A New Fantasy Adventure from the Minds Behind Warframe
Soulframe has been in development for a while now, but access to its ‘Preludes’ closed alpha has remained limited. Digital Extremes, the studio behind the game, noted that out of over a million applicants, only a fraction received access. At the TennoCon 2025 expo, I had the chance to see more of the game and learn about its upcoming features. While I’m excited about what’s coming, I also have some concerns.
For those unfamiliar with the title, Soulframe is a free-to-play action-fantasy game developed by Digital Extremes, the same team behind Warframe. The name might raise a few eyebrows, but that’s not something I want to dwell on right now. Instead, I’ve been following the game closely, especially given the success of Warframe, which has earned the studio a loyal fanbase.
During the live demo at TennoCon, I saw a new narrative quest being added, along with improved combat mechanics and customization options. Two thoughts stood out: first, the game is wonderfully weird, and second, will that be enough to make it a hit?
Embracing the Unusual
Digital Extremes has always had a knack for blending genres in unexpected ways. Warframe, for example, mixes intense storytelling with absurd humor. Soulframe takes this even further, featuring exaggerated voice performances and bizarre creatures that sing folk songs. It’s a wild ride, and I appreciate the creativity.
Visually, Soulframe draws from a wide range of influences. The mushroom-filled underground areas reminded me of Skyrim’s Blackreach, while the bleaker parts of the world felt reminiscent of Souls games and The Witcher. Even the enemies, like a three-headed bear with a bell, could easily fit into a Bloodborne boss battle.
These similarities aren’t necessarily bad. I love all the games mentioned, and it’s a positive sign that Soulframe can evoke them. There’s plenty of originality too—like the Floppet, a cute winged rat that flies through the digestive tract of a monster and exits from its backside. There’s also a fun animation where you kick enemies away, which looks hilarious.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
While Soulframe has a unique charm, I wonder if it can stand out in today’s competitive market. Warframe’s success was built on its innovative gameplay, including fluid movement, deep gear customization, and varied gameplay loops. Soulframe, in its current state, doesn’t yet offer that kind of uniqueness.
The gameplay in the demo looked enjoyable, but nothing groundbreaking. You dodge, block, use a magic staff or bow, and fight with a dagger that can be thrown and ricochets back. The most interesting feature was an ability that turns you into a butterfly for stealth, but it functions similarly to an invisibility spell. Overall, it feels like a prettier version of Greedfall, which isn’t entirely flattering.
Navigating Industry Changes
Even as a long-time Warframe fan, I can’t ignore how janky the game was in its early days. The community even created a meme around the “zorencoptering” move. But Warframe has come a long way since then. There’s a part of me that believes DE can do the same with Soulframe, given time.
However, the industry has changed. Live-service games are launched, canceled, and relaunched frequently. Tencent, the Chinese media giant that owns a majority stake in DE, has been supportive of Warframe, but it’s unclear if they’ll extend the same patience to a new IP.
Soulframe has potential, but there’s no guarantee it will receive the same level of development time and freedom. That said, DE’s CEO Steve Sinclair is involved in Soulframe, and the game is in capable hands. If anyone can shape this fantasy world into something fresh and unusual, it’s this team.
Looking Ahead
I’m eager to see what comes next for Soulframe. I hope the developers continue to push boundaries and add more unique features, like rat customization options. As the game evolves, I’ll be watching closely to see if it can carve out its own place in the gaming world.