Warframe: 1999 and Soulframe Aim to Show How Live Service Games Should Be Done

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

Warframe: 1999 – Arriving Winter 2024

Protoframes, Infestation, and Boy Bands

This expansion dramatically shifts the game's usual sci-fi setting. Trading sleek Orokin technology for the ravaged Höllvania city, players control Arthur Nightingale, Hex leader, wielding a Protoframe – a precursor to the main game's Warframes. The mission? Find Dr. Entrati before New Year's Eve.

The demo highlighted Arthur using the Atomicycle, battling proto-infested enemies, and an encounter with a surprisingly '90s boy band.

The demo's soundtrack is now available on the Warframe YouTube channel. If you're less musically inclined, you can face the infested boy band yourself when the game launches on all platforms this winter.

Meet the Hex

The Hex team features six unique members, each with specific roles. While only Arthur Nightingale is playable in the demo, the expansion introduces a romance system.

Using "Kinematic Instant Message," players can develop relationships with Hex members, unlocking conversations and the possibility of a New Year's Eve kiss.

Warframe Anime Short

Digital Extremes and animation studio The Line (known for Gorillaz music videos) are collaborating on an animated short set in the infested 1999 world. Details are scarce, but the short will release alongside the expansion.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

Open-World Fantasy MMO

Players become Envoys, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse from Alca. The Warsong Prologue introduces the game's world.

Unlike Warframe's fast-paced action, Soulframe emphasizes slower, deliberate melee combat. The Nightfold, a personal pocket Orbiter, serves as a base for interacting with NPCs, crafting, and even petting a giant wolf mount.

Allies and Enemies

Players will encounter Ancestors – spirits of powerful beings offering unique gameplay benefits. Verminia, the Rat Witch, for example, aids in crafting and cosmetic upgrades.

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) but is expected to open to a wider audience this fall.

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