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 looter shooter and the upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe, at TennoCon 2024. This article dives into the gameplay features and CEO Steve Sinclair's perspective on the live-service game model.

Warframe: 1999 – Winter 2024 Launch

Protoframes, Infestations, and a 90s Twist

TennoCon 2024 finally offered a Warframe 1999 gameplay reveal. This expansion dramatically shifts the setting from the usual sci-fi landscape to Höllvania, a city grappling with the early stages of the Infestation. Players control Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, wielding a Protoframe – a precursor to the familiar Warframes. The mission: find Dr. Entrati before New Year's Eve.

The demo showcased Arthur's Atomicycle ride, intense combat against proto-infested enemies, and a surprising encounter with a 90s boy band (yes, really!). The demo's soundtrack 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, allowing players to build relationships with Hex members via "Kinematic Instant Message," leading to potential New Year's Eve kisses.

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 infested world. The short will launch alongside the game.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

Open-World Fantasy MMO

Digital Extremes hosted the first Soulframe Devstream, unveiling story and gameplay details. Players become Envoys, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse plaguing Alca. The Warsong Prologue introduces the game's world.

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

Allies and Enemies

Players will encounter Ancestors – spirits granting unique abilities. 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) with wider access planned for this Fall.

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