As gaming enthusiasts, there are always titles that we eagerly await, hoping for a memorable gaming experience. Exoprimal was one such game that stirred curiosity and excitement among gamers when it was unveiled at Sony's March 2022 state of play. The promise of an action-packed game with dinosaurs and mechs sounded intriguing, leading many to speculate if it was a revival of the beloved Dino Crisis franchise. However, the reality turned out to be quite different. In this article, we'll explore the journey of Exoprimal, its gameplay experience, and the reasons behind the mixed reception it received upon release.

 

A Promising Concept, a Disconnected Execution

Upon its initial reveal, Exoprimal appeared to be an exhilarating co-op shooter with a captivating blend of dinosaurs, mechs, and a futuristic setting. The gameplay trailers showcased Regina-like characters engaging in intense battles against a variety of dinosaurs, further fueling the hope that this might be the long-awaited return of Dino Crisis. However, as more details emerged, it became apparent that Exoprimal was not connected to the beloved survival horror franchise.

Capcom's decision to develop Exoprimal as a live service game raised eyebrows among fans. With the increasing popularity of the live service model in gaming, some were intrigued to see how Capcom would implement it. Nevertheless, it was a departure from Capcom's traditional successful formula, especially considering the massive success of the Monster Hunter series with its post-launch title updates and compelling single-player experiences.

Despite initial skepticism, some gamers got the chance to experience Exoprimal through closed beta testing. Surprisingly, many found themselves pleasantly surprised by the fast-paced, mindless fun offered by the game. The diverse selection of EXO suits, challenging dinosaur encounters, and enjoyable combat mechanics offered a glimmer of hope for a promising co-op experience.

Unfortunately, the initial optimism waned as Exoprimal received a mixed response after its official release. The game garnered some positive reviews, but negative feedback was also abundant. Players criticized the disjointed campaign, repetitive gameplay, and the incorporation of PvP elements, even for those who preferred PvE. The lack of mission variety and an underwhelming story further contributed to the disappointment.

Exoprimal has been likened to Earth Defense Force, which also emphasizes co-op gameplay against swarms of enemies. However, despite being a solo-oriented experience, Exoprimal's repetitive nature and limited customization options hindered its appeal. Players noted that Earth Defense Force offered more weapon options and engaging scenarios in its vast maps.

 

A Baffling Direction for Capcom

The decision to pursue a live service model with Exoprimal, rather than focusing on a more story-driven third-person shooter with AI squad mates and co-op support, left many fans perplexed. With Capcom's successful franchises like Monster Hunter and Street Fighter, many questioned why they didn't go down a more proven path or explore the possibility of reviving Lost Planet.

With Exoprimal existing solely as an online live service game, its future remains uncertain. Players hope for a constant flow of content and improvements to maintain interest in the long term. However, based on Capcom's history with multiplayer-only titles, there is a lingering concern that support for the game may dwindle, leading to potential abandonment.

Exoprimal's journey has been filled with ups and downs, raising high expectations but ultimately delivering a less-than-stellar experience for many players. Its departure from Capcom's usual formula and the adoption of a live service approach garnered mixed reactions. As the game's future unfolds, the question of long-term support and player engagement looms large. Only time will tell whether Exoprimal can carve a lasting place in the gaming landscape or if it will fade away like some of Capcom's previous multiplayer endeavors.