Warframe: 1999's Bold Risk & The Old Peace's Soulslike Twist Alright, Tenno, let's talk Warframe. But not just the Railjack missions or the latest Prime Access (though those are cool too). I want to chat about something deeper, something that keeps me hooked after all these years: its audacity. Particularly how Warframe: 1999 is taking bold risks, and the subtle Soulslike twist buried within The Old War storyline. Stay with me, because this gets interesting. Remember when Warframe first dropped? Ninja space kids with guns. Free-to-play. Parkour. It was… different. And honestly, a bit janky. I remember thinking, "Okay, this might be fun for a few hours." I vastly underestimated it, and I'm glad I did. Warframe drew me in with its character customization, and kept me here with its amazing and expanding lore. But here's the thing: Warframe has always taken risks. From its initial design to its evolving narrative, Digital Extremes hasn't been afraid to throw stuff at the wall and see what sticks. And Warframe: 1999 is like they’ve gathered all the things that didn't stick, and are slinging them again with even more velocity. Warframe: 1999 - A Retrograde Step Forward? Let's talk about Warframe: 1999, shall we? I’ve got to admit, the initial trailer gave me pause. It's… weird. We're talking a hard pivot to a cyberpunk-infused past, ditching the sleek space-ninja aesthetic for something grittier, more grounded. It's all neon lights, decaying cityscapes, and characters that look like they just walked out of a John Carpenter film. The shift in tone is significant. The shift in gameplay, even more so. The game looks like it's going to be a new breed of shooter. Think about it this way: Warframe has always been about power fantasy. Slicing through hordes of enemies, becoming an unstoppable force. This? This looks like survival horror. It's claustrophobic. Vulnerable. It’s a huge gamble. And maybe that’s why I'm so excited. DE is ripping away the power we've grown accustomed to, forcing us to adapt, to learn new systems, to fear again. But here's what really grabs me about Warframe: 1999: it is a standalone game! I initially thought it was going to be a DLC. It might be a welcome break for players to get away from Warframe's systems, while keeping all the same high-octane action! The Old War's Soulslike Subtleties Now, let's get to the Soulslike aspect, and you might be wondering, "Wait, Warframe? Soulslike?" Hear me out. It's not as obvious as rolling through enemy attacks or dying repeatedly to a difficult boss. It's more subtle than that. It's woven into the lore, into the very fabric of the Old War. Think about the Tenno themselves. They're not just super-powered space warriors. They're survivors. They endured the Zariman Ten-Zero incident, they were experimented on, they were broken and rebuilt. Their power comes from trauma, from overcoming impossible odds. Sound familiar? It should. It's the core of the Soulslike experience: facing adversity, learning from failure, and emerging stronger. Warframe is all about build variety, which can be seen here. The Old War itself is a constant struggle. The Sentients are relentless, unforgiving. They adapt, they evolve, they exploit weaknesses. They're not just mindless enemies to be mowed down; they're a force of nature, a constant threat. This creates a sense of tension, of unease, that permeates the entire game. It's not just about completing missions; it's about surviving, about pushing back against the darkness. And the game's story constantly loops back around, with new revelations and new challenges emerging all the time. Actually, that's not quite right. It's not just the difficulty that makes it Soulslike. It's the lore. The fragmented storytelling, the cryptic messages, the sense that there's a much larger, darker world lurking beneath the surface. It's the feeling that you're only seeing a small piece of the puzzle, and that the truth is far more complex and disturbing than you could have imagined. I keep coming back to this point because it's crucial: Warframe's Soulslike elements aren't about gameplay mechanics; they're about atmosphere, about tone, about the overall experience. Why This Matters So, why does all this matter? Why should you care about Warframe's bold risks and Soulslike influences? Because it speaks to the game's longevity, its willingness to evolve, to push boundaries. Warframe isn't content to rest on its laurels. It's constantly striving to be something more, something different. And that's what keeps it fresh, what keeps it engaging, what keeps players coming back for more. It's a testament to the developers' vision, their commitment to their players, and their willingness to take chances. In a world of formulaic games and predictable sequels, Warframe stands out as a beacon of creativity, of innovation, of pure, unadulterated fun. And the movement exploits that some use can be seen here. here. Let me try to explain this more clearly: Warframe isn't just a game; it's a living, breathing world. It's a community, a culture, a constantly evolving experience. And its willingness to take risks, to embrace new ideas, to push the boundaries of what's possible, is what makes it so special. If you haven't jumped in yet, you really should. FAQ: Warframe's Weirdness & Wonders Is Warframe pay-to-win? Okay, this is a common concern, and it's understandable. Warframe is free-to-play, but it does have a premium currency (Platinum) that you can buy. However, almost everything in the game can be earned through gameplay. Platinum primarily speeds up the process or allows you to purchase cosmetic items. You can trade items with other players for Platinum, effectively playing the market to get what you want. So, while spending money can give you a boost, it's definitely not required to progress or enjoy the game. The game offers a wide range of frames to craft and try. How difficult is Warframe to learn? I won't lie; Warframe has a steep learning curve. There are a lot of systems to understand: modding, crafting, trading, mission types, etc. It can feel overwhelming at first. But here's the thing: you don't need to master everything right away. Focus on one aspect at a time, watch some guides (there are tons online), and don't be afraid to ask for help. The Warframe community is generally very welcoming and supportive. What makes Warframe different from other looter shooters? That's a great question! While many games have similar gameplay loop, Warframe offers something truly unique. The movement system is top-notch, enabling players to slide and wall-run through all of the game's maps. While the gunplay is good, the melee combat is where the game shines! Why should I even bother with Warframe: 1999? Because it's a bold new direction for a game that's constantly reinventing itself. It's a chance to experience Warframe in a completely different light, to challenge yourself, and to rediscover the game's core themes of survival, adaptation, and pushing back against overwhelming odds. And, honestly, it just looks really cool. Plus, who doesn't love a good dose of cyberpunk-infused horror? So, there you have it. Warframe: 1999 is a risk, a gamble, a potentially brilliant move that could breathe new life into an already thriving game. Its Soulslike elements may be subtle, but they're there, adding depth and complexity to the overall experience. Whether you're a seasoned Tenno or a curious newcomer, Warframe is worth checking out. You might just find yourself hooked.