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MONSTER

Exoprimal

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Exoprimal
Item: Exoprimal
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableJul 14, 2023

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4

DeveloperCapcom

Overview

Exoprimal is a co-op action game with a competitive edge. Two teams of five players in powered armor battle hordes of dinosaurs. Only one team will survive.

Elsewhere

6.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Exoprimal boasts an ambitious premise with a unique narrative set in a dinosaur-infested future controlled by an AI. Some critics praise its high-concept themes, but most find the execution lacking—citing convoluted storytelling, repetitive gameplay for unlocking plot points, and weak character engagement. Ultimately, while it shows potential, the game struggles to deliver a compelling narrative experience, leaving many players disappointed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions regarding the story of Exoprimal reveal a mix of appreciation for its ambitious premise and the unique narrative approach. Critics like Wccftech and Cubed3 highlight the engaging nature of the story, which is set in a future overrun by dinosaurs due to the machinations of an AI named Leviathan. The narrative unfolds through a series of cutscenes and gameplay, allowing for a gradual discovery of the plot, which some reviewers found compelling. Digital Trends and Inverse commend the narrative for its high-concept themes, including corporate greed and climate activism, suggesting that there are layers of depth that can be appreciated by players willing to invest time in the story. However, the overall sentiment regarding the storytelling in Exoprimal leans heavily towards criticism. Many reviewers, including Merlin'in Kazanı and The Jimquisition, describe the story as convoluted, poorly presented, and filled with clichéd characters. The requirement for players to complete repetitive matches to unlock story elements has been a significant point of contention, with critics like Jeuxvideo.com and IGN France noting that this structure detracts from the narrative experience. Additionally, the lack of emotional connection with characters and the reliance on familiar tropes have led to perceptions of the story as forgettable or trivial, as pointed out by PC Invasion and Shacknews. In summary, while Exoprimal features an intriguing premise and some critics appreciate its narrative depth, the majority consensus reflects disappointment in its execution. The story's convoluted structure, reliance on repetitive gameplay for progression, and the overall lack of character engagement have left many reviewers, such as God is a Geek and GamingTrend, feeling that the narrative fails to resonate effectively with players. As a result, Exoprimal appears to be a game with potential that struggles to deliver a satisfying story experience amidst its gameplay mechanics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Exoprimal's gameplay shines with engaging mechanics, diverse Exosuits, and addictive teamwork-driven action, earning praise for its solid gunplay and unique blend of hero shooter and horde mode elements. However, it suffers from repetitiveness, dull objectives, and unbalanced PvP, leading critics to deem it ultimately tedious and lacking long-term appeal. While it has a strong foundation, significant improvements are needed to enhance depth and variety.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

49%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Exoprimal has received a mix of positive feedback, particularly regarding its engaging mechanics and the variety of Exosuits available. Critics like Twinfinite and Push Square praised the game for its solid gunplay and the tactical depth added by the different Exosuit classes. The fast-paced and frenetic action was highlighted by reviewers such as Gamer.no and Gamers' Temple, who noted that the gameplay is addictive and encourages teamwork, especially in the cooperative PvE segments. The blend of hero shooter elements with horde mode mechanics has also been recognized as a unique approach, providing a competitive edge in matches where players race to complete objectives while battling dinosaurs. However, despite these positives, a significant portion of the reviews pointed out the game's repetitive nature and lack of variety in objectives and maps. Critics like Merlin'in Kazanı and BaziCenter expressed concerns about the gameplay feeling tedious over time, with limited mechanics such as dodging and blocking. The core PvE experience has been described as bland and lacking excitement, as noted by Gamereactor UK and PCGamesN, who emphasized that the gameplay often feels like busywork rather than engaging combat. Additionally, the PvP elements were criticized for being unbalanced, which detracted from the overall experience, as highlighted by Windows Central. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Exoprimal offers enjoyable and engaging gameplay with a solid foundation, it suffers from significant flaws that hinder its long-term appeal. Many reviewers, including Everyeye.it and IGN Italia, echoed the sentiment that the gameplay becomes repetitive quickly, leading to a diminishing fun factor. The blend of PvPvE mechanics has potential, but the lack of depth and innovation in character abilities and mission variety leaves players wanting more. Despite its bright spots, the gameplay's repetitiveness and limited content have led to a mixed reception, indicating that while there is a solid base, the game may require further development to fully realize its potential.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Exoprimal impresses with standout character and exosuit designs, alongside smooth visuals powered by the RE Engine. Critics rave about the distinctive mechs and the ability to handle massive dinosaur on-screen action. However, the game falters with generic environments and a clunky user interface, leading to a lack of visual originality. Overall, while the gameplay is vibrant and engaging, there's significant room for improvement in its visuals, leaving players with a mixed experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Exoprimal showcases a mix of appreciation for certain elements while acknowledging some shortcomings. Many critics praised the game's character and exosuit designs, highlighting their distinctiveness and appeal. For instance, Gamereactor UK noted the outstanding designs of mechs and enemies, while TierraGamer emphasized the variety of visually distinct exosuits contributing to an engaging battlefield experience. The game’s use of the RE Engine has been commended for delivering impressive visuals, as seen in IGN Adria's remarks about the game's capability to handle up to 1000 dinosaurs without framerate drops. Additionally, critics like Cubed3 and Eurogamer Poland appreciated the cartoonish quality and stable performance, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. However, the criticisms surrounding Exoprimal's graphics largely focus on the environments and overall visual originality. Many reviewers, such as Everyeye.it and SpazioGames, described the environments as generic and lacking in detail, with minimal interaction with the scenery. Critics like PC Gamer and Wccftech echoed these sentiments, noting that the visual design felt uninspired and reminiscent of recycled assets from older games. The user interface also received negative feedback, with New Game Network and Atomix pointing out its clunky navigation and overwhelming nature, which detracted from the overall experience. In summary, while Exoprimal boasts strong character and exosuit designs, the consensus among critics indicates that the game suffers from a lack of environmental originality and a poorly designed user interface. The vibrant action and impressive performance during gameplay were often highlighted, yet many reviewers, including Generación Xbox and God is a Geek, found the overall visual experience to be somewhat flat or basic. Ultimately, Exoprimal presents a mixed bag of visual strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for improvement in future iterations while still providing an entertaining experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Exoprimal features impressive sound effects and engaging voice acting from the AI character Leviathan, but faces significant criticism for inconsistent voice performances and a largely forgettable soundtrack. While some critics praise the immersive audio and intense music, others note that localization issues and lackluster musical themes detract from the overall experience. Ultimately, the game's audio strengths are overshadowed by its shortcomings, signaling a need for refinement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music in Exoprimal have received a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting some notable strengths. Many reviewers appreciated the quality of sound effects, particularly the realistic dinosaur noises, gunfire, and explosions, which contribute to an immersive gameplay experience. For instance, TheXboxHub commended the sound design for its high quality, while MMORPG.com noted that the solid sound design enhances the intensity of fights. Additionally, some critics, such as TechRadar Gaming and TRG, found the music to be a significant asset, with TechRadar describing it as great and enhancing the overall experience. The voice acting, particularly that of the AI character Leviathan, was also positively received for its engaging delivery, as noted by We Got This Covered. However, the criticisms regarding sound design and music in Exoprimal are quite pronounced. A recurring theme among several reviewers is the inconsistency and quality of voice acting, with IGN France pointing out issues with partial French voice acting that disrupt immersion. Critics like XboxEra and PlaySense mentioned that the voice acting can feel reminiscent of a bad 2000s arcade game, detracting from the overall experience. Furthermore, the soundtrack has been described as mostly forgettable and underutilized, with Jeuxvideo.com and PlaySense echoing this sentiment, noting that the music often gets overshadowed by the fast-paced gameplay. Localization issues were also highlighted, such as the inconsistent use of languages in cutscenes, which some critics found confusing. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Exoprimal has strong sound effects and some engaging musical moments, it suffers from significant shortcomings in voice acting and soundtrack memorability. The sound design is generally considered satisfactory, with some standout elements like Leviathan's commentary, but the mixed quality of voice acting and the underwhelming soundtrack detract from the game's potential. Critics like Atomix and GameGrin acknowledged the engaging atmosphere created by the audio, yet many others pointed out that the sound design does not particularly stand out compared to other titles in the genre. Thus, while Exoprimal has its merits, it appears that the sound design and music could benefit from further refinement to elevate the overall experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Exoprimal's voice acting is a mixed bag. Critics praise standout performances, especially from certain characters and AI, enhancing the game's experience. However, many also cite issues like monotony, poor localization, and inconsistent quality, likening some performances to "bad 2000s arcade games." Overall, while there are commendable moments, execution flaws prevent the voice work from fully elevating the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

30%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Exoprimal has garnered a mix of positive feedback from several critics, particularly highlighting the contributions of certain characters. For instance, GameGrin lauds the voice acting as "stellar," while Gamersky appreciates the AI voice acting, noting it enhances the overall experience. Digital Chumps also commends the well-voiced characters, suggesting they add personality to the narrative. Additionally, some critics, such as Eurogamer, mention that the performances of the multi-ethnic crew are entertaining, despite the writing sometimes feeling like filler. This suggests that while the overall quality may vary, there are standout performances that resonate well with players. Conversely, numerous criticisms have emerged regarding the voice acting in Exoprimal. A recurring theme is the inconsistency and monotony of the performances, particularly with the AI characters. Jeuxvideo.com notes that the AI's voice acting can become grating over time, a sentiment echoed by PC Gamer, who points out the repetitive nature of some lines. Critics like XboxEra have gone as far as to describe the voice acting as reminiscent of a "bad 2000s arcade game," indicating a lack of polish in the delivery. Furthermore, the localization issues highlighted by critics such as Everyeye.it and Multiplayer.it, where characters are voiced in different languages, contribute to a disjointed experience that detracts from immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Exoprimal's voice acting is a mixed bag, with both commendable performances and significant shortcomings. While some characters, particularly the AI, receive praise for their contributions, many reviewers express disappointment over the lack of depth and coherence in the voice work. Critics like The Jimquisition and Cubed3 note that while the voice acting supports the narrative, it often fails to elevate the overall experience due to inconsistent quality and awkward localization choices. This duality suggests that while Exoprimal has the potential for engaging voice performances, execution issues have led to a somewhat fragmented reception.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Exoprimal impresses with smooth performance and stable framerates across Xbox Series X, PC, and PS5, earning praise from critics. However, minor issues persist: Xbox has clunky menus and some frame drops, PC suffers from lag, and PS5 faces matchmaking and loading problems. Overall, while technically strong and promising, there's room for optimization and UI improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

66%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Exoprimal across various platforms has generally received a positive reception from critics. On the Xbox Series X, reviewers like Game Informer and Generación Xbox praised the game for its smooth performance and stable framerates, even during intense action sequences involving large numbers of enemies. IGN France and Movies Games and Tech echoed this sentiment, highlighting the absence of significant lag and a problem-free experience. Similarly, critics on PC, such as GameGrin and Gamersky, noted the game’s solid optimization and smooth gameplay, with many reporting no bugs or crashes. The PS5 version also garnered favorable reviews, with outlets like Finger Guns and GamingBolt commending its stable performance and lack of major technical issues, even during chaotic scenarios. However, there are notable negatives across all platforms. On Xbox Series X, Gamer.no pointed out that the menu system feels clunky when using a controller, which detracts from the overall experience. GameSkinny mentioned frame rate drops in cutscenes, indicating that while gameplay is generally smooth, there are moments of inconsistency. On PC, some critics like MMORPG.com and PC Gamer reported lag issues and a feeling of the game being in an early access state, suggesting that it may not be fully polished at launch. For the PS5, Digital Chumps and Digital Trends highlighted matchmaking issues and loading times as technical concerns that could impact gameplay, while SECTOR.sk noted server stability issues that could disrupt the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Exoprimal performs well across all platforms, with Xbox Series X and PS5 receiving particularly high marks for their stable framerates and smooth gameplay. However, minor technical issues, such as lag during matchmaking and clunky menus, have been noted, particularly on Xbox and PC. Critics like MeuPlayStation and The Mako Reactor emphasized that while the game showcases impressive technical capabilities, especially with the RE Engine, there are areas for improvement, particularly in optimization and user interface design. Despite these drawbacks, the game is seen as a solid entry with potential, especially for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics are split on Exoprimal's replay value. While some praise its quick matches, engaging gameplay loop, and potential for future content, many highlight significant flaws, including repetitive gameplay, lack of content variety, and absence of single-player modes. Concerns over microtransactions and a fragmented content strategy further diminish its long-term appeal. Overall, Exoprimal may offer short-term fun, but its lasting replayability is uncertain.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

66%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Exoprimal, it is clear that there are some positive sentiments surrounding the game. Several reviewers, such as MMORPG.com and IGN, highlight the potential for high replayability due to the game’s quick matches, evolving story elements, and ongoing content updates. Critics like Cubed3 and XboxEra also mention the engaging gameplay loop and multiple progression systems, including character leveling and seasonal content, which could entice players to return for more. The presence of customization options and the promise of future expansions are seen as factors that could enhance the game's longevity and replay value. However, the majority of critics express significant concerns regarding the game's replay value, pointing to a lack of content variety and repetitive gameplay as major drawbacks. Reviewers such as Merlin'in Kazanı and Gamersky emphasize the monotony of gameplay and the limited modes available at launch, which can lead to player fatigue. Critics like LevelUp and Metro GameCentral note that the absence of a single-player element and diverse game modes contributes to a feeling of repetitiveness that diminishes the overall experience. Additionally, the heavy reliance on microtransactions and the fragmented content strategy, as mentioned by IGN Adria, raises concerns about long-term engagement and player retention. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a cautious outlook on Exoprimal's replay value. While some reviewers acknowledge the fun gameplay and potential for future content as positive aspects, the prevailing sentiment is that the game currently suffers from a lack of depth and variety. Critics like Digital Trends and Everyeye.it encapsulate this sentiment by highlighting the repetitive nature of gameplay and the limited content available at launch, suggesting that while there is potential for improvement, many players may find themselves quickly losing interest. As it stands, Exoprimal appears to be a game that may engage players initially, but its long-term replayability remains in question.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

81%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In reviewing the opinions of various critics on Exoprimal, a few positive aspects consistently emerge. Many reviewers appreciate the game's engaging multiplayer experience and unique premise, with critics like Cubed3 and The XboxHub highlighting its fun gameplay and solid mechanics. The visuals also receive praise, with MeuPlayStation noting that the graphics are impressive. Some critics, such as Digital Trends and Eurogamer Germany, commend the game for its enjoyable shooting mechanics and potential for future content, suggesting that it could evolve into a more robust title over time. Additionally, the cooperative gameplay aspect is frequently mentioned as a strong point, with several critics finding it entertaining, especially when played with friends. However, the negatives significantly overshadow the positives in the overall verdict of Exoprimal. A recurring theme among critics is the game's repetitiveness and lack of content, with Merlin'in Kazanı labeling it one of Capcom's worst games and BaziCenter expressing disappointment in its weak narrative and gameplay. Critics like Gaming Age and PCGamesN echo these sentiments, describing the game as boring and uninspired. The monetization model and pricing also draw criticism, with TechRadar Gaming and Siliconera pointing out that the game struggles to justify its full price tag given its limited offerings. Furthermore, many reviewers express concerns about the narrative depth and pacing, which detracts from the overall experience, as noted by critics like GGRecon and Everyeye.it. The overall consensus among critics is that Exoprimal, while possessing some enjoyable elements and potential, ultimately falls short of expectations. Many reviewers agree that the game is fun in short bursts but lacks the depth and variety needed for long-term engagement. Critics such as PlayStation Universe and Digital Chumps suggest that while it may be worth trying, particularly on platforms like Xbox Game Pass, it is difficult to recommend at full price due to its flaws. The sentiment leans towards cautious optimism, with several critics hoping that future updates could address the current shortcomings, but for now, Exoprimal is viewed as a mixed bag that doesn't fully deliver on its promise.

TL;DR

Exoprimal boasts engaging multiplayer and impressive visuals, but critics overwhelmingly slam it for repetitiveness, weak narrative, and a lack of content. Fun in short bursts but lacks depth for lasting appeal, making it hard to justify the full price. Cautious optimism exists for future updates, but currently, it's a mixed bag that doesn't live up to expectations.

MONSTER

Reviews

147 reviews found

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Jul 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Exoprimal is described as extremely enjoyable with a fresh and fun gameplay experience, especially when played with a coordinated team.

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Gaming Nexus

Xbox Series X

Jul 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, Exoprimal is described as a fun and engaging game that successfully combines elements of hero-based shooters with a unique twist on gameplay. The reviewer highly recommends it for those looking for a fresh experience.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Jul 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Exoprimal is a worthwhile pickup, especially if you’ve got a Game Pass subscription.

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Press Start Australia

Xbox Series X

Jul 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Exoprimal is a pleasant surprise that successfully combines engaging single-player style encounters with a solid multiplayer experience. It has a unique approach to storytelling and offers a good variety of gameplay options. The opaque progression system and limited content visibility may be drawbacks, but the game has potential with future updates.

Digital Trends

PlayStation 5

Jul 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Exoprimal is a fun and innovative multiplayer shooter with a strong story campaign, though it faces challenges as a live-service game. It’s enjoyable for those willing to invest time into it.

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Gamer.no

Xbox Series X

Jul 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Exoprimal offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience with a quirky story, despite some technical issues on consoles. Worth exploring further for intense battles and teamwork-focused gameplay.

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But Why Tho?

PlayStation 5

Jul 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Exoprimal has a lot of heart and plenty of exciting moments, but it requires players to dig for them. The game receives an overall score of 8/10.

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Game Informer

Xbox Series X

Jul 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Exoprimal impresses with its absurd and entertaining story, smooth gameplay, and visually appealing design. It may not have long-term appeal for hardcore multiplayer fans, but offers a fun experience for casual players.

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The Jimquisition

PlayStation 5

Jul 21, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Exoprimal is a surprisingly fun and engaging game despite its flaws, with a unique blend of gameplay elements that make it enjoyable, though it suffers from poor storytelling and repetitive content.

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IGN

Jul 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Exoprimal is a fun and unique multiplayer experience that combines hero shooter mechanics with dinosaur hunting. While it has some repetitive elements initially, the evolving gameplay and story provide a rewarding experience for dedicated players.

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