damned tho, that thing is doomed no matter what. It's also on Game Pass, so maybe give it a try there.
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