In a curious twist of fate, the gaming landscape has found itself in a peculiar standoff between two titles: Starship Troopers: Extermination and Helldivers 2. While Helldivers 2 has successfully harnessed the themes of its predecessor, it has also inadvertently overshadowed Extermination, leaving its developer, Offworld, to navigate the choppy waters of competition. The success of Arrowhead’s bug-blasting escapade undoubtedly stings for Offworld, who must now find innovative ways to reclaim their spotlight.
Update 1.8: A New Chapter for Extermination
As the gaming community anticipates the arrival of Update 1.8 for Extermination later this November, excitement is brewing over the introduction of a Company progression system. This new feature promises to enhance the cooperative experience, allowing players to engage more deeply with the game. However, it is the update’s tertiary feature—an in-game airstrike system—that has captured the imagination of many.
Unlike the airstrikes in Helldivers 2, which are deployed as a Stratagem, Extermination’s airstrikes will function as side-missions. Players will be tasked with defending new objectives known as Fleet Relays, which, when successfully protected, will enable bombing runs against the relentless arachnid hordes. This addition not only amplifies the gameplay but also injects a much-needed layer of spectacle into the experience.
While Offworld’s game may not yet rival Arrowhead in terms of raw audio-visual exhilaration, it certainly has its own charm. The upcoming addition of the M11 Babar mech suit is particularly noteworthy, promising to elevate the bug-splatting experience to new heights. This mech suit could provide players with a fresh perspective and a tactical edge in their battles against the insect menace.
Despite its challenges, including a less-than-stellar single-player campaign and some technical hiccups, Extermination has carved out its niche within the multiplayer realm. The thrill of creating massive piles of defeated bugs has proven to be a thoroughly entertaining endeavor. For those who may be feeling fatigued by the cyclical nature of Helldivers 2, Extermination offers a refreshing alternative worth exploring.
