Mini Review Starship Troopers: Extermination (PS5)

Starship Troopers: Extermination brings the intense, bug-squashing action of the cult classic film to the PlayStation 5. Developed by Offworld Industries, this first-person shooter aims to capture the essence of humanity's struggle against the Arachnid threat. But does it successfully channel the spirit of the franchise, or does it fall short of expectations? Let's dive into this comprehensive review to find out.


At its core, "Starship Troopers: Extermination" is a cooperative first-person shooter that pits up to 12 players against swarms of alien insects. The game's primary strength lies in its ability to create a sense of overwhelming odds and the satisfaction of overcoming them through teamwork.

Combat

The combat in "Extermination" is fast-paced and intense. Players have access to a variety of weapons, each feeling distinct and satisfying to use. From the standard-issue Morita Assault Rifle to heavy weapons like the TAC 50 Anti-Material Rifle, there's a loadout for every playstyle. The gunplay is solid, with each weapon having a good weight and impact when fired.

One of the standout features is the sheer number of bugs the game can render on screen at once. Seeing hundreds of Arachnids swarming towards your position is both terrifying and exhilarating, creating moments of genuine tension and excitement.

Objectives and Progression

Missions in "Extermination" typically involve completing a series of objectives while fending off waves of Arachnids. These can range from defending strategic points to destroying bug hives or escorting crucial equipment. The variety in mission types helps keep the gameplay fresh, although some players might find the overall structure repetitive after extended play.

The game features a class system with three distinct roles: Assault, Support, and Defense. Each class has its own skill tree and unique abilities, allowing for some strategic depth in team composition. As players progress, they unlock new weapons, attachments, and perks, providing a sense of progression and customization.

Unique Mechanics

One of the game's most innovative features is the base-building aspect. Players can construct and fortify defensive structures during missions, adding a layer of strategy to the frantic combat. This mechanic encourages teamwork and communication, as coordinating defenses becomes crucial for survival in later stages.

Another unique element is the dynamic weather system, which can dramatically alter the battlefield. Sudden sandstorms or electrical disturbances can limit visibility and affect combat tactics, keeping players on their toes.

Visual Fidelity

Graphically, "Starship Troopers: Extermination" is a mixed bag on the PS5. The game's environments are vast and varied, ranging from arid deserts to lush jungles, each with its own distinct atmosphere. The lighting effects, particularly during night missions or in underground caverns, create a suitably eerie ambiance.

However, the character models and some textures lack the level of detail one might expect from a current-gen title. While this might be a conscious choice to maintain performance with large numbers of enemies on screen, it can sometimes break immersion.

Art Style

The art direction stays true to the Starship Troopers universe, with the iconic designs of both human technology and Arachnid creatures being faithfully recreated. The bug designs are particularly impressive, with each type of Arachnid being easily distinguishable and menacing in its own right.

Sound Design

The audio in "Extermination" is one of its strongest aspects. The cacophony of gunfire, explosions, and the chittering of approaching bugs creates a chaotic and immersive soundscape. The voice acting, while not award-winning, captures the cheesy, over-the-top nature of the source material.

The music deserves special mention, with a bombastic orchestral score that perfectly complements the on-screen action. It dynamically shifts based on the intensity of combat, ramping up during swarm attacks and quieting during moments of respite.



The narrative in "Starship Troopers: Extermination" is fairly bare-bones, serving mainly as a backdrop for the action. Players take on the role of troopers in the Mobile Infantry, tasked with pushing back the Arachnid threat on various planets.

While the game captures the satirical tone of the original film, with its propaganda-style briefings and exaggerated patriotism, it doesn't delve deep into character development or complex storytelling. The focus is clearly on the gameplay rather than narrative depth.

Characters are mostly generic troopers, with little to distinguish them beyond their class roles. This isn't necessarily a negative, as it allows players to project themselves into the role, but those looking for a rich, character-driven experience might be disappointed.



The multiplayer aspect is where "Starship Troopers: Extermination" truly shines. The game supports up to 12 players in co-op mode, and the experience of fighting alongside a full squad against overwhelming odds is genuinely thrilling.

Communication and teamwork are key to success, especially on higher difficulties. Coordinating defenses, sharing resources, and combining class abilities create a satisfying sense of camaraderie. The drop-in, drop-out nature of the multiplayer also means it's easy to find games or have friends join mid-mission.

The game also features a versus mode, pitting human players against each other in objective-based matches. While this mode is competently executed, it feels somewhat superfluous given the strength of the co-op experience.


"Starship Troopers: Extermination" is a solid, if somewhat uneven, adaptation of the beloved franchise. Its strengths lie in its intense cooperative gameplay, satisfying combat mechanics, and the sheer scale of its bug-squashing action. The base-building elements and class system add depth to what could have been a straightforward shooter.

However, the game is not without its flaws. The graphics, while serviceable, don't fully utilize the PS5's capabilities. The story is thin, serving more as a framework for missions rather than a compelling narrative in its own right. Additionally, the repetitive nature of missions might test the patience of some players in extended sessions.

Despite these shortcomings, the game succeeds in capturing the essence of the Starship Troopers universe. It delivers on the promise of large-scale battles against seemingly insurmountable odds, and the satisfaction of overcoming them through teamwork and firepower.

Strengths:

• Intense, cooperative gameplay
• Impressive scale of enemy swarms
• Solid gunplay and class system
• Engaging base-building mechanics
• Excellent sound design and music

Weaknesses:

• Repetitive mission structure
• Underwhelming graphics in some areas
• Thin story and character development

Final Verdict

Starship Troopers: Extermination is a game that knows its audience and delivers where it counts. While it may not break new ground in the FPS genre, it offers a highly enjoyable co-op experience that fans of the franchise and team-based shooters will appreciate. Its flaws are noticeable but not deal-breaking, and the core gameplay loop is satisfying enough to keep players coming back for more bug-hunting action.

For its ability to capture the spirit of Starship Troopers, deliver intense cooperative gameplay, and provide hours of bug-squashing fun, "Starship Troopers: Extermination" earns a solid 7.5 out of 10. It's recommended for fans of the franchise and those looking for a robust co-op shooter experience, but potential buyers should be aware of its limitations in terms of story depth and visual fidelity.