Warframe's Evolution: 1999 & Soulframe Redefine Live Service

Digital Extremes, the creators of Warframe, unveiled exciting new details about their free-to-play shooter and upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe, at TennoCon 2024. This article explores the key features and the CEO's insights on the live-service game model.

Warframe: 1999 – Arriving Winter 2024

Protoframes, Infestations, and a 90s Twist

TennoCon 2024 finally offered a gameplay preview of Warframe: 1999. This expansion dramatically shifts the game's setting from its usual sci-fi backdrop to a 1999 Höllvania, a city overrun by the early stages of the Infestation. Players control Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, wielding a Protoframe – a precursor to the Warframes in the main game. The mission: find Dr. Entrati before New Year's Eve.

The demo showcased Arthur's Atomicycle, intense combat against proto-infested enemies, and a surprising encounter with a 90s boy band (yes, really!). The demo's music is now available on the Warframe YouTube channel.

Meet the Hex

The Hex team comprises six unique characters. While only Arthur is playable in the demo, the expansion introduces a romance system, letting players build relationships with Hex members via "Kinematic Instant Message," leading to potential New Year's Eve kisses.

A Warframe Anime Short

Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line animation studio (known for Gorillaz music videos) on an animated short film set in the 1999 Infestation world. More details are expected closer to the winter 2024 launch.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

Open-World Fantasy MMO

Digital Extremes' first Soulframe Devstream provided a live gameplay demo, revealing story and gameplay elements. Players become Envoys, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse plaguing Alca. The Warsong Prologue offers an introduction to this world.

Unlike Warframe's fast-paced action, Soulframe features slower, deliberate melee combat. Players have a Nightfold, a personal Orbiter for interacting with NPCs, crafting, and even petting a giant wolf companion.

Allies and Enemies

Players encounter Ancestors – spirits providing unique gameplay benefits. Verminia, the Rat Witch, assists with crafting and cosmetics. Enemies include Nimrod, a powerful ranged attacker, and the ominous Bromius, teased at the demo's end.

Soulframe Release

Soulframe is currently in a closed alpha (Soulframe Preludes) with wider access planned for this fall.

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