Soulframe's Getting a Wazzard? More Like a Chance to Chill, Not Just Chug Red Bull and Die
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Digital Extremes is deliberately making Soulframe a less punishing experience than your typical 'Souls-like,' focusing on exploration and community alongside the combat, and they're inviting you to see for yourself by joining the 'Preludes' alpha test during TennoCon. Plus, there's a Wazzard. Because why not?
Right, so *Soulframe*, Digital Extremes' upcoming fantasy MMORPG, is getting a 'Wazzard.' Not a typo, apparently. Though, according to Geoff Crookes, creative director, it *might* have started that way. Speaking to Rock Paper Shotgun, Crookes and senior community manager Sarah Asselin revealed this delightful bit of wordplay. The rationale? How to make something familiar "more dorky and fun." I reckon most things are improved by a little dorkiness, fair dinkum.
The Wazzard's debut? A new quest called "Waste Bear Fable," pitting our heroes against (or perhaps alongside?) an ursine tree-hugger named Bromius. He's having a bit of a rough time due to, you guessed it, pollution. It's all very on-brand for Soulframe, which is already steeped in themes of nature, romanticism, and redemption. Think less grimdark, more… well, think bear therapists.
But the real kicker here isn't just the Wazzard (though that's admittedly pretty great). It's Digital Extremes' deliberate effort to distance *Soulframe* from the 'Souls-like' label. Crookes cops to it being "our own fault" due to the name, but they are aiming for a more casual experience, where exploring the world and rescuing animals is just as valid as becoming a master swordsman. "We do not want this game to be as punishing," Crookes told Rock Paper Shotgun. "We want to invite a wide array of playstyles".
Now, before you start sharpening your pixelated pitchforks, hear me out. A challenging game is all well and good, but sometimes you just want to chill in a fantasy world without constantly fearing for your digital life. Plus, a less punishing experience opens the door for a wider audience, which can only be a good thing for the community. (And besides, those hardcore swordsmen can still get their fix if they want to.)
What's interesting is the approach to the launch. *Warframe* kinda exploded (in a good way) after a bit of a rocky start. Digital Extremes learned from that, but they're also aware that the industry's a completely different beast now. So, they're taking a more measured approach with *Soulframe*, opting for a closed alpha ("Preludes") to build a solid foundation before unleashing it upon the masses. It is a smart move, especially with the current climate of instant gratification and relentless scrutiny.
They're even tweaking their level design. Procedurally-generated dungeons are all well and good, but they present a unique challenge in a world that's supposed to feel organic and natural. Crookes notes that while it's easier to justify layouts in the context of *Warframe*'s spaceships, digging trenches into nature requires a bit more… justification.
And while no release date is set in stone, Digital Extremes is letting anyone who signs up for an account during this year's TennoCon weekend into Soulframe's Preludes. So, if you're curious about the game, now's your chance to get your hands dirty. Just don't go expecting a carbon copy of *Dark Souls* with a fantasy skin. This is something different. Something… dorkier. (And possibly involving a Wazzard or two).
Ultimately, Digital Extremes is hoping that *Soulframe* and *Warframe* can coexist peacefully, scratching different itches for different players. Asselin reckons there's a "similar spirit, but a different pace and tempo" between the two games, and I'm inclined to agree. It's not War versus Waz, but more like, War *and* Waz. And that, my friends, is a world I'm happy to inhabit.
Tags: Soulframe, MMORPG, Digital Extremes, TennoCon, Gaming News
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun