Exoprimal: A Flawed Live-Service Experience with Untapped Potential
The future of Exoprimal is shrouded in mystery. Will Tachyon continue her fight against the Neuromancer and the infected matrix dinosaurs? What will the next update bring? Will the story continue to unfold? Despite these unanswered questions, I can say with certainty that the experience Capcom is offering players in this early stage of the game’s life cycle is lackluster and overcomplicated.
Capcom’s visually and mechanically impressive dinosaur game is trapped within a live-service template that fails to do it justice. Exoprimal’s innovative approach to single-player storytelling in an online environment has potential, but the lack of player engagement limits its impact. The obnoxious grind and the uncertainty of what’s to come make it difficult to find reasons to stick around.
The $49.99 price tag feels unjustified, especially considering that playable suits are locked behind player level progression. Exoprimal also fails to adequately explain suit variants, modules, and other mechanics, leaving players to figure out the barebones shooter on their own. When I do manage to find a populated server and participate in an unpredictable Dino Survival match with random maps and objectives, I’m impressed by the teamwork required to secure victory. But then I’m back to square one: grinding for experience and wondering what’s to come.
When the story does progress, I do find myself enjoying Exoprimal. The intense battles against infected matrix dinosaurs are enjoyable, and I appreciate the Soma-like progression system that rewards me for playing a variety of modes. However, it’s difficult for me to recommend this game to anyone when I, too, find myself at a loss.
Exoprimal’s main game mode, Dino Survival, offers unpredictable matches that lack structure. After each match, players unlock audio logs and dossiers that contribute to the unfolding story and content access. While some players might appreciate the mystery, I’m left feeling frustrated.
Despite the game’s impressive set pieces and thrilling moments, their random inclusion and lack of upfront brilliance hinder my overall experience. It’s difficult to determine whether the time I spend playing is worth it. Thus far, I’ve unlocked a handful of playable suits, but it’s difficult to determine which ones are worth grinding for. The game also fails to explain suit variants, modules, and other mechanics, leaving me to figure out the barebones shooter on my own.
The irregular delivery of ideas is a problem in other aspects of Exoprimal as well. I’m not sure whether I’m supposed to be excited about the looming “Neuromancer War” or not. The game’s website and various trailers offer a glimpse at what’s to come, but the ideas are poorly integrated in the live game.
Despite its untapped potential, I predict that Exoprimal will fade into obscurity. Perhaps it’ll attract a cult following, but it certainly won’t become a game of the year contender. After all, players just want a good dinosaur game without any strings attached.
I’m not sure if that’s what Capcom had in mind when it embarked on this journey, but it’s a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with.
