The extraction shooter genre is interesting to say the least. It's inherently niche due to the high level of risk associated with each run, and regular resets mean that only the most dedicated players will have good gear all the time. Still, that hasn't stopped developers from trying to carve out a piece of the extraction game, all with varying degrees of success. Some titles, like Bungie's excellent Marathonstruggling to gain a consistent player base, while something similar ARC Raiders has proven to be a big hit. Although some feel that the extraction shooter genre will soon be crowded, there is more for fans to look forward to, from MW4reverts to DMZ mode Halos rumored extraction shooter to Steam games like Grave bound.
Steam Grave bound is a cross between Borderlands' art style and ARC Raiders' mechanics, and given the state of both of these major IPs, it's coming out at a perfect time. Borderlands 4 may have been well received upon release, but post-launch support has been terribly disappointing, from poor seasonal events to a lack of raid bosses to novel expansions. And though ARC Raiders remains quite popular, player numbers have started to drop, as the move to big, bi-annual content cuts has led to a drought where there's little new to do. With both looters and extraction shooter fans likely to be up for something, Grave bound has a big opportunity ahead if developer Crater Studios can stick the landing.
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Gravebound features at a glance
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FIGHT against an array of machine enemies in six-player co-op.
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BUILD your ideal survivor with “endless” variety, as relics, power-ups and weapon upgrades will be available.
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CONTINUOUS progression means long-term upgrades via systems like CEP Progression and Tinkerer.
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DYNAMIC runs promise that players will encounter a variety of upgrades, team combinations and more every time they jump in.
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EXPERIENCE a stylized, colorful world that offers a mix of comic book and sci-fi.
Gravebound is a 6-player co-op extraction shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by rogue machines. Scoop out valuable loot, survive intense firefights, complete dynamic objectives and mine alive to keep what you earn. Push deeper for rarer rewards, tougher enemies and higher stakes.
Gravebound not only has the look of Borderlands, but its depth as well
As soon as you load Grave boundshould its images feel familiar. Sure, some details – like the comics-esque “boom” text that appears when something blows up – stand out, but overall the architecture, character models and overall visual style feel just like the original Borderlands. However, someone Borderlands fans will know that the series' iconic art style is just one piece of the puzzle, as building out your Vault Hunter is just as crucial to those games' successful formula. Fortunately, Grave bound seems poised to offer its fair share of build variety, which should help greatly with replayability.
Alongside persistent upgrade mechanics similar to the unlocks from Marathons faction contracts – some systems called CEP progression and Tinkerer will give players some long-term boosts – each run will offer exciting items that you have to mine with to keep. Sure, there are the expected weapon upgrades to add accessories and stat boosts to their weapons of choice, but you'll also be able to find relics and power-ups for their character. Since dynamic runs are a key feature of Gravemind, no two runs will play the same, meaning there's no telling which relics, boosts, or upgrades you'll find on each installation.
If that wasn't enough, Gravemind also seems to have a lot of Borderlands' signature humor in the coat sleeve. “Chaos” is thrown around in its Steam description about as much as it is in the marketing materials for any given one Borderlands game, while some of the potential enemies are on par with the series' walking, talking Tediore weapon. Presumably, you'll have to contend with “refrigerator tanks, sniper microwaves, exploding toasters, angry vacuum cleaners” and deadly “blenders.” Seeing household appliances serve as inspiration for enemy designs feels like the concept for one Borderlands side quests, but don't worry — ARC Raiders'DNA is very present.
ARC Raiders Machine Foes and Emergent Co-Op Gameplay Ported to Gravemind
Unlike Borderlands games that limit co-op to four players, Gravemind will allow teams of six to enter the same map. With groups the size of a raid party from Fate franchise, it is no surprise that this particular extraction shooter is advertising argument, stress and humor along with its actual features. You'll need to jump in, fight or avoid killer robots, and make your way out with all the loot you can, with nail-biting escapes and epic revivals sure to happen on a large portion of the runs. So if you want to “create disaster stories” you will talk about forever, Gravemind is undoubtedly worth a place on your wish list.
