Exoprimal asks players to fight giant monsters while riding on the backs of robotic suits, and that pitch is better in theory than in practice. The game, out now on Series X|S, PS4, PC and PS5, pairs arena combat with a campaign that stretches across several decades. It mostly succeeds at the former and stumbles at the latter.
The Setup
In Exoprimal, humanity faces extinction thanks to a swarm of giant monsters. Players pilot exoskeletons, which are controlled by human operators, to fight back. The game splits its time between arena battles and a story campaign that jumps between different eras.
The premise is simple and easy to grasp. The execution is where things get messy.
Arena Combat
The arena mode is the strongest part of Exoprimal. Players pick a mech and face waves of enemies, chaining combos and dodging attacks. The controls feel tight, and the feedback on hits is satisfying.
The arena mode is the strongest part of Exoprimal.
The game rewards players who learn enemy patterns and build combos. It feels like a polished action game, separate from the campaign.
The Campaign
The story campaign is where Exoprimal struggles. It follows a young operator named Aya, who joins a mech team to save her brother. The plot tries to tie together multiple timelines, but the writing often fails to make those connections land.
The pacing dips during sections where the game leans on exposition over action. Some missions feel thin, with little mechanical variety beyond the arena battles.
The Cast
The cast is a mixed bag. Aya carries the story with a quiet determination, but her allies sometimes talk past each other. The game’s world-building is ambitious, but the dialogue doesn’t always match the scale.
The voice acting is solid in the arena segments, where the tension is high. In quieter scenes, the delivery can feel forced.
The Look
Visually, Exoprimal is competent. The mech designs are detailed, and the arenas are dense with enemy swarms. The lighting shifts depending on the era, giving each timeline a distinct color palette.
The frame rate holds steady on Series X|S and PC, though some players on PS4 have reported dips during busier moments. The load times are quick, which helps the game feel fast even when the story drags.
The Numbers
- Platforms: Series X|S, PS4, PC, PS5
- Developer: Capcom
- Release: 2023
- Critical score: 7.4/10
What Works
The arena combat is the clear standout. The mech movement feels weighty, and the enemy variety keeps fights fresh. Players who enjoy rhythm-based action will find plenty to like here.
The presentation also deserves credit. The menus are clean, and the transitions between arenas and story scenes are smooth. The music matches the tone, shifting from tense to triumphant depending on the situation.
What Falls Short
The campaign is the weakest link. The story is convoluted, and the jump between timelines can be jarring. Some missions feel like filler, existing mainly to move the plot forward.
The pacing suffers as a result. Long stretches of dialogue slow down what could have been a taut, exciting experience.
The Verdict
Exoprimal is a game of contrasts. Its arena mode is sharp and engaging, while its story campaign is uneven and occasionally frustrating. The two halves don’t quite meet in the middle.
The game is worth playing for the arena mode alone, especially for fans of fast, combo-driven action. The campaign is a mixed bag, but it doesn’t sink the whole package.
Key Facts Box:
– Platforms: Series X|S, PS4, PC, PS5
– Developer: Capcom
– Release: 2023
– Critical score: 7.4/10
For players willing to look past the campaign’s rough patches, there’s still plenty to enjoy here. Just don’t expect a seamless whole.
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