Step into a world where nature’s beauty and redemption take center stage. Soulframe, an upcoming action RPG from Digital Extremes, promises to deliver a unique and meaningful gaming experience. While still in the prototype stage, TRG had the privilege of experiencing a hands-off demo of this enchanting title and delving into the mind of Geoff Crookes, the creative director behind Soulframe.
A Visual Masterpiece
Soulframe’s serene and captivating world beckons players with lush forests, misty landscapes, and bustling wildlife. It’s a realm as vivid and evocative as the Scottish Highlands or the Serengeti, a testament to the game’s dedication to natural beauty.
A Big Swing for Redemption
Geoff Crookes, the creative director, and his team are taking a bold leap with Soulframe, aiming to offer a free-to-play co-op experience that goes beyond the norm. Drawing from over two decades of industry experience, Crookes and game director Steve Sinclair sought to create a game with deeper meaning and a profound statement.
A Gentle Embrace of Nature
Soulframe’s portrayal of nature is gentle and sincere. While combat is undoubtedly a part of the game, it is not intended to be punishing. The focus lies on progression systems that immerse players in the world and extend beyond mere combat mechanics.
A Narrative Approach
The prototype demo showcases a balanced mix of exploration, combat, and storytelling. It emphasizes the importance of connecting with the past and delves into the lives of both heroes and antagonists. Soulframe offers a refreshing take on storytelling by humanizing its villains and infusing them with a rich history.
The Battle of Nature vs. Industry
Soulframe’s core premise revolves around restoring the world of Alca, which has suffered from the invasion of the Ode’n—an industrialized force of conquerors. This clash between nature and industry sets the stage for players to act as agents of rejuvenation in a broader conflict of good versus evil.
The Power of the Fey Arm
Players take on the role of the Envoy, a defector from the Ode’n, who harnesses the mystical Fey arm. This unique power allows players to form pacts with mighty creatures, granting access to various abilities akin to traditional RPG classes. The journey centers on reconnecting with lost ancestors and achieving redemption.
An Arthurian Setting with a Mythic Touch
Soulframe is set in an Arthurian-inspired world where mythic forces seek to restore both the player and the world to their natural states. Ancestry and archaeology play pivotal roles in the game’s setting and mechanics.
Weighty and Realistic Combat
Despite its fantastical themes, Soulframe’s combat mechanics and animations are grounded in early medieval history. The team conducted extensive research into historical European martial arts, infusing the game with realistic animations, deliberate movements, and a sense of weight.
The Antidote to Hectic Gaming
Compared to the fast-paced sci-fi shooter Warframe, which Crookes previously worked on, Soulframe embraces a slower and more deliberate combat system. The emphasis is on melee combat, offering players a sense of ponderousness and weight in their actions.
A Distinctive Identity
While still in its early stages, the Soulframe prototype already stands out in the action RPG space. It weaves together myth, nature, and redemption into a unique gaming experience that encourages players to reconnect with their roots.
Soulframe is shaping up to be an enchanting antidote to the frenetic pace of modern gaming, offering a mythological journey where every step brings you closer to nature and redemption.
