There is a tangible sense of excitement among the game’s devoted fan base as TennoCon draws near and they look forward to Warframe: 1999, the next big story update. The captivating gameplay demo that Digital Extremes showcased the game’s exciting new direction has once again captured the attention of its audience. Like myself, a lot of fans were dubious about how Warframe: 1999’s future look would work with this attempt at CRT nostalgia when it was originally hinted at. But when On-lyne, an alternate-universe band that harnesses the spirit of a late ’90s NSYNC clone, dropped an original song to open the TennoCon demo, the doubts were immediately dispelled. This musical selection showed how committed Digital Extremes is to adopting the retro theme and created the ideal atmosphere for an immersive experience.
The typical far-future backdrop of the Warframe game is significantly altered in Warframe: 1999. The players are sent to a pivotal point in a different 20th-century chronology in this update. This parallel reality’s last New Year’s Eve is when the story takes place, and finding and confronting Albrecht Entrati is the main goal. With a biomechanical Techrot infestation wreaking havoc on the world’s systems and machinery, a worldwide crisis is the backdrop against which this mission is set. A range of Techrot monsters that represent the depraved state of the world will be encountered by players as they explore this new story and navigate city streets full with nostalgia for the 1990s.
The debut of a romance system, a first for the Warframe series, is among the most fascinating new aspects of Warframe: 1999. As the head of the recently formed Hex group, players will assume the role of Arthur Nightingale. The Protoframe exoskeletons worn by the six members of The Hex are early versions of the Warframes that players are accustomed to seeing. Along with adding a new aspect to the game, this new faction also has a reputation system of its own, modeled after the advancement systems of previous factions such as Ostron and Solaris United.
Arthur Nightingale and the Hex operatives bring a new layer of interaction to the game, as Arthur will have the opportunity to develop relationships with the Hex members through conversations on a fictional messaging platform called KOL Instant Messenger. This feature underscores Digital Extremes’ dedication to fully embracing the late ’90s theme of the update. The demo also showcased a soundtrack that pays homage to the era, including tracks with a Rob Zombie-esque sound that intensify the experience during critical moments, such as boss fights.
Arthur Nightingale’s character embodies the quintessential ’90s coolness, complete with a katana and a high-tech motorcycle. In Warframe: 1999, players will be able to ride through the Techrot-infested city of Höllvania on an Atomicycle, engaging in dynamic stunts, drifting, and high-speed maneuvers. This vehicle will not be limited to this new city; it will also be available in other open-world areas of Warframe, enhancing exploration and combat opportunities. The narrative will also provide deeper insights into the origins and functions of the Warframes themselves. For example, one segment of the demo features a Techrot creature that spawns a faceless entity mimicking the sword abilities of Arthur’s Protoframe, revealing a connection to Excalibur, the game’s emblematic Warframe.
A biomechanical incarnation of the space zombie boy band On-lyne will be the new enemy type that players must contend with when the demo ends and we return to the current Warframe environment. In addition to bringing a fresh level of difficulty and the chance to participate in showdowns with the nemesis system, this new enemy will unlock endgame content.
In addition to these exciting narrative and gameplay additions, Warframe: 1999 will also introduce several new features to the game. Players can look forward to a new Warframe character, Cyte-09, a sharpshooter with a distinctive beret. The update will also include new weaponry, such as the AX-52 rifle, which has a design reminiscent of the Kalashnikov. Furthermore, the update will offer “Gemini skins,” which allow players to embody one of the Hex operatives while using their associated Warframe. These Gemini skins are fully voice-acted and customizable, adding an extra layer of depth and personalization to the game.
Warframe: 1999 is scheduled for release in Winter 2024. Before this major update arrives, players can anticipate a smaller content update in August, featuring The Lotus Eaters. This brief quest will bridge the narrative gap between the previous story chapter, Whisper in the Walls, and the upcoming Warframe: 1999 expansion. This interim content will help prepare players for the new adventures and updates that await, ensuring they are ready for the exciting developments that Warframe: 1999 will bring to the game.
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