Exoprimal, a brand-new horde multiplayer battle royale game was released by Capcom on July 14 and boy, are the gamers pissed. Apart from the fact that the game in no way is a remake or reiteration of Capcom’s popular 1999 game Dino Crisis, (which apparently many, many gamers really wanted it to be), the game has received a mixed reception. Some definitely do not hate the game, but others are finding it increasingly difficult to come to terms with the repetitive gameplay and a massive price tag.
“Capcom, seriously? The game feels outdated and clunky, battles are chaotic and drown down to smashing buttons furiously.”
Exoprimal has tanked on Metacritic. Here’s what players think:
The game has received a score of 4.9/10 on Metacritic, an aggregate of 65 user reviews. The major beef most of the gamers seem to have with Exoprimal is the repetitiveness of gameplay and the hefty price tag of $60. While some appreciate the graphics and console performance of the game, others cannot get over the repetitiveness of the matches.
Also Read: All Exoprimal Game Modes, Explained
“Probably the worst game I’ve played this year so far. The shallow gameplay loop is so boring I can’t believe it’s made by Capcom. So disappointing I want my refund.”
At its core, Exoprimal sets forth an intriguing premise. It’s a game set in futuristic environment where players, forming teams with friends or strangers, hone mechanically enhanced exosuits, and take on the double threat of incoming dinosaur hordes as well as the rival team. The idea of combining Player vs Environment (PvE) (dino hordes) and Players vs Players (PvP) surely sounds good on paper. However, according to many, Capcom seems to have botched it in execution. For many, the novelty of game seems to wear off in a matter of hours.
“Outdated visual, gameplay loop that’s not fun, 5 matches and you are done with this whole game.”
Many players feel that the objectives in the Exoprimal, although pretty straightforward, seem redundant at times where all one is doing (especially at the initial stages of the match) is slashing and shooting off hordes of dinosaurs. The PvP component of the game shows up pretty late in every gameplay loop.
When the players are completing objectives of their team (which mostly consist of killing a certain number of dinosaurs that keep showing up in waves), another team is doing the exact same thing and the only thing that matters is who can get there first. Towards the end of the match, both the teams are tasked with finishing off waves of dinosaurs as well as rival players.
‘Bland game got old in less than an hour’: Repetitive gameplay loops in Exoprimal annoys gamers
“Had low expectations but managed to beat that.”
For a major release from a renowned publisher, Exoprimal certainly has disappointed majority of the title’s buyers. According to a vast majority, the game features a bland gameplay loop, where every match is almost identical to the previous one, and the story progresses in an inconsistent and confusing way. Players report of not being satisfied, either with the narrative structure of the game or with the mixed PvE and PvP elements.
“If someone told me that this is a beta I would have believed it. So disappointing and this is the last time I buy a Capcom game on day one.”
For many, Capcom should have introduced an option to take either dinosaur hordes through pure PvE modes or battle an enemy team through dedicated PvP mode. The way game currently plays out, players are faced with both, initially separately, and the end of the match culminating in both. Since it’s only been four days since the game’s release and Capcom promising various expansions and additions, this wish might be fulfilled to cater those who remain.
“Horrible AI, Clunky controls, Awful characters and story, Blurry visuals, Uninspired repetitive gameplay, Buggy and slow online matching”
“I never felt more scammed buying a game”: Exoprimal features a AAA price tag but doesn’t offer AAA content
But one thing that has united almost all the buyers of Exoprimal is the outrageous price tag attached to the title. It features a price similar to current-gen AAA games. However, according to many, it doesn’t deserve it. Many believe this game deserves to be free-to-play, with microtransaction options in order to get more powerful gear and weapons or levels.
“This game is a huge steaming pile of garbage. The gameplay is boring and repetitive. The physics are beyond horrible. The maps are poorly designed. $60 and this game lacks content. I’m getting real sick and tired of Capcom and their clunkiness in games. The biggest disappointment: ONLY ONE LEVEL!! Seriously? We paid $59 and all we get to fight is the same battle in the same level with the same tired objectives!”
Game Pass subscribers, on the other hand, are finding the game quite amusing, as it comes effectively free for them, bundled with their subscription. For them, it certainly warrants a couple of hours of gameplay with friends that may seem repetitive but can be really rewarding in the last stages of the matches (where both PvE and PvP elements come into the play).
“A game with solid gameplay mechanics, interesting roster of dinosaurs and exosuits, and a bearable monetization scheme.”
Furthermore, a couple of players using Xbox consoles have reported that the game performs really well, even when there is a truckload of enemies (both rivals and dinosaurs) simultaneously on the screen.
“This game is great. Truly a hidden gem. It starts off a little slow and doesn’t do a great job at telling you from the jump that the more you play, the more you CAN play, but it’s still fantastic.”
‘Exoprimal just feels unfinished’
Although many reviewers have characterized Exoprimal as weird and interesting, only a handful of them consider this title to be fun. The easy access to various character classes and mech suits has impressed some gamers, while others remain frustrated with the game’s miniscule and barren maps, the sameness of objectives, and lack of engaging narrative. Many are surprised that Capcom, a video gaming giant responsible for some of the greatest video game series, such as Resident Evil, Street Fighter, and Devil May Cry, has come up with a game that shows very little promise.
While some reviewers consider this title a fresh take on exo fighter shooter genre, and the game definitely offers a fluid and fast-paced combat experience; many have been turned off by the considerably low amount of content offered by the developer. Capcom has announced that they will be releasing additional maps, quests, and expansions in coming months. For now, Exoprimal definitely seems worth a try if you subscribe to Game Pass and are looking for a multiplayer online shooter game to play with your friends. However, as things stand, it’s definitely not something gamers who have tried it would suggested as a buyable title at a full price.
