The developer of Warframe, Digital Extremes, has unveiled fresh gameplay footage for its highly anticipated fantasy MMO, Soulframe. This revelation came during the inaugural developer stream at TennoCon 2024, offering fans a detailed look at some of the game’s introductory features.

A New Adventure Begins

The stream provided a sneak peek into the opening moments of Soulframe, highlighting the game’s customisation options, magical abilities, and combat mechanics. Players will have the opportunity to customise their character’s mother’s hair, skin colour, and eyes in the Warsong Prologue, underscoring the game’s thematic focus on ancestry. The prologue transitions into a time-skip, introducing the player to their future Envoy character.

One of the standout features is the wolf-like mount, which players can pet, similar to Warframe’s Orbiter ship. The mount serves as a companion and a mode of transport, offering a glimpse into the expansive world of Soulframe. Players will also explore the Nightfold hub, a space to relax, customise their arsenal, and interact with NPCs.

The introduction of Verminia, the Rat Witch, adds depth to the game’s visual and customisation elements. This new NPC enhances cosmetic customisation and aids players with potions and elixirs. Soulframe’s gameplay promises a mix of stealth and combat, with the Envoy’s abilities allowing players to hurl weapons and turn invisible. Players will need strategic thinking to tackle formidable foes like Nimrod, a giant enemy with lightning abilities and a powerful staff for melee combat.

Soulframe’s development is deeply influenced by its community. “The community we’ve formed around Soulframe has been really inspiring for the team and they are the backbone of everything we do,” stated Sarah Asselin, Soulframe’s Community Manager. The team is excited to continue sharing progress through regular Devstreams.

Looking Ahead

While the official launch date for Soulframe remains unannounced, Digital Extremes has promised that more players will gain access to the fantasy MMO this fall. Creative Director Geoff Crookes emphasised the importance of community feedback, stating:

“The closed testing we’ve been doing with our community has been so impactful; we’ve learned a ton, and we continue to listen and learn each day.”

In an exclusive interview with Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair, Geoff Crookes, and Sarah Asselin, insights into the studio’s community-driven development approach, weapon variety, and potential Warframe tie-ins were discussed. The full interview will be available early next week.

Overall, Soulframe appears to be a promising newcomer in the realm of medieval MMOs. The game’s focus on ancestry, magical abilities, and rich customisation options sets it apart, but what intrigues me most is how Digital Extremes might integrate or adapt the mechanics from Warframe, given that many of Warframe’s systems are centred around exosuits and futuristic technology. Translating these mechanics into a fantasy setting will be a fascinating challenge for the developers, and I’m eager to see how they innovate while maintaining the engaging gameplay that Warframe fans love.

I’m particularly interested in how combat and mobility mechanics will be reimagined in Soulframe’s world. Warframe’s fast-paced, acrobatic movement and intricate weapon systems are a big part of its appeal. Will Soulframe offer similar dynamic combat experiences, or will it lean more heavily into the tactical and strategic aspects typical of medieval settings? So far from the gameplay spotlight, we were presented with, it looks to be the latter. The game’s ability to blend familiar elements with fresh, thematic innovations could very well determine its success and make it a standout title in the MMO landscape.

Soulframe will initially launch on PC, with plans for a console release in the future. The next developer stream is scheduled for September, promising more exciting updates for fans.