The upcoming game Exoprimal has a good amount of appeal to fans of Dino Crisis, but some elements of the game threaten its status as a spiritual successor. Exoprimal, developed by Capcom, promises combat against swarms of dinosaur enemies in a sci-fi setting. The reptilian threat makes the game stand out from the pack of other third-person shooters, and trailers have showcased polished and action-packed gameplay. This premise has potential to be fun, particularly for those who enjoyed Dino Crisis, but not all news about the game is promising.

Exoprimal shares its development studio Capcom with the classic series Dino Crisis, survival horror titles that also offered a dinosaur threat with a sci-fi flair. Although the first Dino Crisis came from Resident Evil director Shinji Mikami and features gameplay similar to old-school Resident Evil, subsequent titles Dino Crisis 2 and 3 transitioned to an action-adventure focus. Both iterations of the concept have their fair share of fans, but the cancelation of Dino Crisis 4 has left the series dormant for nearly two decades. The arrival of Exoprimal could scratch a longstanding itch if the game delivers a solid experience.

Related: Exoprimal's Announcement Has Dino Crisis Fans Unhappy

Exoprimal Has A Live Service Focus

Two Exoprimal characters in mech suits fighting a dinosaur in a city's streets.

A new Exoprimal trailer, uploaded to YouTube by PlayStation, that reveals the game's release date also shows other aspects of the game that point toward a focus on live service elements. Like other live service titles, Exoprimal ignores single-player and offline possibilities in favor of an online experience focused on continual updates and content. Text on screen at the start of the trailer declares a requirement for a continuous internet connection and a CAPCOM ID, and a later disclaimer notes that players will need to sign up for a PlayStation Plus membership to experience the game. The end of the trailer advertises typical live service content like skins and a season pass filled with cosmetic options.

Why Exoprimal Won't Be Another Dino Crisis

Image of the battle pass plans for Exoprimal, featuring a free path with fewer entries and a crowded Premium option.

Exoprimal gameplay still looks fun, and its commitment to its goofy concept and penchant for design flair could make the game a success. As a title that looks to be heavy on live service elements, however, it doesn't seem like it will offer the same benefits that Dino Crisis did. The lack of a single-player campaign means the title is unlikely to focus on the concerted level design that led to memorable puzzles and gameplay shake-ups like rail shooting in the Dino Crisis games. Many players tend to dislike the aggressive monetization that systems like the promoted battle pass entail.

For fans who want nothing more than a chance to fight some dinosaurs, the onslaught that Exoprimal brings could still fill the hole that Dino Crisis left. Series diehards, however, are unlikely to find exactly what they're looking for with Capcom's upcoming title. The online-only element also means the game won't have the same enduring status as Dino Crisis, as servers are unlikely to stay online for the same length of time that Dino Crisis has maintained a fanbase. Exoprimal might be a fun time, particularly with some friends, but it's not shaping up to be the Dino Crisis successor that could have been.

More: Exoprimal Looks Cooler Than Jurassic World

Source: PlayStation/YouTube