My list of ‘must play’ upcoming games is maybe a little different to most other players’. While all eyes are, understandably, on GTA 6, mine are firmly primed on Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 and, looking even further into the future, Digital Extremes’ MMORPG Soulframe. A dark fantasy game with the weighty combat you’d expect from a FromSoft release, Soulframe has continued to evolve over the past year, and by now it’s a completely different beast from the alpha build I tried a while back. Now, as part of Tennocon 2025, you can experience all of that new content for yourself – all you have to do is sign up.
While the Soulframe release date remains a mystery, Digital Extremes has been hard at work refining the upcoming PC game. Combat has been improved dramatically, with a slew of new weapons and, perhaps most importantly, different playstyles. There’s the new mage-esque build that relies heavily on spellcasting, and myriad other ranged options, including the traditional bow and arrow with a magical twist.
We’ve also met a host of fresh characters, including Orengall the wolf (who now has an associated Pact) and, my personal favorite, the sassy witch Verminia. All in all, Soulframe feels like a different, more fully realized videogame. Plus, you also get a free puppy, so there’s that.
This year, however, the focus is on the MMORPG’s newest Fable, aptly titled The Waste Bear. Our Envoy sees a vision of a three-headed bear, known as Bromius, which they report to Verminia. Horrified, the rodent queen leads us deep into the Galvinar Wastes, a new wasteland zone that’s been corrupted by the Ode. The once lovable creature has been warped and twisted by the Ode’s influence, with the Mendicant (one of the world’s rival factions) seemingly stealing its life-giving acorn.
Completing the quest will unlock a new pact, as well as a ‘floppet’ – basically a little rat with wings that I am obsessed with. The floating rodents act as guides for the Envoy, with creative director Geoff Crookes noting that the team wants players to “be able to customize their companions as much as they can the player [character].” DE CEO Steve Sinclair notes that you can choose the color of your puppy, which may imply that we’ll be seeing some Floppet customization in future patches.
The Mote system (weapon and Pact upgrades) is in the works, too, allowing you to refine your playstyle even further. Character customization is also set to expand, while the new player experience is getting a few tweaks.
And you’ll be able to experience it all. Throughout the weekend of Tennocon (Saturday July 19 – Sunday July 20), DE is throwing open the gates to Alca, letting even more players join the fray.
If you’ve ever played Soulframe, or now want to, signing up on Digital Extremes’ official website will grant you access to Preludes up to release. You have until end of day on Sunday July 20 to sign up to Soulframe Preludes, but note that the Waste Bear Fable, the Mote system, and the other aforementioned changes haven’t dropped just yet. You can sign up here.
If Tennocon has you reminiscing over your time in the Origin System, we have a list of all the current Warframe codes so that you can snag some free cosmetics. Alternatively, if it’s Soulframe that intrigues you, we have a list of the best fantasy games.
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