At TennoCon 2023, game developer Digital Extremes unveiled its highly anticipated free-to-play title, Soulframe. The presentation showcased a dynamic blend of gameplay reminiscent of Warframe and Elden Ring, featuring smooth controls, magical combat, and stealth mechanics. This article explores the key highlights from the presentation, offering insights into the game’s mechanics, world, and innovative features.
Familiar Gameplay Fusion
The presentation began with an extensive gameplay demonstration that skillfully combined Warframe’s action-packed style with Elden Ring’s grandeur. The showcased gameplay demonstrated smooth controls and hinted at various combat possibilities, including magic-based engagements and stealth approaches. This fusion of elements has players eagerly anticipating Soulframe’s release.
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Exploring Unique Locations
Digital Extremes introduced two captivating locations: the Plain of Souls and the Nightfold Tent. The Plain of Souls acts as a village representing players’ ancestral heritage, gradually unlocking as they progress through the game’s world history. These settings promise immersive exploration, building excitement around the game’s open-world adventure.
Venturing into RPG Territory
Digital Extremes acknowledged its departure from familiar ground by entering the RPG genre. The game’s skill system, revolving around three distinct Virtues—Courage, Spirit, and Grace—draws inspiration from traditional RPG archetypes of fighters, mages, and assassins. This adds depth to Soulframe’s gameplay, inviting players to strategically shape their characters’ abilities.
Collecting Souls and Ancestral Bonds
The presentation unveiled Soulframe’s inventory mechanics. Players can wield weapons, change attire, and reserve a slot for collecting souls. In the game’s narrative, the protagonist, the Envoy, has their soul and heart taken from them. To gain permanent skills, players must reconnect with their ancestors and gather their souls—a concept rich in emotional depth and gameplay potential.
Seamless Class-Shifting with Pacts
A standout feature in Soulframe is its class-shifting mechanism, known as “Pacts.” This system enables players to effortlessly switch between classes, each offering a trio of unique perks. The presentation showcased two Pacts—Fey and Ode Tempest—providing a glimpse of the strategic options players can use to adapt to different challenges.
Conclusion
Soulframe’s reveal at TennoCon 2023 has generated considerable anticipation within the gaming community. The captivating gameplay demonstration and innovative mechanics like Virtues, Soul Collection, and Pacts highlight Digital Extremes’ ambition to establish a distinct presence in the free-to-play gaming landscape. As the release date for Soulframe remains undisclosed, players and fans alike eagerly await the opportunity to engage in a free-to-play open-world adventure inspired by nature, restoration, and exploration, drawing from beloved titles such as Princess Mononoke.