3. Progression
The galaxy is a big place, and each planet is unique with its resources, topography, and general difficulty. With the latest updates to Warframe, progressing across the solar system requires a list of certain tasks to be completed before you can jump to the next planet. It can seem limiting at first but you get a real sense of accomplishment when you unlock the next available planet to assault. Not only does Warframe provide this level of galactic progression, the game is entirely geared towards advancing your tactics and strengths: Frames and weapons will all rank up the more you use them in combat. As they rank up, stronger mods can be applied to increase stats and abilities, and weapon classes can be put to the test in Mastery trials: a place where your skill will determine your Mastery ranking – the higher the ranking, the better the weapons you have access to. There is always a new objective ahead of you whether it’s to rank up, max out a weapon’s stats, craft a new frame, or simply progress the story. Warframe is armed to the teeth with objectives to complete.
2. Combat
On your first excursion planet-side you will notice immediately just how tight the controls are. Warframe is easy to handle for beginners and experienced gamers alike, even if you’ve taken a long hiatus from playing, it all comes back naturally. Frames can crouch, dash, double jump, and scale almost any surface by jumping up the wall, which gives each mission multiple tactics for completion while still being a lot of fun. Missions can be played entirely with stealth in mind, running full speed into combat head-on, or a healthy mix of both. Each Frame has its own set of unlockable abilities, but the majority of your combat will come from your three weapon loadout: a main ranged weapon – often rifle sized or bigger – a secondary ranged weapon in the form of handheld guns or throwing knives, and a melee weapon. The variety of each class of weapon is impressive with dozens to choose from, each one able to be upgraded, modded with abilities, and have its appearance customized with user controlled color schemes. It’s easy to switch between weapons on the fly which creates for some fantastically lethal combinations when surrounded by enemies. Finding what works for you changes the game from simply defeating your enemies to killing with style.
1. Space Ninjas
Some of you will hear the phrase ‘Space Ninja’ and cringe; others will be excited with delight. Frames are the special armor a Tenno wears, each one with its unique strengths and weaknesses: Loki has potent illusion abilities, Atlas is a devastating powerhouse, Nekros is able to raise the bodies of his victims to fight for him, and Excaibur is a fantastically rounded combatant and perfect Frame to begin with. Warframe gives a rich lore of the Tenno reminiscent of historical ninja-esque societies, but don’t let the phrase ‘Space Ninja’ fool you; their default appearances are more akin to the likes of Predator or a whole host of powersuits you’ve seen in other media. Frames can be upgraded in the same fashion as weapons, as well as have aesthetic parts added including new helmets, skins, capes, and armor pieces to name a few. At no point in this game do you feel less than perfectly confident in your abilities as your Tenno prepares for his inevitable victory. You are instilled with a sense of unstoppable strength, and once you find that perfect Frame to suite your combat style, you feel untouchable.
With over one million players signed up to Warframe and a few tens of thousands active at any given time, Warfare is a fantastic title with not nearly as much recognition as it deserves. Are you already playing? What do you like or dislike about Warframe? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or the Comments section below!