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Exoprimal

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

2023

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

AvailableJul 14, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, 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

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

13%

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

The story of Exoprimal has garnered mixed reviews from critics, with some highlighting positive aspects. Critics such as Game Informer, Press Start Australia, and Checkpoint Gaming appreciate the absurd and entertaining nature of the narrative, finding it unique and engaging. Game Informer specifically mentions the novel approach to storytelling in a multiplayer game, while Press Start Australia commends the post-apocalyptic setting with dinosaurs as a compelling backdrop. Additionally, Wccftech and We Got This Covered praise the engaging and well-written plot, with Wccftech noting that it provides a good reason to continue playing the game. On the other hand, several critics express negative sentiments towards the story of Exoprimal. XboxEra and GamingTrend criticize the narrative for being bland, uninteresting, and convoluted, with XboxEra mentioning that cutscenes and lore unlocks can disrupt gameplay flow. Finger Guns and God is a Geek highlight issues with laughably bad dialogue, generic characters, and a lack of meaningful stakes, making the story difficult to fully grasp and appreciate. Furthermore, GamingTrend points out that the story is poorly paced and filled with uninteresting plot twists, while Finger Guns mentions nonsensical elements in the storytelling. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of Exoprimal is divided. While some reviewers appreciate the unique and engaging aspects of the narrative, such as its absurdity, well-written segments, and entertaining plot twists, others criticize it for being convoluted, uninteresting, and poorly paced. The positive reception from critics like Game Informer and Wccftech indicates that there are redeeming qualities in the storytelling that can captivate players, while the criticisms from XboxEra and GamingTrend suggest that the narrative may not resonate with all players due to its lackluster execution and disruptive elements. Ultimately, the story of Exoprimal seems to be a subjective aspect of the game that may appeal to some players while falling short for others.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Exoprimal's story divides critics: Some praise its unique absurdity and well-written plot, while others criticize it for being bland, convoluted, and poorly paced. Positive reviews highlight engaging elements like post-apocalyptic dinosaur setting and entertaining twists, but negative feedback points out issues with generic characters, bad dialogue, and disruptive lore unlocks. The story's appeal is subjective, with some finding it captivating and others struggling to appreciate its flaws.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Exoprimal has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the variety of exosuits available, each with unique abilities and roles, offering players a diverse gameplay experience. Critics like Gamer.no highlighted the engaging mechanics and teamwork-focused gameplay, while Game Informer appreciated the smooth and enjoyable gameplay with satisfying action even in intense combat scenarios. The ability to switch between different exosuits mid-match was also praised by ZTGD, adding a layer of strategy to the gameplay. Additionally, the fast-paced combat, variety of attacks, and perks in multiplayer modes like Dinosaur Hunt were noted as enjoyable aspects by Worth Playing and But Why Tho??. On the downside, some critics found the gameplay of Exoprimal to be repetitive and lacking innovation. PCGamesN and NME criticized the game for feeling similar to other titles like Overwatch and struggling with its identity as a competitive game. Gaming Age highlighted messy and ill-defined combat, lacking engagement and team synergy, while Gamereactor UK mentioned that the core PvE gameplay felt bland and lacked excitement. The limited game mode variety and lack of depth in character abilities were also noted as drawbacks by GamingTrend and God is a Geek, respectively. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Exoprimal offers a solid multiplayer experience with engaging gameplay mechanics, particularly in team-based combat scenarios. While some reviewers found the gameplay to be repetitive and lacking innovation, others appreciated the variety of exosuits, fast-paced action, and strategic depth it provided. The blend of PvE and PvP elements, along with the ability to customize exosuits and tackle diverse objectives, contributed to a generally positive reception. However, improvements could be made to address the repetitive nature of the gameplay and enhance the overall depth and excitement, as noted by various critics such as PCGamesN, GamingTrend, and Gamereactor UK.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Exoprimal's gameplay receives mixed reviews, with critics praising the diverse exosuits and engaging mechanics for team-based combat. Positive aspects include fast-paced action, variety of attacks, and strategic depth in multiplayer modes. However, some critics find the gameplay repetitive and lacking innovation, with messy combat and limited depth in character abilities. Overall, while Exoprimal offers a solid multiplayer experience, improvements are needed to address repetitive gameplay and enhance excitement levels.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

61%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Exoprimal have received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Game Informer and PlaySense praise the visuals for their cool and jaw-dropping moments, detailed exosuits, and effective utilization of Capcom's RE Engine to balance performance and visuals. Additionally, critics like Finger Guns and God is a Geek appreciate the detailed graphics, smooth performance, and well-designed characters and dinosaurs. The varied range of well-designed dinosaurs, outstanding mechs, and flashy effects in the game are also highlighted positively by critics like Gamereactor UK and Gaming Age. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks in Exoprimal's graphics and visual design. Gamer.no mentions that the menu system designed for mouse and keyboard feels clunky on consoles, while PCGamesN criticizes the uneven graphics and unoriginal character designs. Worth Playing notes that while the character and dinosaur designs are well-detailed, the maps are generic and lack detail. The Loadout and We Got This Covered highlight the lack of graphical polish and map variety, respectively, which can lead to repetitive gameplay experiences. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side regarding Exoprimal's graphics and visual design. The game is commended for its engaging visuals, detailed character and dinosaur designs, smooth performance, and effective use of the RE Engine to create immersive and visually appealing gameplay experiences. However, some criticisms regarding clunky menu systems, uneven graphics, lack of map variety, and generic environments are also noted. Despite these drawbacks, the majority of critics appreciate the effort put into bringing the dinosaurs and mechs to life, the engaging and chaotic battlefield experience, and the overall visual charm of Exoprimal.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Exoprimal's graphics and visual design receive praise for their cool moments, detailed exosuits, and effective use of the RE Engine. Critics highlight well-designed characters, dinosaurs, and flashy effects. However, some point out drawbacks like clunky menus on consoles and lack of map variety. Overall, critics lean towards the positive side, appreciating the engaging visuals and immersive gameplay despite some flaws.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Sound Design and Music of Exoprimal have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from various critics. XboxEra and Worth Playing praise the game for its great sound effects and fitting soundtrack for cutscenes and combat, respectively. XboxEra specifically mentions the mix of low-fi synth beats and orchestral swells, adding depth to the game's audio experience. Additionally, We Got This Covered highlights the standout voice acting for the character Leviathan, drawing comparisons to the iconic GLADOS from Portal. These positive aspects contribute to creating an immersive and engaging audio atmosphere for players, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Exoprimal. Movies Games and Tech points out the poor lip-syncing, which can detract from the overall immersion of the game. PlaySense and MeuPlayStation both express disappointment in the voice acting, with PlaySense describing it as forgettable and lacking impact, while MeuPlayStation specifically mentions the odd communication dynamic caused by inconsistent voice acting languages. These negative aspects can hinder the player's ability to fully connect with the narrative and characters, impacting the overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive view of the Sound Design and Music of Exoprimal, with notable highlights such as great sound effects, fitting soundtrack, and standout voice acting for certain characters. While there are criticisms regarding aspects like lip-syncing, forgettable voice acting, and language inconsistencies, the overall sentiment suggests that the audio elements contribute positively to the game's atmosphere and gameplay. By incorporating improvements in areas of weakness, Exoprimal could further elevate its audio experience and appeal to a wider audience, as suggested by the varied opinions of the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Exoprimal's sound design and music have received mixed reviews. Critics praise the great sound effects, fitting soundtrack, and standout voice acting for certain characters, creating an immersive audio experience. However, criticisms include poor lip-syncing, forgettable voice acting, and language inconsistencies, which can hinder player immersion. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the general consensus is positive, suggesting that with enhancements, Exoprimal could enhance its audio experience and appeal to a broader audience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

10%

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

In the opinions of several reviewers, the voice acting in Exoprimal received a mix of positive and negative feedback. GameGrin and Worth Playing praised the voice acting, with GameGrin specifically mentioning it as "stellar" and Worth Playing describing it as "solid." Additionally, We Got This Covered highlighted the performance of Mark Whitten as Leviathan, indicating a standout performance that was praised by the critics. These positive remarks suggest that there were aspects of the voice acting that resonated positively with some players, adding depth and emotion to the characters. On the other hand, criticisms of the voice acting in Exoprimal were also prevalent among the reviewers. XboxEra criticized the voice acting for sounding like a "bad 2000s arcade game," pointing out that characters talked constantly during missions, which may have detracted from the overall immersion of the game. PlaySense described the voice acting as "unmemorable and sometimes repetitive," failing to make a lasting impact on the players. Finger Guns further criticized the awkwardness of the protagonist's interactions and nonsensical dialogue, indicating a lack of authenticity and immersion in the voice performances. These negative comments suggest that there were significant shortcomings in the delivery and execution of the voice acting in Exoprimal, which may have hindered the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the voice acting in Exoprimal appears to be mixed. While some reviewers like GameGrin, Worth Playing, and We Got This Covered appreciated certain aspects of the voice performances, others such as XboxEra, PlaySense, and Finger Guns pointed out various flaws and inconsistencies in the delivery. The varying opinions indicate that the quality of the voice acting in Exoprimal was a divisive aspect of the game, with some players finding it engaging and immersive, while others felt it fell short in terms of authenticity and impact. The differing perspectives highlight the subjective nature of voice acting in games and how it can significantly influence the overall reception of the gaming experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Mixed reviews on Exoprimal's voice acting: Some praised it for adding depth and emotion, while others criticized it for sounding like a "bad 2000s arcade game" and lacking authenticity. The consensus is divided, with some finding it engaging and others feeling it fell short. Overall, the voice acting in Exoprimal seems to have polarized critics and players alike, impacting the overall reception of the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

12%

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

In terms of technical performance on Xbox Series X, the majority of critics had positive feedback. Game Informer praised the smooth performance even with a large number of enemies on screen, while Movies Games and Tech highlighted the smooth frame rate and problem-free experience. XboxEra also commended the rock-solid performance and impressive dino swarms without major dips in framerate. However, Gamer.no pointed out a negative aspect, mentioning that the menu system designed for mouse and keyboard felt clunky on consoles, which detracted from the overall experience. ZTGD, on the other hand, had no issues to report, indicating a consistent and stable performance on the platform. On the PC platform, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive regarding technical performance. GameGrin, PlaySense, and Wccftech all noted smooth gameplay experiences without encountering technical issues. Worth Playing highlighted the game's optimization for various hardware and the presence of FSR to enhance performance and battery life. However, NME mentioned clunky menus and pre-match cutscenes that made the game feel like a chore for some players. Despite this, the overall sentiment was that Exoprimal ran smoothly on PC systems, showcasing good performance optimization and a variety of graphics settings for players to customize their experience. Moving on to the PS5 platform, the feedback from critics was predominantly positive in terms of technical performance. Finger Guns, Gamers Heroes, Gaming Age, and Inverse all praised the stable performance, smooth framerate, and lack of crashes during gameplay. MeuPlayStation specifically highlighted the impressive technical capabilities of the RE Engine in handling hundreds of dinosaurs on screen without significant FPS drops. However, there were reports of issues with multiplayer connectivity impacting the ability to play with friends, as mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming. The Loadout provided limited details but mentioned a consistently sturdy frame rate on the platform. Overall, the consensus among critics for Exoprimal's technical performance is largely positive across all gaming platforms. The game was commended for its smooth performance, stable frame rates, and lack of major technical issues by critics such as XboxEra, PlaySense, and Gamers Heroes. While there were some minor drawbacks reported, such as clunky menus on consoles and multiplayer connectivity issues on PS5, the general sentiment is that Exoprimal delivers a technically sound experience for players on Xbox Series X, PC, and PS5. The developers' efforts in optimizing performance and utilizing advanced engines like the RE Engine were acknowledged by critics, contributing to an enjoyable gameplay experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

technical performance

Exoprimal received positive feedback for its technical performance on Xbox Series X, PC, and PS5, with critics praising smooth gameplay, stable frame rates, and impressive optimization. While some minor issues like clunky menus on consoles and multiplayer connectivity problems on PS5 were noted, overall consensus is that the game delivers a solid gaming experience across platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

18%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Exoprimal are quite diverse. Some critics, such as Gamers' Temple and Press Start Australia, highlight the game's high replay value due to addictive gameplay, variety in exosuits, and the promise of free updates with more content. Gamers' Temple specifically mentions the free unlockables and collectible cards that add to the replayability, while Press Start Australia notes the different objectives, maps, and dinosaurs that contribute to the game's longevity. Additionally, XboxEra points out the multiple progression systems and inclusion in Game Pass as factors that could help enhance the game's replay value. On the other hand, several critics express concerns about the repetitive nature of Exoprimal impacting its replayability. Critics like Game Informer and NME mention the repetitive gameplay as a potential drawback, with Game Informer specifically stating that the repetitive nature of matches may lead to burnout. Furthermore, critics like GamingTrend and TheGamer highlight the lack of content variety and modes, which may lead to potential longevity concerns and hinder long-term player engagement. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception regarding the replay value of Exoprimal. While some critics appreciate the game's addictive gameplay, variety in exosuits, and promise of future updates to enhance replayability, others point out the repetitive nature of the gameplay and lack of content variety as potential drawbacks. Critics like Worth Playing acknowledge the potential for longevity with the season pass and planned content updates but also mention the definitive shelf life due to the online-only nature of the game. Ultimately, the replay value of Exoprimal seems to depend on individual preferences, with some players finding enough content and progression systems to keep them engaged, while others may feel deterred by the repetitive gameplay and lack of variety.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on Exoprimal's replay value. Some praise its addictive gameplay, variety in exosuits, and free updates for longevity, while others criticize its repetitive nature and lack of content variety. The game's potential for replay hinges on personal preferences, with factors like unlockables, collectibles, and planned updates influencing player engagement.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

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

The critics generally praise Exoprimal for its engaging gameplay mechanics, unique concept, and visually appealing design. Game Informer highlights the game's absurd and entertaining story, smooth gameplay, and visually appealing design, making it a fun experience for casual players. Press Start Australia commends the game for successfully combining engaging single-player encounters with a solid multiplayer experience, showcasing a unique approach to storytelling and a good variety of gameplay options. Additionally, Worth Playing acknowledges the game's potential with fun gameplay mechanics, enjoyable combat against dinosaurs, and well-optimized graphics and sound design. On the downside, several critics point out the lack of content, repetitive gameplay, and technical issues that hinder the overall experience of Exoprimal. PCGamesN criticizes the game for its execution and lack of innovation, resulting in a negative overall verdict. PlaySense criticizes the game for its lack of content at launch, aggressive monetization, and underwhelming audio design, falling short of its potential. Furthermore, Gaming Age finds the game boring and uninspired, lacking in terms of gameplay, engagement, and story, which may deter players from returning to it. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Exoprimal shows promise but falls short in various aspects. While some critics appreciate the game's potential for improvement with future updates and additional content, others express concerns about its repetitive nature, lack of innovation, and technical issues. The mixed feedback suggests that Exoprimal may appeal to certain players who enjoy its gameplay loop and visuals but may struggle to retain a broader audience due to its shortcomings. Critics like Push Square see the foundation for something special, but others like GamingTrend and God is a Geek find the game lacking in narrative and foundational aspects, making it a rough experience for players. Ultimately, Exoprimal's success may depend on how well Capcom addresses the identified issues and enhances the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

Critics praise Exoprimal for its engaging gameplay, unique concept, and visually appealing design, but criticize its lack of content, repetitive gameplay, and technical issues. While some see potential for improvement with future updates, others find it uninspired and lacking innovation. Exoprimal may appeal to certain players but struggles to retain a broader audience. Success hinges on Capcom addressing the game's issues and enhancing the overall experience.

CRITIK

Reviews

146 reviews found

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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Inverse

PlayStation 5

Jul 21, 2023

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

Exoprimal is an enrapturing multiplayer experience that is worth sticking out the initial content-gating for, offering satisfying gameplay and an interesting story.

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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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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.

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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We Got This Covered

PlayStation 5

Jul 18, 2023

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

Exoprimal starts off poorly but becomes a fun and engaging shooter. With more content and support, it has the potential to become an excellent game.

PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 5

Jul 26, 2023

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

Exoprimal is an engaging multiplayer experience with a solid base, worth playing with friends.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Jul 26, 2023

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

The game has great potential and is an addictive and enjoyable experience, but the limited game mode and objectives hold it back from being one of the best.

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Gamers' Temple

Xbox Series X

Mar 25, 2024

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

Exoprimal is a good start for a new multiplayer franchise for Capcom, with a solid gameplay loop and potential for improvement with the addition of a true campaign mode.