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Starship Troopers: Extermination

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Starship Troopers: Extermination
Item: Starship Troopers: Extermination
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresIndie, Action, Shooter, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableOct 11, 2024

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperOffworld Industries

Overview

Starship Troopers: Extermination drops up to 16 players right into the fight against the Bug menace in this co-op first person shooter. Suit up and ship out to a far-off front as a Trooper in the Deep Space Vanguard, an elite Special Forces group within the Mobile Infantry. It’s up to squads like yours to battle against hundreds of bloodthirsty insectoid aliens and take back fallen colonies for the Federation. The only good Bug is a dead Bug!

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Starship Troopers: Extermination nails the franchise's vibe with nostalgia and action, thanks to Casper Van Dien's return and a satirical edge. However, critics slam the single-player mode for lacking depth and coherence, calling it a "total bust" and an afterthought. While multiplayer shines, the game ultimately disappoints with its narrative execution, leaving fans craving a more engaging story.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

29%

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

The opinions of various critics regarding the story of Starship Troopers: Extermination highlight some positive aspects that resonate with fans of the franchise. Many reviewers, such as God is a Geek and Impulsegamer, appreciate the game's faithfulness to the original Starship Troopers films, particularly noting the inclusion of Casper Van Dien reprising his role as Johnny Rico. Push Square emphasizes the satirical narrative that aligns with the themes of the original movie, which adds a layer of enjoyment for those familiar with the source material. Additionally, some critics, like Xbox Tavern, acknowledge the straightforward good versus evil scenario, which, while not particularly deep, serves its purpose effectively in delivering an action-packed experience. However, a significant number of reviews express disappointment regarding the narrative execution, particularly in the single-player mode. Critics such as Eurogamer Germany and Movies Games and Tech criticize the campaign for lacking depth and failing to capture the satirical elements that made the original film memorable. The single-player experience is often described as a mere tutorial or an afterthought, with Pure Xbox labeling it a "total bust" due to its abrupt and poorly structured missions. GameCritics and GAMES.CH echo this sentiment, stating that the game relies heavily on multiplayer gameplay while neglecting a cohesive narrative, leaving many players feeling unsatisfied with the storytelling aspect. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Starship Troopers: Extermination successfully captures the essence of the franchise through its action and character inclusion, it falls short in delivering a compelling narrative experience. The criticisms point to a lack of depth and coherence in the single-player mode, with many reviewers feeling that it does not do justice to the satirical and thematic richness of the original films. As noted by multiple critics, the game's focus on multiplayer and intense action sequences often overshadows the potential for a more engaging story, leading to a mixed reception that highlights both nostalgia and disappointment.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Starship Troopers: Extermination shines in multiplayer, delivering a thrilling cooperative experience with diverse classes and innovative base-building. Critics applaud the intense battles and engaging mission types, making it a hit among fans. However, the single-player mode falls flat with poor AI, monotonous missions, and performance issues. While the multiplayer offers excitement, the solo experience is lacking, hampering the game’s overall potential. In short, it’s a solid horde shooter for multiplayer enthusiasts, but solo players may be left wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Starship Troopers: Extermination has garnered a generally positive reception, particularly for its multiplayer aspects. Critics like God is a Geek and Push Square highlight the cooperative multiplayer experience, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the diverse classes available to players. The inclusion of base-building mechanics adds a unique twist to the gameplay, as noted by Impulsegamer and Generación Xbox, allowing players to strategize and fortify their positions against waves of insectoid enemies. The thrill of engaging in intense battles and the variety of mission types, as mentioned by GAMES.CH and Movies Games and Tech, contribute to a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience that resonates well with fans of the franchise. However, several critiques point out significant shortcomings, particularly in the single-player mode. Critics like GameCritics and GameStar express disappointment with the lack of depth and engaging mission design, noting that the AI can be poor and the missions feel monotonous. Additionally, while the multiplayer mode shines, some reviewers, including Eurogamer Germany, mention frustrations with class selection, which can detract from the overall experience. Performance issues and a lack of variety in enemy types and game modes were also highlighted by Try Hard Guides, suggesting that while the foundation is strong, there are notable areas that require improvement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Starship Troopers: Extermination excels in its multiplayer gameplay, offering a fun and cooperative experience that is enhanced by class diversity and base-building mechanics. However, the single-player component is largely seen as lacking, with many reviewers calling for better mission design and AI. The game is positioned as a solid entry for fans of horde shooters, but its potential is somewhat hampered by the shortcomings in solo play and certain gameplay mechanics. As noted by The Jimquisition, while the experience can be enjoyable, it is marred by jankiness that may affect player immersion.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Starship Troopers: Extermination boasts impressive combat visuals and immersive environments, praised by some reviewers for capturing the chaotic essence of the franchise. However, criticism is rampant, with many calling the graphics uninspired, lifeless, and riddled with technical flaws. Overall, while the game excels in thrilling battles, it fails to deliver a compelling visual experience, leaving critics disappointed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

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

The opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Starship Troopers: Extermination reveal a mix of appreciation for certain aspects of the game's aesthetic. Several reviewers, such as Generación Xbox and Pure Xbox, highlight the impressive spectacle of the combat, noting the dynamic battlefields filled with hordes of aliens and the engaging visual effects during explosions. IGN Deutschland also commends the game's ability to create immersive environments with interactive bug corpses and transforming landscapes, which enhance the overall experience. Additionally, The Xbox Hub mentions well-realized environments and faithfully recreated warrior bugs that contribute to the game's immersion, suggesting that there are moments where the visuals successfully capture the essence of the Starship Troopers universe. However, the criticisms surrounding the graphics and visual design are significant and numerous. Many reviewers, including Impulsegamer and GameCritics, describe the visuals as unremarkable, ugly, and uninspired. God is a Geek points out that while the enemy designs are decent, the shooting lacks impact and animations are lacking, which detracts from the overall experience. Eurogamer Germany and Xbox Tavern echo similar sentiments, noting that the maps feel lifeless and uninteresting, with bland textures and flat assets that hinder immersion. Additionally, Try Hard Guides raises concerns about technical issues, such as jittering animations and clipping, which further diminish the visual quality of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divided reception regarding the graphics and visual design of Starship Troopers: Extermination. While there are commendable aspects, particularly in the context of chaotic battles and immersive elements, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game falls short in terms of aesthetic appeal and technical execution. Critics like GameStar and Multiplayer.it emphasize the lack of visual impact and aesthetic variety, suggesting that the game does not meet the expectations set by its price and the legacy of the franchise. Ultimately, while the game may succeed in delivering thrilling combat visuals, it struggles to create a compelling and visually engaging world, leaving many reviewers disappointed.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Starship Troopers: Extermination receives high praise for its immersive sound design and music, with critics highlighting intense audio effects that enhance gameplay. While the impactful weapon sounds and explosive effects shine, some fans miss the original film's banter and criticize certain voice acting, particularly from Casper Van Dien. Overall, the strong audio elements largely outweigh the criticisms, creating an engaging experience for players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

67%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Starship Troopers: Extermination have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who have praised the game's immersive audio experience. Reviewers like The Jimquisition and IGN Deutschland highlight the intense and chaotic nature of the soundscape, emphasizing the loud bug squeals, explosions, and impactful gunfire that contribute to a thrilling atmosphere. Eurogamer Germany and Pure Xbox echo this sentiment, noting that the quality of weapon sounds and explosive effects significantly enhances gameplay. Additionally, Movies Games and Tech appreciates the aggressive soundtrack and good voiceover work, suggesting that the audio elements work well together to create an engaging experience for players. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design as well. Impulsegamer points out the absence of iconic banter from the original film, which may leave fans of the franchise feeling disconnected. Generación Xbox also mentions that while the game includes official movie elements, the voice acting from Casper Van Dien has received criticism, indicating that not all audio elements are executed perfectly. This mixed feedback suggests that while the overall sound effects are strong, some aspects of the voice work may not meet the expectations set by the film. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Starship Troopers: Extermination excels in creating an immersive and chaotic audio environment, particularly through its impactful sound effects and weapon noises. Critics like TheXboxHub and Xbox Tavern reinforce this view by praising the top-notch sound design that effectively enhances the gameplay experience. While there are some criticisms regarding missing film elements and voice acting, the positive aspects of the sound design seem to outweigh the negatives, leading to a favorable reception overall.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics are split on the voice acting in "Starship Troopers: Extermination." Casper van Dien's return as Johnny Rico is praised for nostalgia and engagement, but some find his performance lackluster and unconvincing. Issues with overall voice quality and a lack of character customization further detract from player immersion. While there are positives, the execution of voice work falls short, indicating significant room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

92%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in "Starship Troopers: Extermination," particularly the performance of Casper van Dien reprising his role as Johnny Rico, has received a mix of praise from various critics. God is a Geek commends van Dien for delivering mission briefings with enthusiasm, enhancing the player's engagement with the game's objectives. Similarly, Impulsegamer notes that his involvement extends beyond character interactions to menu voice-overs, contributing to the overall immersive experience. IGN Deutschland highlights how voice lines during gameplay effectively add to the atmosphere, creating a sense of urgency and immersion during battles. This indicates that van Dien's presence is appreciated for its nostalgic touch and authenticity, which resonates well with fans of the original franchise. However, not all reviews are as favorable regarding the execution of voice acting in the game. Critics like Generación Xbox express disappointment, stating that van Dien's performance comes off as lackluster and out of place, particularly in mission instructions. Eurogamer Germany and GameCritics also suggest that while van Dien's return is notable, the overall quality of voice work does not meet expectations, with the latter emphasizing that the voice acting quality is not highlighted positively. The Jimquisition points out a significant limitation in the game: players cannot customize their character's voice or gender, which thematically reflects the high turnover of soldiers but may detract from player immersion and personalization. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divided sentiment regarding the voice acting in "Starship Troopers: Extermination." While Casper van Dien's return as Johnny Rico is generally seen as a positive aspect, with some critics appreciating the nostalgia and authenticity he brings, there are notable criticisms regarding the execution and quality of voice work throughout the game. Many reviews, such as those from GameStar and PC Games, acknowledge van Dien's involvement but fail to elaborate on the quality of voice acting, suggesting a lack of depth in this area. Ultimately, while the voice acting adds a layer of familiarity and engagement, it appears that its execution leaves room for improvement, impacting the overall reception of this aspect of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Starship Troopers: Extermination has potential but is plagued by severe technical issues across all platforms. While the PS5 and Xbox Series X show some solid frame rates and visual quality, critics overwhelmingly report frequent crashes, lag, and frustrating AI bugs that mar the experience. Reviewers caution that the game feels unpolished and far from ready for release, needing major fixes before it can earn any recommendations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

67%

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

In analyzing the technical performance of Starship Troopers: Extermination across various platforms, there are some positives worth noting. On the PlayStation 5, while critics like God is a Geek and Push Square mention some jankiness and performance issues, they do not provide extensive details, suggesting that the game may still be playable despite its flaws. On the Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox highlights that the game maintains a solid 60 fps and near 1440p resolution, which is commendable, especially during less intense moments. Some reviewers, such as Eurogamer Germany, acknowledge that while there are technical issues, the game performs well in performance mode on this platform. This indicates that there are aspects of the game that can be enjoyed, particularly in terms of visual fidelity and frame rates. However, the negatives significantly overshadow the positives across all platforms. For the PS5, Impulsegamer and The Jimquisition point out severe issues like frequent lag, rubber-banding, AI bugs, and crashes that lead to frustrating gameplay experiences. On the Xbox Series X, critics like GameCritics and Pure Xbox express concerns about significant technical issues, including crashes and connectivity problems that severely detract from the overall enjoyment. Xbox Tavern and TheXboxHub also mention lag spikes and unresponsive mechanics, which further complicate the experience. On PC, the situation appears similarly bleak, with IGN Deutschland and Try Hard Guides reporting server-side performance issues, unstable framerates, and poor AI, all of which negatively impact gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Starship Troopers: Extermination suffers from a multitude of technical issues across all platforms, making it feel unpolished and often frustrating to play. While there are moments of enjoyment and potential, as noted by some reviewers, the frequent crashes, lag, and AI problems create a barrier to a smooth gaming experience. The game appears to be in a state that is not fully ready for release, with many critics, including GameCritics and Pure Xbox, suggesting that it requires significant improvements before it can be recommended to a wider audience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Starship Troopers: Extermination offers mixed replay value; multiplayer modes and class systems are praised for engagement, but shortcomings like a shallow single-player campaign and repetitive missions dampen long-term interest. While the game has potential for replayability, critics warn that without significant improvements and content updates, player engagement may fade.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Starship Troopers: Extermination is mixed, with several positive aspects highlighted by critics. Many reviewers, such as Impulsegamer and Push Square, note that the game offers replayability through its multiplayer modes and class leveling systems, which encourage players to experiment with different play styles and strategies. Eurogamer Germany emphasizes the necessity of teamwork in multiplayer, which adds a layer of engagement that can keep players returning. Additionally, Generación Xbox points out the inclusion of the Galactic War mode, which introduces a cooperative meta-game element, enhancing the multiplayer experience. Critics like The Jimquisition also acknowledge the replay value stemming from various classes and unpredictable bug encounters, indicating that there is enough content to keep players entertained for multiple sessions. However, alongside these positives, several critics express concerns about the game's replay value being undermined by certain shortcomings. For instance, GameCritics and Movies Games and Tech highlight that while multiplayer modes may offer some replayability, the overall experience can feel inconsistent and lacking in depth, particularly in the single-player campaign. GameStar mentions that the solo campaign is short and lacks depth, which could deter players from revisiting it. Additionally, multiple reviewers, including PC Games and Multiplayer.it, criticize the repetitive nature of missions, suggesting that this could lead to diminished long-term interest. Try Hard Guides goes further to point out a lack of variety in enemies, game modes, and customization options, which contributes to a sense of the game feeling "bare bones." In summary, while Starship Troopers: Extermination has appealing elements that can enhance replay value, particularly through its multiplayer offerings and class systems, critics largely agree that the game is hindered by a lack of depth and variety. The consensus suggests that while the multiplayer experience can be enjoyable and engaging, the single-player mode and repetitive mission structure may limit the game's longevity. Critics like Xbox Tavern and Pure Xbox acknowledge the potential for replayability, especially with ongoing content updates, but also caution that without significant improvements, player engagement may wane over time. Overall, the game presents a mixed bag of replay value that could benefit from further development and content expansion.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

83%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

Starship Troopers: Extermination has garnered a mix of opinions from critics, with several highlighting its strengths, particularly in the realm of cooperative gameplay. Reviewers like Push Square and The Jimquisition praise the game for its enjoyable cooperative shooting and base-building experience, indicating that it offers moments of chaotic fun, especially when played with friends. Generación Xbox echoes this sentiment by noting that the game captures the essence of the movie, providing intense battles that resonate with fans of the franchise. Additionally, IGN Deutschland commends the game for its engaging horde shooter mechanics and the 'Carnage' system, suggesting that it has enough content to warrant multiple playthroughs despite its flaws. Conversely, many critics have pointed out significant shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. God is a Geek criticizes the shooting mechanics and the game’s failure to embody the over-the-top spirit of the movie, while GameCritics rates it poorly, indicating it may only appeal to hardcore fans. Technical issues are frequently mentioned, with reviewers like Pure Xbox and Xbox Tavern noting that the game feels janky and requires substantial fixes to realize its potential. The lack of depth in gameplay, narrative, and replay value is also a common theme, as highlighted by GameStar and PC Games, with some critics describing the game as repetitive and lacking in mission variety. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Starship Troopers: Extermination is a mixed bag, offering a fun multiplayer experience that is hampered by technical issues and a lack of polish. While some reviewers, such as Impulsegamer and Movies Games and Tech, acknowledge the game’s potential for enjoyment despite its imperfections, others like Try Hard Guides and Multiplayer.it express disappointment over its unfinished state and reliance on nostalgia. The game appears to resonate well with fans of the franchise, but it ultimately falls short of being a standout title in the crowded multiplayer shooter genre, leaving many critics hopeful for future improvements.

TL;DR

Starship Troopers: Extermination delivers chaotic fun in cooperative gameplay, earning praise for its shooting and base-building—especially among fans of the franchise. However, it is plagued by technical issues, janky mechanics, and a lack of depth and variety, leading to mixed reviews. While some see potential and nostalgic enjoyment, many critics note it falls short of standing out in the multiplayer shooter scene. Overall, it’s a promising but flawed title that needs significant improvements.

MONSTER

Reviews

53 reviews found

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Nov 4, 2024

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

Starship Troopers: Extermination is a thrilling multiplayer experience with solid gameplay and presentation, despite some technical issues.

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The Jimquisition

PlayStation 5

Oct 17, 2024

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

Starship Troopers: Extermination provides an enjoyable cooperative shooting and base building experience, marred by technical issues and lack of variety in certain aspects, but still manages to offer chaotic fun for players.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Oct 24, 2024

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

Starship Troopers: Extermination delivers a satisfying cooperative PvE experience that captures the essence of the movie, despite some technical and narrative shortcomings. It excels in providing intense battles and base-building mechanics for fans of the franchise.

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Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

Oct 23, 2024

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

Starship Troopers: Extermination is occasionally fantastic, often issue-laden, but rarely frustrating. It's described as a middle-market product that can be a lot of fun despite its imperfections.

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Player2.net.au

Oct 30, 2024

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

Despite its technical issues and a lackluster single-player campaign, the game provides a thrilling experience for fans of the movie and has the potential to become a cult hit.

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Push Square

PlayStation 5

Oct 25, 2024

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

Starship Troopers: Extermination is a solid evolution of the genre, especially for fans of cooperative gameplay, despite some technical issues.

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IGN Deutschland

Oct 17, 2024

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

Starship Troopers: Extermination is a solid and enjoyable horde shooter with its 'Carnage' system and massive alien hordes, offering enough content and fun gameplay to warrant additional playthroughs despite technical shortcomings.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Oct 18, 2024

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

Starship Troopers: Extermination offers some fun moments with friends, but falls short in shooting mechanics and fails to capture the movie's over-the-top spirit.

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GAMES.CH

Xbox Series X

Oct 21, 2024

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

Starship Troopers: Extermination delivers a multiplayer-focused experience with familiar gameplay mechanics but lacks a strong narrative and may struggle to stand out in a crowded genre. The game's replay value may vary depending on player preferences.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Oct 21, 2024

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

Starship Troopers: Extermination shows tremendous potential with its engaging gameplay and teamwork mechanics, but technical issues and design choices hinder the overall experience, making it a mixed bag for players.

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