Exoprimal

Exoprimal will be one of the strangest releases of the past several years. Arriving during Capcom's renaissance, this multiplayer-only shooter does so many things right while still fumbling in key departments that may harm its longevity.

73%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

monetization, grinding

80% User Score Based on 3,354 reviews

Critic Score 67%Based on 59 reviews

Platforms

Buy Nowfrom $17

Buy NowGet on Steam$59.99

Buy NowGet on Xbox Games Store

About

Exoprimal is an online, team-based Science Fiction Hack and Slash game with a good plot and Marvelous visuals. Players can team up in 2-player co-op or multiplayer modes, including PvP, to control advanced exosuits and save humanity from history's most fearsome creatures. The game offers fantastic gameplay, good music, and plenty of humor, but be prepared for grinding. The Deluxe Edition includes early unlock tickets and skins for a head start.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

80%

Audience ScoreBased on 3,413 reviews

story425 positive mentions

monetization59 negative mentions

The gameplay is fun and engaging, with a unique mix of PvPvE mechanics that keeps matches interesting.
The story is surprisingly well-developed, with enjoyable characters and a narrative that unfolds as you progress through matches.
The variety of exosuits and their unique abilities allow for diverse playstyles, making it enjoyable to experiment with different characters.

The game can feel repetitive, especially in the early hours, as many missions are similar and locked behind story progression.
The monetization model, including a battle pass and paid cosmetics, feels excessive for a full-priced game.
There is currently no cross-platform party system, making it difficult to play with friends on different platforms.

story
2,450 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
78%
5%
The story of "Exoprimal" is presented in a unique way, intertwining narrative progression with multiplayer gameplay, where players unlock story elements through matches. While some players find the story engaging and enjoy the character development, others criticize it as disjointed and repetitive, often feeling like an afterthought to the gameplay. Overall, the reception is mixed, with many appreciating the quirky and campy nature of the story, while others express frustration over its execution and the lack of a dedicated single-player campaign.
- “The story is surprisingly strong with fun characters and an engaging plot; it's nothing award-winning, but it adds a lot to the game.”
- “The story is interesting, but nothing mind-blowing. The way they're approaching the story through cutscenes in between missions is interesting.”
- “The story is engaging enough and the characters aren't too bad; I enjoy them.”
- “Plus a boring story that makes little sense.”
- “The story feels shoe-horned into the game as unlocks that you get by playing multiplayer instead of there being specific missions or goals - it's basically just 'go play more game to unlock more story'.”
- “The story itself is effectively a collection of cutscenes and plot entries, you don't really interact directly with any of the characters and the story generally feels disconnected from the gameplay outside of specific missions.”
gameplay
839 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
52%
8%
The gameplay of Exoprimal is characterized by a mix of fun, engaging mechanics and a repetitive loop that can become monotonous over time. Players appreciate the diverse exosuits and the satisfying shooting mechanics, but many note that the core gameplay often feels shallow and lacks variety, particularly in mission types and environments. While the game offers a unique PvPvE experience with cooperative elements, the overall consensus is that it may not justify its price tag due to its grindy nature and limited content at launch.
- “The gameplay is very fun and rewarding, the characters are believable and memorable, and the passion and detail that went into your work does not go unnoticed.”
- “The gameplay loop is incredibly fun and the different suits are very interesting to play around with.”
- “The gameplay is smooth, engaging, and fun.”
- “This usually isn't an issue unless the actual gameplay loop is not fun nor has any depth, which is the case for Exoprimal.”
- “Repetitive gameplay: the gameplay quickly fell into a monotonous cycle of moving from one section to another, engaging in repetitive combat encounters against waves of dinosaurs, while simultaneously competing with an enemy team.”
- “The lack of variety and dynamic gameplay mechanics led to a repetitive experience that failed to provide engaging and evolving challenges.”
monetization
209 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
69%
28%
The monetization model of Exoprimal has drawn mixed reactions, with many players labeling it as a cash grab due to its $60 price tag combined with a battle pass and various cosmetic microtransactions. While some appreciate that all purchases are cosmetic and can be earned through gameplay, others criticize the aggressive monetization tactics and the perception that the game feels like a free-to-play title despite its premium cost. Overall, players suggest that while the game is enjoyable, the monetization strategy could benefit from reevaluation to better align with player expectations.
- “All in-game purchases are cosmetic, currency can't be purchased, and everything feels incredibly balanced.”
- “No premium currency shenanigans forcing you to buy more than you actually want if you partake in the microtransactions.”
- “As for their monetization for the game, which is pretty much why people dislike the game so much, I honestly don't see too much of a problem with it since it's only cosmetic and it's honestly very easy to get coins by playing the game and unlock a legendary skin.”
- “It is a mortally boring grindfest with unsatisfying combat, boring music, a story that would have been better if it hadn't existed at all, disgusting monetization, and a developer team that is so desperate for gameplay ideas that they're resorting to the novelty of crossovers in their second content patch.”
- “The 'survival pass' and heavy monetization leaves a sour taste in my mouth, and I understand why anyone would not purchase this game because of it.”
- “The monetization is atrocious, between a battle pass, deluxe edition, and loot boxes that unlock things in the game at a bad pace.”
graphics
152 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
41%
8%
The graphics of the game are generally well-received, showcasing a modern aesthetic that balances between realism and stylization, typical of 2023 releases. While some players note that the visuals are impressive and run smoothly even on lower-end hardware, others feel they lack the revolutionary quality seen in top-tier titles from previous years. Overall, the graphics are described as solid, with engaging character designs and a vibrant art style, though some users express concerns about performance issues and the need for a performance mode.
- “Right from the start, the game drew me in with its stunning graphics and gripping narrative.”
- “The combination of impressive graphics, a compelling storyline, intelligent gameplay mechanics, and an immersive soundtrack makes this game an unforgettable gaming experience.”
- “Exoprimal's graphics and environmental design are impressive, too, with an engaging futuristic aesthetic that manages to incorporate elements of the natural prehistoric world.”
- “As far as graphics, if you look at anything for more than a few seconds it starts to look like something that could have come out 10 years ago.”
- “The graphics aren't impressive, the story is pointless and terrible, the gameplay is horribly simple, the characters all play the same except Murasame and Zephyr who are melee characters. Unfortunately, Zephyr is underwhelming because he has less health than a ranged all-rounder character and no way to increase his defenses except for a module that lasts exactly 500 ms after you dodge, has no real AOE, and has terrible DPS.”
- “Mid graphics; the graphics kinda suck. Think of Valorant-style graphics (kinda blocky). However, the mechs are good and the maps seem okay, nothing too impressive though.”
optimization
100 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
54%
38%
8%
Overall, the game's optimization has received widespread praise, with many players reporting smooth performance even during chaotic moments with numerous enemies on screen. Most users experienced minimal bugs and crashes, highlighting the game's ability to run well on a variety of hardware configurations. However, some concerns were raised about the impact of DRM on performance, particularly for older machines.
- “Also shoutout to Capcom because this game Exoprimal is hella optimized.”
- “The game itself is probably the most optimized I've seen for a release in a long time; I have encountered 0 bugs, 0 crashes, and 0 FPS drops.”
- “Extremely well optimized, especially in very chaotic moments; I never noticed any frame drops.”
- “Performance is lacking.”
- “Addition of the enigma 'DRM' malware tanks performance on even slightly older machines and is aggressively anti-mod, including performance mods.”
- “This review will stay negative until Capcom comes forward and retracts trying to use DRM for games that we already own and damage performance and mod use.”
grinding
79 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
4%
92%
The reviews indicate a mixed sentiment regarding grinding in the game. While some players find the grinding necessary for unlocking content and upgrades to be tedious and excessive, others appreciate it as a means to engage with the game and enjoy its progression system. Overall, the consensus suggests that while grinding is a significant aspect of the game, opinions vary on whether it enhances or detracts from the overall experience.
- “Despite how it looks, the game is not very grindy and the monetization is surprisingly not egregious.”
- “The game is very fun, with cool upgrades that take a few games to unlock but are not grindy. There are lots of suits to pick from, cool abilities, and matches are enjoyable. I prefer PvE and can play for hours at a time.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Beware, it's very grindy for a game this price.”
- “The game is enjoyable for the first three hours, but it quickly becomes tedious and repetitive due to slow progression and the inability to do what you want.”
- “Grinding this out feels awful.”
humor
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
7%
The humor in the game is described as both goofy and engaging, with players enjoying the absurd premise of robots battling dinosaurs and the quirky character interactions. While some moments of humor land flat, many find the overall presentation, voice performances, and gameplay mechanics to be genuinely funny, leading to memorable and entertaining experiences. However, there are mixed feelings about the dialogue and certain gameplay elements that detract from the comedic experience.
- “The story is ridiculous and the progression can be slow at times, but it's so well-presented in its handling of the characters, voice performances, and the piecing together of a little mystery that I found myself liking it and even laughing a lot.”
- “Again, I am loving the story and this game's sense of humor is genuinely funny.”
- “We played all day, stayed up later than we have in a long time, and had some hilariously wild moments.”
- “Horrendous and unfunny dialogue at times.”
- “The storytelling is disjointed due to the access map and requires data to uncover more.”
- “The bizarre UI feels unwieldy at times and annoying at others.”
music
40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
45%
8%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players praising the soundtrack as a highlight that enhances the gameplay experience, particularly during key story moments. While some tracks are described as "bangers" and fitting for the game's mood, others note a lack of variety and repetitiveness in the overall music selection. Overall, the soundtrack contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, despite some criticisms regarding its repetitiveness and absence of certain tracks in the official soundtrack release.
- “The music fits the game's mood perfectly and enhances the emotions during gameplay.”
- “The combination of impressive graphics, a compelling storyline, intelligent gameplay mechanics, and an immersive soundtrack makes this game an unforgettable gaming experience.”
- “Update: literally coming down from the high of finishing the game, I cannot express in words how much fun I've re-experienced thanks to Exoprimal, the final mission was nothing but an adrenaline rush, smiles all around, the music was absolutely incredible and to the point I felt like I had rediscovered how to have fun again in games.”
- “The gundam-ish aspect is there on like a 1/10, the soundtrack hits a 3/10 because of basic repetitiveness.”
- “It is a mortally boring grindfest with unsatisfying combat, boring music, a story that would have been better if it hadn't existed at all, disgusting monetization, and a developer team that is so desperate for gameplay ideas that they're resorting to the novelty of crossovers in their second content patch.”
- “Music okay”
stability
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
41%
Overall, the game demonstrates strong stability, with many users reporting a smooth performance and no significant bugs or glitches. While some minor issues like model clipping are noted, they are generally expected and do not detract from the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the game's optimization and reliability, especially during intense multiplayer boss fights.
- “The game isn't buggy; at least from my experience, I've had no encounters with crashing or performance issues.”
- “Well optimized and runs great.”
- “It's very fun, runs great, looks good, has no apparent bugs, and the exosuits are very distinct and enjoyable.”
- “But the actual execution of this story is buggy and confusing; sometimes I see cut-scenes from things I don't even know about yet.”
- “Duh, every game has bugs; even the old school ones (they were just called glitches).”
- “May add more stuff later if I find them buggy or annoying.”
replayability
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
22%
22%
Overall, "Exoprimal" offers moderate replayability, with some players enjoying the endgame's increased difficulty and diversity in missions, while others find the limited game modes and repetitive content lacking for its price point. The promise of future updates and additional game types may enhance replay value, but currently, the game is seen as having potential rather than robust replayability.
- “Endgame: once you get to the endgame and finish the story, the base missions become harder and more diverse, which feels very versatile and is perfect for replayability!”
- “Personal hero (suit) progression, a big chunky campaign that's infinitely replayable, and the promise of more to come too.”
- “That being said, although 60 bucks is a bit iffy, the game itself is great, replayable to infinity, despite some flaws, like the lack of a proper selection for types of missions that you want to play.”
- “Before then, I think Exoprimal still needs different game types and lacks features in terms of long-term replay value.”
- “Game is kind of boring and doesn't have much replayability.”
- “The gradual process of unlocking more playable content by means of repetition through the first map for around 10 matches may not be everyone's cup of tea.”
emotional
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
77%
23%
The emotional aspect of the game receives mixed reviews; while some players find the story captivating and the ending satisfying, others criticize it as boring and lacking coherence. Emotional scenes are noted as impactful, but the dialogue and lore-building moments are seen as uninspiring, suggesting a disparity in emotional engagement throughout the game. Overall, the emotional highs are appreciated, but they are often overshadowed by narrative shortcomings and pacing issues.
- “It was emotional when it needed it to be and the ending was satisfying.”
- “One of the best games and a great and captivating heart touching story.”
- “Cut scenes are great, but having the characters chat, while adding to the lore is somewhat uninspiring when comparing to the more emotional scenes.”
- “An achingly boring story, with new content unlocking way too slowly. Some story instances repeat themselves, and there's not much variety in game modes.”
- “A boring story that makes little sense.”
- “A boring story that makes little sense.”
character development
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
30%
30%
Character development in the game is highlighted by engaging cutscenes and extensive voice acting, which enhance the narrative experience. Players appreciate the varied and appealing character designs, alongside intuitive controls and a focus on teamwork, contributing to a dynamic and immersive atmosphere. Overall, the combination of strong character design and development elements enriches the gameplay experience.
- “The cutscenes are quite good, and there is a lot of voice acting, which enhances the character development.”
- “Great and varied character designs contribute to an engaging experience, alongside intuitive controls and a focus on teamwork.”
- “The graphics are impressive, and the character designs are cool, adding depth to the overall character development.”
- “The cutscenes are quite good and there is a lot of voice acting, but the character development feels lacking.”
- “Character development is minimal and doesn't add much to the overall experience.”
- “The character arcs are predictable and fail to engage the player emotionally.”
atmosphere
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
40%
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by dynamic day-night cycles and weather effects, creating a vibrant and immersive world that feels alive. This realistic backdrop complements the intense exosuit-versus-dinosaur combat, while the varied environments, including lush vegetation and ruined structures, contribute to an engaging and enjoyable experience. Overall, players appreciate the combination of fast-paced action and a well-crafted atmosphere that supports both PvP and PvE gameplay.
- “The day-night cycles and weather effects contribute to a realistic atmosphere, making the world feel alive.”
- “This fusion creates an atmospheric backdrop for the fierce exosuit-versus-dinosaur combat, further enhancing the immersive quality of the game.”
- “I really like the atmosphere in general with the maps featuring vegetation and ruined buildings; the exosuits are really cool, varied, and fun, and there's some customization with the modules.”