If you ever daydreamed about battling the galactic arachnid menace in Paul Verhoeven’s Starship Troopers, then Starship Troopers: Extermination is here to make your dreams come true. This early access title throws you into the thick of the action, as you and your team of fellow troopers fight off waves of bugs while constructing a fortress and desperately clinging to survival. Though it may not reinvent the wheel, this explosive bug-killing extravaganza provides a satisfying co-op experience that any fan of the cult sci-fi classic can enjoy.
Stepping into the boots of a valiant Starship Trooper, you are dropped into the relentless chaos decades after the events of the film. Don’t expect a deep narrative experience; Extermination keeps the story minimal, sticking to its core premise of relentless bug-slaying. While it would have been fantastic to see the biting satire that made the film iconic translated into the game mechanics, it’s hard to deny the thrill of pure bug-squashing action.
At the heart of Extermination’s gameplay lies the tandem of base-building mechanics and classic shooting mayhem. The tower-defense twist adds an interesting layer to the otherwise straightforward run-and-gun gameplay. The satisfaction of coordinating with your comrades to defend against the relentless hordes of bugs while simultaneously constructing fortifications brings back nostalgic memories of classic co-op shooters.
One of the standout features of Extermination is its stunning visual design, which faithfully captures the aesthetics of the 1997 movie. From the soldiers’ armor to the movie-inspired news bulletins and soundtrack, the game does an admirable job of immersing you in the Starship Troopers universe. It’s a visual treat for fans, and every encounter with the swarming bugs feels like a thrilling dive back into the cult classic.
Two mission types are available in the early access version: Attack and Secure (AAS) and the locked ARC mode. AAS offers faster, more mobile objectives, while ARC adds a layer of tactical complexity. Though the current early access content is somewhat limited, both mission types provide ample opportunities for frenetic bug-blasting action. However, certain objectives in AAS missions suffer from occasional bugs, such as dormant refineries, which can lead to unintentional waiting.
Engaging in base construction is a breeze, thanks to the intuitive and straightforward mechanics. Erecting walls, bunkers, and armament is as simple as dropping templates and fabricating them using your trusty repair tool. Working seamlessly together to fortify your base against bug onslaughts gives a sense of camaraderie, with each player taking on a specialized role to ensure your survival.
The diverse bug enemy types add some variety to the relentless waves, requiring different strategies to dispatch them effectively. While three of the bug variants function similarly in combat, the gunner and grenadier present more formidable long-range threats, adding much-needed diversity to the otherwise action-packed slugfest.
Progression in Extermination follows a tier-based system, with XP unlocking new weapons, perks, and additional gear for each class. As you level up, you unlock more options to customize your loadout and enhance your combat abilities. However, reaching the max tier for each class is a significant time investment—a challenge for all but the most hardened bug exterminators.
The game’s stability is commendable, with a plethora of bugs and players swarming on-screen simultaneously without sacrificing performance. While the occasional terrain glitch can leave you momentarily stuck, such issues don’t overshadow the overall gameplay experience.
In its current early access state, Starship Troopers: Extermination offers a thrilling bug-squashing co-op experience that will have fans of the classic film reliving their favorite moments. With its faithful visual design, intuitive base-building mechanics, and a solid progression system, Extermination captures the essence of the Starship Troopers universe. However, those seeking deeper narrative and more varied content should wait and observe how early access evolves over the next year.
For fans eager to join the ranks of the Mobile Infantry, Starship Troopers: Extermination provides a satisfying bug-blasting escapade that will keep you engaged, zapping those pesky arachnids one exciting firefight at a time. So, suit up and ready your weaponry—there’s a swarm of bugs waiting to be exterminated! It’s 8/10 for me right now.
Starship Troopers: Extermination is available to buy right now on Steam.