Exo One PS5 Review
Summary: Exo One is solid fun once you have mastered the controls and mechanics.
4
Solid fun!
The PC indie game Exo One has arrived on the PlayStation 5 that really piqued my interest when I saw the trailer on this next-gen console. So what is it? From the trailer I really had no idea, apart from “lost” astronauts, space exploration and some kind of strange alien vessel that bends time and space. If I could describe Exo One in a few words? Well here it is… Exo One is an amalgam of Monkey Ball and Marble Madness meets the film Interstellar.
Here is the official word on Exo One…
| “On the anniversary of the Jupiter disaster, an alien signal transmits construction blueprints for an alien craft, which humanity builds, called Exo One. An alien craft…
Master a truly alien traversal system and move through enigmatic and desolate alien landscapes in ways you’ve never experienced. Control gravity itself and build momentum to reach colossal speeds and exhilarating heights. An interplanetary journey Ride thermal updrafts into boiling cloud formations, careen down hillsides and launch off mountain tops, all the time drifting toward the shining blue beam on the horizon. Atmospheric, diffused visuals are merged with otherworldly sound effects and a hypnotic electric guitar soundtrack. Pilot your craft on mankind’s first voyage outside the solar system, and go on an interplanetary journey across space and time.” |
On the PlayStation 5, Exo One supports 120 frames (with a compatible TV) per second plus vibration function and trigger effect support which really makes the game more engaging both visually and physically with the DualSense Wireless Controller. You kind of become part of the orb.
With that said, Exo One literally throws you into the deep end and while you have vignettes of the story which adds to the backdrop of this game (slightly), there is a learning curve in mastering this alien craft that is able to distort itself and allow it to fly through time and space as you maximum gravity and inertia to power this orb and disc.
By maximising gravity through pulls and pushes, this creates speed that allows you to complete the objectives on the planets that you are exploring to reach that end game. Speed definitely plays a key component in this game and I love it when you break the sound barrier and your shape shifting orbs travels at insane speeds. You can also tell that 2001: A Space Odyssey created some of the inspiration behind the game because the main gist of the game is to follow the light until you reach the alien monoliths which then allows you to reach the next planet.
So once you have mastered the controls, you have mastered your craft which makes the gameplay quite smooth with the DualSense controller and will easily allow you to finish the game in a few sittings. Given the uniqueness of the game, there is probably another playthrough in order to beat your completion time but all in all, I found Exo One a nice distraction on the PlayStation 5. I just wish there was more story which is vague given the plot.
Graphics & Audio
Graphically, Exo One is an amazing looking game on the PlayStation. The developers should be commended on creating realistic planets and weather effects, including water as you explore and navigate this orb through time and space. Given that, the sandbox of your area is limited which does affect the immersion factor at times but fortunately with the detail and speed (120fps if your TV supports) it is more than enough to keep you invested. Sound effects are limited, however the soundtrack goes well with the gameplay and graphics.
Final Thoughts?
Exo One is a very original game on the PlayStation 5 and if you like games such as Marble Madness and Monkey Ball, then this title will be right up your alley. Just be warned that it may take some people time to master the mechanics behind the game but once you do (and if you do), you’re literally flying through it.
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