Review: Starship Troopers Extermination – Do You Want to Know More?

Like most semi-middle-aged men (ahem), I’m a huge fan of Paul Verhoeven films. So, when I saw we were getting modern licensed games based on Starship Troopers and RoboCop, I almost had a heart attack (again, semi-middle-aged). While RoboCop is a fantastic AA title that gets unfairly held to impossibly high standards, it’s time to talk about the other Verhoeven classic. How has my time been with Starship Troopers: Extermination? Read on to find out.

Would you like to know more?

Straight out the gate (or should that be dropship?), the one thing Starship Troopers: Extermination absolutely nails is its presentation. The bold, iconic military propaganda fonts and imagery from the original movie make a glorious return, instantly transporting players back to the world of Verhoeven’s satire. Even the menus brought a smile to my face.

My Early Access Introduction

When I first dove into Extermination during Early Access, it was an unforgettable experience. My first match was filled with fellow Aussies, all spouting lines from the movie or inventing dialogue that felt like it belonged there.

We were overrun by bugs—men were shredded, bases were demolished, and our ammo ran dry. Yet, as the exfil ships appeared, squads of troopers rallied to save me and another downed player with a rousing cry of “no man left behind!” We barely made it out alive, and I was hooked.

However, subsequent updates brought some frustrations. Connection issues and blurry textures hinted at optimization problems. Player counts dropped, forcing me into high-ping servers. It felt like bugs of the technical kind were winning the war.

The Campaign Mode: A Mixed Bag

One of the major additions since Early Access is the campaign mode, which doubles as a tutorial. I won’t mince words: it’s tedious and uninspired. Running through tunnels, learning one mechanic per “mission,” and facing basic bug tiers is hardly engaging.

That said, the campaign does serve a purpose, teaching the mechanics necessary for online play—like class abilities, base-building, and repair work. While Casper Van Dien’s voice appearance as Rico is a treat, it’s not enough to save the monotony.

Gameplay: Simple, Satisfying Bug-Slaying

At its core, Extermination is an FPS, so if you’ve played shooters, you’ll grasp the basics—move, shoot, support your team, and kill anything with more than two legs. Where the game excels is in sheer scale: seeing hundreds of bugs on-screen at once is truly a sight to behold, evoking the chaotic spectacle of the movie.

Leveling up rewards players with guns, attachments, and cosmetics, and these improvements genuinely enhance the gameplay. For instance, my first assault rifle’s excessive recoil was fixed with attachments unlocked through gameplay, making combat more enjoyable.

Multiplayer: Where the Game Shines

The real magic of Extermination lies in its online multiplayer. A lobby filled with players quoting the movie and role-playing as soldiers creates a uniquely immersive experience. Players sacrifice themselves, attempt daring rescues, and shout iconic lines like “C’mon you apes, you wanna live forever?!” It’s pure Hollywood spectacle in game form.

Even in quieter lobbies, the cooperative gameplay holds up, but it’s the role-playing and camaraderie that elevate Extermination beyond the typical FPS.

Conclusion

Starship Troopers: Extermination delivers on its promise of over-the-top, unrelenting bug-shooting action, but it’s far from perfect. The campaign mode is lackluster, and technical issues linger, yet the multiplayer experience is unmatched.

If the idea of taking on hundreds of bugs alongside friends sounds like your kind of fun, then enlist today—and do your part!