Let’s be real here: if you are a fan of Soulframe—like most MMO enthusiasts are—you would know all too well of the PAX East segment put up by Digital Extremes. It was very short, to say the least. Offer them six minutes to display a changing online RPG, and all they’ll have time for is heating up popcorn. Despite all of this, fans were left wanting more after the brief screenshot display thanks to how well executed it was.
13 Motes, Elemental Power, and a Boss with Placeholder Swagger
In regards to the Preludes 10 update—I know, were still zones in pre-alpha—but the addition of 13 motes is propelling things forward at blistering speed. As it stands, one of the biggest features promised was the addition of 13 motes. This addition is far more revolutionary than turning the game into a ‘pick up shiny thing’ simulator. Now players have the ability to track motes across the open world, channeling their elemental energies directly into their weapons. So, instead of saying “I just enchanted this sword,” and drowning in arcane jargon, you can now say “This sword shoots fire now. Cool.”
Then, some new gameplay showcasing a mysterious enemy faction and a boss battle tied to it appeared. I’ll be the first to admit—some of the assets shown on screen were placeholders. Even so, the vibes were nice. The boss had the kind of looming menace that makes you instinctively shift in your chair. Even unfinished, it had character.
Festival of the Circade: Puzzles, Spirits, And Forging Weapons (Maybe?)
This wasn’t where things were looking particularly compelling, though. Riding that wave, we were given a teaser which hinted at the Festival of the Circade. This isn’t your “kill this thing until enough loot drops” kind of event. For this one, players will have to solve a puzzle and defeat a spirit. Something something, ritualistic weapon? A forgeable weapon is one of the possible outcomes. Or a magical ritual. Or both. It’s still unclear, but there’s definitely “Zelda meets Wicker Man” vibes occurring, and it works.
It was pretty nice to see there was this kind of mood, not just the mechanics. While this is happening, Soulframe is continuing to embrace their nature-focused, soul-bound fantasy world. This mysterious realm feels part eerie, part sacred. A world where it feels like you’re dreaming, but you’re not supposed to wake up.
Magic, Mid-Fight Petting Forest Animals, and Weapon Swaps
Lets explore the trailer first. This trailer gave us a glimpse at some gameplay and, oh boy, they didn’t hold back on the action. Magic spells? Check. Insane weapon switching like in the middle of the fight? Of course. One moment you are casting ethereal chains, and the other, you are slashing enemies with a blade the size of a canoe.
And what caught people’s attention the most?
The forest creatures. The game takes a pause to let players rescue and, yes, pet forest animals. Its obvious that “aww” moment happened throughout the Discord servers in the community. Even when the genre usually prefers roughness instead, its very heartening to see a game acknowledge that, mellow is a thing too, and say, “yes, you can pet the fox.”
If you are hyperactive for additional deets – who isn’t right now? – must hold their horses till July’s TennoCon with the “Soulframe” magic. According to the information I have, that’s where everything related to deeper mechanics, faction lore, dashboard goodies, and yes, the release roadmap are. Till then, Mishta, trust me when I say, this pre-alpha sidelight feels like a promise. Although Soulframe is still in its dawn, it is slowly but surely enchanting, weaving and thoughtful stage.
