Starship Troopers: Extermination Review

Starship Troopers: Extermination is a co-op first-person shooter (FPS) that transports players to the far reaches of space, where humanity’s survival hinges on their ability to fight an overwhelming alien threat. Developed and published by Offworld, the game invites players to join the elite ranks of the Deep Space Vanguard, a highly trained squadron tasked with reclaiming planets from the clutches of the relentless Arachnid menace. It’s a game that draws heavy inspiration from the classic Starship Troopers universe, bringing all the action, camaraderie, and over-the-top bug-squashing to the PlayStation 5.

In Starship Troopers: Extermination, teamwork is not just encouraged—it’s essential. Players must band together, strategize, and wield an arsenal of futuristic weapons to overcome wave after wave of Arachnid foes. Whether securing territory, building defences, or simply blasting Bugs to bits, every mission requires coordination and a willingness to adapt to ever-changing battlefield conditions. The game’s emphasis on cooperative gameplay makes it a perfect choice for players looking for intense, action-packed sessions with friends or a group of like-minded troopers.

The game aims to capture the chaotic energy of the source material, complete with tongue-in-cheek propaganda, high-stakes battles, and the thrill of going toe-to-toe with alien monstrosities that threaten to overrun humanity’s defences. But does Starship Troopers: Extermination manage to balance the spirit of the franchise with engaging gameplay mechanics and a fresh co-op experience? Let’s jump into the heart of the Arachnid War and find out.

Setting and Story

Starship Troopers: Extermination thrusts players into the grim future of the Starship Troopers universe, where humanity’s survival hinges on its ability to fend off the seemingly endless hordes of Arachnids that threaten to overrun its colonies. The game takes place on the front lines of this war, as players assume the role of troopers in the elite Deep Space Vanguard, a unit specially trained for the dangerous task of reclaiming lost territories from the Bugs. The battle for survival is waged across various alien planets, each with its challenges, landscapes, and Arachnid swarms waiting to overrun the unprepared.

The narrative backdrop is filled with the classic tongue-in-cheek militaristic propaganda that fans of the Starship Troopers franchise know and love. It’s a world where the Federation’s call to arms is relentless, rallying troopers to “Do Your Part!” and join the fight against the Bug menace. As a soldier in the Deep Space Vanguard, your mission is clear: cleanse the infestation, secure critical objectives, and pave the way for humanity’s expansion into the stars. The story doesn’t focus on individual heroics; instead, it emphasizes the collective effort of troopers banding together, reinforcing the game’s core theme of cooperation against overwhelming odds.

While the overarching narrative remains true to the militaristic and satirical tone of the Starship Troopers series, Extermination keeps its storytelling light, allowing players to focus on the action-packed gameplay and cooperative experience. Most of the story is delivered through in-game dialogue, mission briefings, and atmospheric touches within the environment. The planets players fight to reclaim are littered with remnants of previous battles, including destroyed outposts, crashed dropships, and haunting signs of past troopers who fought and fell to the Bug menace. These details help to create a sense of a living battlefield, where every victory is hard-won, and every setback is a reminder of the stakes at play.

The game’s missions are set against a massive ongoing conflict between the United Citizen Federation and the Arachnids, with players deployed to the most dangerous hotspots. As you battle to secure territories, players encounter different Bug swarms, from the basic Warrior Bugs that charge headlong into battle to the larger, more menacing Tanker Bugs that threaten to wipe out entire squads if left unchecked. The various planets offer unique challenges, from scorching desert landscapes filled with hidden Bug nests to frozen tundras where visibility is limited, and ambushes are a constant threat.

The Deep Space Vanguard is portrayed as a last line of defence, the only thing standing between humanity and complete overrun by the Arachnids. As troopers, players are given a sense of purpose and duty that ties into the larger narrative of the war effort. Each mission and victory is a step toward pushing back the Bug menace and securing a future for humanity among the stars. Yet, the game never lets players forget the cost of this war, with every battlefield littered with the wreckage of previous battles and the echoes of troopers who came before.

The story of Starship Troopers: Extermination captures the relentless spirit of the original film while building a world where every mission feels like a part of a larger, desperate struggle. It’s a universe where the Bugs never rest, and neither can the troopers. The result is a setting that draws players in with its high-stakes action and keeps them engaged with the constant reminder that survival is never guaranteed in this war.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Starship Troopers: Extermination delivers an intense, cooperative first-person shooter experience built around teamwork, strategy, and chaotic battles against the relentless Arachnid swarms. At its core, the game combines the tactical depth of class-based combat with the thrill of defending against overwhelming odds, making every mission a high-stakes struggle for survival. Players must work together to complete objectives, secure territory, and fend off waves of Bugs that range from the swarming Warrior Bugs to the heavily armoured Tankers.

Co-Op Focused Squad Play:

The heart of Extermination lies in its emphasis on cooperative gameplay. Players form squads of up to 12 troopers, divided into smaller fire teams, and tackle missions that require coordination and communication. Whether you’re securing a forward operating base, defending a position against a Bug onslaught, or rescuing stranded personnel, every mission hinges on the ability of players to work together. Each squad member has a role to play, and the game rewards those who can coordinate their movements, share resources, and support each other when the going gets tough.

The game offers a selection of classes, each with its unique abilities and weapons that cater to different playstyles. The Assault class excels at dishing out damage with high firepower, while the Support class provides essential healing and ammunition to keep the squad fighting. Meanwhile, the Engineer is crucial for constructing defensive structures, like turrets and barriers, that can turn the tide during Bug attacks. The synergy between classes is vital for success, as a well-rounded squad can adapt to the shifting challenges of each mission.

Players must be mindful of their resources, such as ammunition and medical supplies, which can become scarce during extended battles. This scarcity adds extra tension to the gameplay, as running out of ammo or medkits at a critical moment can mean the difference between victory and being overrun by the Bugs. It’s a game that demands firepower, strategic thinking, and careful resource management, pushing players to make every shot and decision count.

Dynamic Missions and Objectives:

Starship Troopers: Extermination features a variety of mission types that keep gameplay fresh and engaging. Players might find themselves tasked with establishing a foothold in a Bug-infested area, fortifying it against incoming waves, or taking the fight directly to the Arachnid nests to destroy them at the source. These missions are dynamic and often shift as new threats emerge, forcing squads to adapt their strategies on the fly. One moment, you might be securing an outpost, and the next, you’re retreating under heavy fire as a wave of Warrior Bugs closes in.

Large, open maps complement The dynamic mission structure, allowing different tactical approaches. Players can engage the Bugs head-on, set up defensive positions, or scout the terrain for strategic advantages. The game’s environments are crucial in how each mission unfolds, with rugged terrain, choke points, and Bug-infested caverns offering opportunities and dangers. Understanding and using the terrain to your advantage can be the key to survival, especially when facing the more significant and dangerous Bug types.

Combat and Enemy Variety:

Combat in Extermination is fast-paced and visceral, designed to capture the chaotic energy of battling endless swarms of Bugs. Players are equipped with various futuristic weapons, from pulse rifles and flamethrowers to heavy machine guns, each offering a different way to mow down the Arachnid hordes. The weapons feel weighty and satisfying, with plenty of visual and audio feedback to enhance the sense of impact as you cut down Bug after Bug.

The Arachnids come in various forms, each presenting unique challenges to the squad. Basic Warrior Bugs charge in swarms, forcing players to focus on crowd control, while more significant threats like the Tanker Bugs can soak up damage and deal devastating blows. Also, aerial Bugs can harass players from above, requiring coordination between squad members to keep the skies clear. The game’s AI ensures that the Bugs are relentless in their pursuit, constantly pushing players to stay on their toes and adjust their tactics as new enemies join the fray.

The sheer number of enemies that the game throws at players creates a sense of desperation, especially during larger engagements where hundreds of Bugs are charging toward your position. It’s here that Extermination truly captures the spirit of the Starship Troopers universe. Every victory feels hard-won, and every defeat serves as a reminder of the overwhelming odds the Deep Space Vanguard faces.

Building Defenses and Holding the Line:

One of the standout features of Starship Troopers: Extermination is its emphasis on base building and fortifications. The Engineer class can construct defensive structures like turrets, barriers, and bunkers, allowing squads to create strongholds that can withstand the onslaught of Bug waves. Setting up a well-defended position is crucial during specific missions, as it can buy the team valuable time while fending off attacks and holding key objectives.

Building defences is not just about placing walls and turrets—it’s about knowing when and where to fortify. Players must work together to identify choke points, create fallback positions, and ensure their base can withstand attacks from multiple directions. During particularly intense waves, watching your carefully constructed defences hold against the Bug swarms is both satisfying and nerve-wracking as the pressure mounts and the enemies keep coming.

The need to balance offensive actions with defensive preparations adds depth to the gameplay, turning each mission into a blend of tactical planning and adrenaline-pumping combat. It’s not enough to simply charge in guns blazing; success in Extermination requires a careful balance between building up your defences and coordinating attacks to push back the Arachnid threat.

In summary, Starship Troopers: Extermination delivers an engaging mix of co-op tactics, frantic combat, and strategic base building, making every mission a survival battle. The game’s dynamic missions and diverse enemy types keep players on their toes while emphasizing teamwork, ensuring every victory feels like an actual squad effort. Whether blasting through Bug swarms with a machine gun or desperately trying to keep your defences from crumbling, the gameplay offers a thrilling and immersive take on the Starship Troopers universe.

Multiplayer and Replayability

Starship Troopers: Extermination is built around the multiplayer experience, allowing players to dive into the chaotic, Bug-infested battlefield with friends or team up with strangers in the fight for humanity’s survival. The cooperative nature of the game, combined with its dynamic mission structures and varied enemy types, creates a gameplay loop that is engaging and highly replayable. With a focus on teamwork and coordination, Extermination succeeds in providing an online experience where every mission feels like a unique challenge.

Squad-Based Co-op Action:

Multiplayer is at the core of what makes Starship Troopers: Extermination tick. The game allows players to join squads of up to 12 troopers, divided into smaller fire teams. Each squad member’s role is crucial to the team’s success, whether providing support, setting up defences, or spearheading attacks against the Bugs. Communication is emphasized throughout, as players need to coordinate their movements, call out targets, and share resources to survive the relentless Arachnid assault.

The game’s online matchmaking ensures that players can quickly jump into a mission, whether bringing an entire squad of friends or joining forces with other troopers worldwide. Even in matches with strangers, the game’s design encourages cooperation, with objectives that require coordinated efforts to complete. A sense of camaraderie develops as players face wave after wave of enemies together, turning each mission into a test of teamwork and strategic planning.

The variety of classes available to players further enhances the multiplayer experience. Each class has unique abilities, and building a well-rounded team can make all the difference in a challenging mission. For instance, an Engineer might fortify a position with turrets while an Assault class charges forward to clear out enemy nests, all while a Support player keeps the team healed and resupplied. This class synergy makes every role feel valuable, giving players a sense of purpose within the squad.

Dynamic Objectives and Varied Game Modes:

Extermination offers a range of mission types and game modes that keep the gameplay fresh and exciting, encouraging players to return for more Bug-squashing action. From defensive missions where players must hold out against waves of Arachnids to more aggressive scenarios where squads must seek out and destroy Bug nests, the game’s objectives are designed to keep players engaged and on their toes. Each mission unfolds dynamically, with new threats emerging as the situation on the ground evolves.

Some missions might focus on securing territory, building defences, and surviving until reinforcements arrive. In contrast, others challenge players to take the fight directly to the Bugs, pushing deeper into hostile territory. The variation in mission types ensures that players constantly adapt their strategies, whether digging in for a last stand or launching a daring assault against a heavily defended Bug hive.

In addition to standard mission types, the game introduces special events and challenges that add an extra layer of difficulty for squads looking to test their skills. These events might include time-limited objectives or hazardous enemies that require quick thinking and precise teamwork to overcome. Including these challenges provides a sense of progression and accomplishment, rewarding players with additional rewards and bragging rights for taking on the most challenging missions.

Progression and Customization:

To keep players invested over the long term, Starship Troopers: Extermination features a robust progression system that allows players to unlock new abilities, weapons, and cosmetics as they continue to fight the Bug menace. Each class has its skill tree, allowing players to specialize in specific roles or adapt their character to suit their preferred playstyle. Whether it’s unlocking a new turret upgrade for the Engineer, enhancing the firepower of the Assault class, or improving the Support class’s healing abilities, the progression system ensures that players are constantly working toward new goals.

Customization also extends to each trooper’s appearance, with players able to unlock new armour sets, helmet designs, and weapon skins that let them stand out on the battlefield. This personalization gives each character a sense of ownership, allowing players to represent their unique style while battling alongside their squadmates. It’s a small but satisfying touch that encourages players to invest in their character’s development as they tackle increasingly difficult missions.

The progression system is designed to be rewarding without feeling like a grind. Experience points and rewards are tied directly to completing objectives, working as a team, and overcoming difficult challenges, making each match feel like a meaningful step toward the next upgrade. This balance helps to maintain a steady sense of progression, even for players who might only have time for shorter play sessions.

Replay Value Through Procedural Elements and Social Interaction:

One critical element that makes Starship Troopers: Extermination so replayable is the procedural nature of its maps and encounters. While the core mission objectives remain consistent, the placement of enemies, resources, and environmental hazards changes with each playthrough, ensuring that players cannot rely on the same strategies from one mission to the next. This randomness adds an element of unpredictability, keeping each run feeling fresh and challenging.

The game’s social aspect is also a significant part of its replayability. Joining a squad and working together to achieve a common goal creates a sense of community that makes players want to return for more. It’s the kind of game where memorable stories emerge naturally from the gameplay—whether it’s a last-minute save by a Support trooper, a desperate stand against a swarm of Tanker Bugs, or the moment when the entire squad barely makes it to the extraction point in one piece. These shared experiences keep players returning, eager to face the next challenge with their comrades.

Overall, Starship Troopers: Extermination excels at creating a multiplayer experience that is engaging, cooperative, and filled with adrenaline-pumping moments. The combination of dynamic mission structures, diverse classes, and a satisfying progression system makes the game highly replayable. At the same time, the focus on teamwork ensures that every match feels like a shared adventure. It’s a game that encourages players to work together, adapt to new challenges, and enjoy the chaotic thrill of battling Bugs with their squadmates.

Graphics and Sound

Starship Troopers: Extermination brings its source material’s gritty, high-octane world to life with a visual and audio presentation that captures the intensity of battling the relentless Arachnid menace. The game’s graphics and sound design work together to create an atmosphere that feels both immersive and true to the Starship Troopers universe, drawing players into the chaos of interstellar warfare with detailed environments, visceral combat effects, and a soundtrack that heightens the tension of every encounter.

Visuals and Environment Design:

The environments in Starship Troopers: Extermination are vast and varied, ranging from the arid wastelands of desert planets to dense, alien-infested forests and icy, wind-swept landscapes. Each location is designed to convey the harsh, unforgiving nature of the alien worlds where the Deep Space Vanguard is deployed, with visual touches that hint at the scale of the ongoing conflict. Scattered debris, destroyed outposts, and Bug nests dot the landscape, serving as reminders of the countless battles fought and lost before the player’s arrival.

The game’s lighting and weather effects significantly influence the mood of each mission. Dust storms whip across desert battlefields, obscuring vision and creating a sense of danger, while the flickering lights of a damaged outpost add an eerie atmosphere as players navigate the darkness. The shifting conditions add visual variety and gameplay challenges, forcing players to adapt their strategies to the changing environment.

The visual design of the Bugs is both faithful to the original Starship Troopers aesthetic and updated for modern hardware. Each Arachnid is rendered with a high level of detail, from the chitinous armour of the Warrior Bugs to the fiery explosions of Tanker Bugs. Watching these creatures swarm across the battlefield, their numbers seemingly endless, creates a sense of scale that makes every battle feel desperate and intense. The animations of the Bugs, as they charge, leap, and swarm, convey a sense of relentless aggression, making them feel like a genuinely menacing threat.

Character and Weapon Design:

The Troopers of the Deep Space Vanguard are designed in the classic militaristic style of the Starship Troopers universe. They sport high-tech armour and weapons that balance functionality with the game’s over-the-top action. Players can customize their troopers with different armour sets, colours, and accessories, allowing each player to add a bit of personal flair to their character while staying within the gritty, sci-fi aesthetic.

The weapons in Extermination are designed to look and feel powerful, with each gun, flamethrower, and explosive device giving a satisfying sense of impact. The pulse rifles and heavy machine guns have a rugged, industrial look, reflecting their use in the harsh conditions of alien worlds. Visual effects like muzzle flashes, explosions, and the splatter of Bug ichor enhance the feeling of being in the middle of a chaotic, high-stakes battle.

The game’s visual style leans heavily into the spectacle of large-scale battles, with swarms of Bugs filling the screen and intense firefights that light up the darkened skies of alien planets. It’s a game that understands the appeal of seeing hundreds of enemies rushing toward a fortified position, only to be cut down by the coordinated firepower of a well-prepared squad. The sense of scale, detailed characters, and enemy designs make every encounter epic.

Soundtrack and Audio Design:

The audio design in Starship Troopers: Extermination is integral to the game’s atmosphere, creating an immersive and intense soundscape. The game’s soundtrack features a mix of militaristic themes, ominous orchestral pieces, and high-energy battle music that captures the urgency of the fight against the Bugs. The music swells during intense moments, like the final push against an enemy hive or the desperate defence of an outpost, adding a cinematic feel to the gameplay.

The sound effects are particularly effective in creating a sense of presence on the battlefield. The roar of pulse rifles, the explosive blasts of grenades, and the screeches and growls of charging Bugs all contribute to the chaos of each encounter. Each weapon has a distinct audio signature that makes it feel impactful, while the sounds of combat—like bullets whizzing past or the crunch of a Bug’s carapace breaking—add to the visceral nature of the battles.

One of the sound design highlights is how it uses environmental audio to enhance the sense of danger. Players can hear the distant skittering of Bugs in underground tunnels or the rumble of a Tanker Bug approaching from beyond the ridgeline. These audio cues provide valuable information about incoming threats, making it possible to prepare for an attack even before the enemy comes into view. It’s a subtle touch that keeps players on edge and adds to the immersion of the game’s world.

Voice Acting and Dialogue:

The voice acting in Extermination captures the tone of the Starship Troopers universe, with characters delivering lines that range from severe military orders to tongue-in-cheek propaganda. The game leans into the over-the-top, gung-ho attitude of the original film, with mission briefings and squad chatter encouraging players to “Do Your Part!” and stand against the Bug menace. This blend of earnestness and satire adds a layer of charm to the game, making the world feel like a place where both heroism and absurdity coexist.

The squadmates’ in-game dialogue also helps to build a sense of camaraderie during missions. Troopers shout out warnings about incoming threats, cheer when a Tanker Bug is taken down, or crack jokes in the heat of battle. This chatter keeps the energy high and helps to reinforce the feeling of being part of a team, even when playing with strangers online. It also makes the quieter moments, such as preparing defences before an attack, feel more alive and dynamic.

Creating an Atmosphere of Relentless Action:

The combination of detailed visuals, dynamic environments, and immersive audio design ensures that Starship Troopers: Extermination feels like an authentic experience. The game’s art direction captures the scale and intensity of the battles, while the sound design keeps players immersed in the chaos of each mission. From the roar of a Tanker Bug charging through a squad’s defences to the desperate crackle of radio chatter during an ambush, every aspect of the game’s presentation is designed to make players feel like they’re fighting on the front lines of a war for humanity’s survival.

It’s a game that embraces the spectacle of large-scale combat, drawing players into a world where every moment feels like part of an epic, desperate struggle. Whether players are battling through the dust and smoke of a war-torn planet or standing shoulder to shoulder with their squadmates as Bugs swarm their position, the game’s graphics and sound ensure that the experience is as thrilling as it is immersive.

Final Thoughts

Starship Troopers: Extermination is a thrilling and chaotic dive into the world of interstellar warfare, capturing the spirit and intensity of the Starship Troopers universe with a modern co-op shooter twist. Developed and published by Offworld, the game offers a multiplayer experience that feels both challenging and entertaining. It focuses on teamwork, strategic combat, and large-scale battles against an overwhelming alien threat. It’s a game that brings the high-stakes action of bug-squashing to life with style, humour, and plenty of explosions.

In conclusion, Starship Troopers: Extermination offers a fresh take on the classic franchise, blending cooperative gameplay with intense, large-scale battles against a relentless alien foe. It’s a game that delivers on its promise of high-stakes action, with each mission feeling like a desperate struggle for survival in the face of overwhelming odds. The humour and satire of the Starship Troopers universe are present throughout, adding a lighthearted touch to the game’s otherwise brutal battles.

Extermination is a thrilling and replayable adventure for fans of co-op shooters, sci-fi settings, and those who appreciate a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a chance to step into the boots of a Deep Space Vanguard trooper, join your squadmates in battle, and prove that you have what it takes to survive the Bug War. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to the world of Starship Troopers, this game will surely provide plenty of explosive fun.

We prepared this review with a digital copy of Starship Troopers: Extermination for the PlayStation 5 version provided by Evolve PR.