Recently at TennoCon 2024, Digital Extremes unveiled an exciting gameplay trailer for Warframe: 1999, a narrative-driven spin-off quest that transports players to the late 1990s. The trailer features thrilling action sequences and introduces a unique boss fight where the most formidable adversary might just be a catchy tune that sticks in your head long after the battle is over.

The trailer begins in a deserted shopping mall, complete with outdated computers and an arcade filled with classic gaming machines. Leading a team of Protoframes, the main character Arthur is on the hunt for Dr Entrati, a familiar figure to Warframe enthusiasts as the first to connect with the Void, the source of the Tenno’s powers.

As the action unfolds, viewers are treated to scenes showcasing the new Atomicycle vehicle, innovative weapons like the AX-52 rifle, and a high-octane battle against a massive tank, all set to the soundtrack of late ’90s nu-metal. Arthur’s team includes notable characters such as Amir, the brainiac; Aoi, the logistics expert; and Quincy, a sharpshooter equipped with the new Cyte-09 Warframe.

Fans were also treated to 22 minutes of gameplay footage, showcasing the campaign for Warframe: 1999, which is expected to take around three to four hours to complete. The narrative unfolds in an alternate timeline, set in the year 1999 on Earth. Players will step into the shoes of Arthur, the leader of a six-person team outfitted with Protoframe exosuits, which appear to be precursors to the Warframes from the main game.

Arthur and his team are on a mission to hunt down the villainous Albrecht Entrati in the enigmatic, Eastern European-inspired city of Höllvania. The update introduces a new vehicle, the Atomicycle, which players can pilot. According to Digital Extremes, these Atomicycles are “customised by Albrecht Entrati himself, and are designed to navigate the bustling streets and alleys of Höllvania.” They can also be used in other open zones such as the Plains of Eidolon or Cambion Drift.

A standout feature of the update is the Hex Relationship System, allowing players to engage in instant messaging romance with their fellow Protoframe team members. Adding to the game’s unique charm, there’s even a fictional boy band called On-lyne, which has released a real song, Party of Your Lifetime available on YouTube and various music streaming platforms. Players will face challenges involving infected versions of On-lyne during the campaign.

Fans eager to learn more about Warframe: 1999 can look forward to additional information in an upcoming developer stream event. The expansion is set to launch in the winter of 2024, promising to deliver a nostalgic yet innovative adventure for Warframe players.

Warframe: 1999 offers an intriguing blend of nostalgia and innovation, with its unique setting and engaging narrative. The attention to detail, from the retro shopping mall to the choice of a late ’90s nu-metal soundtrack, immerses players in a vibrant and distinctive alternate timeline. The inclusion of features like the Atomicycle and the Hex Relationship System adds depth and variety to the gameplay, making this expansion a must-play for both long-time fans and newcomers to the Warframe universe. The mix of nostalgia and fresh content might just make this one of the most memorable updates to the series. So all in all, I’m looking forward to diving into this time-traveling adventure when it launches this winter.