The ninth annual TennoCon has recently concluded, leaving fans exhilarated with a series of groundbreaking announcements and previews. Among the highlights of this year's event was the reveal of Warframe: 1998, a new chapter in the beloved Warframe series, set to fully launch in Winter 2024.
Ahead of the full release, a prologue quest titled "The Lotus Eaters" is scheduled for August 2024. This prologue serves as a bridge to the new story, following the trajectory from the previous chapter, "Whispers in the Walls." It reintroduces players to iconic characters and sets the stage for the forthcoming adventures. Additionally, the launch of the prologue will also see the introduction of Sevatgoth Prime and an array of exclusive weapons.
Set against the backdrop of an alternate 1999, Warframe: 1999 introduces players to the city of Höllvania, a quintessentially '90s cityscape now under threat from a lethal virus linked to the Y2K scare, known as Techrot. Players will navigate this perilous environment using the innovative Atomicyles, versatile vehicles that offer new dynamics such as bullet jumps and drifts, and can also be utilized as explosive devices in combat.
The narrative centralizes around six protagonists forming the Hex group, each equipped with a Protoframe that visually reflects their human identity. The group includes Arthur, who wields the Excalibur frame; Aoi, who operates the Mag frame; and Quincy, adorned in the newly introduced CYTE-09 frame. These characters are brought to life by voice actors including Alpha Takahashi, Ben Starr, Melissa Medina, and Amelia Tyler. Interaction with these characters extends into digital realms, with players able to engage through an instant messaging system reminiscent of the late '90s communication style.
Adding to the 1999 theme, players will encounter On-lyne, a '90s boy band whose members have been transformed into adversaries due to the infectious Technocyte Coda. Voiced by Nick Apostolides and others, this element adds a unique twist to the game, blending combat with catchy, period-specific music that players can stream digitally.
In addition to narrative and gameplay enhancements, TennoCon 2024 also spotlighted upgrades to Warframe's fashion elements, which are vital components of player expression within the game. Notably, the introduction of the Gemini Skins allows players to customize their experience further and bring Protoframes like Arthur and Aoi into the Origin system with specific aesthetic traits.
Digital Extromes, the developer behind Warframe, also teased a collaboration with THE LINE animation studio to create an anime short based on Warframe: 1999, set to debut later this year. Furthermore, attendees at the event and online participants were provided an exclusive first look at new high-fidelity Heirloom skins for Ember, with a Rhino skin to follow in early 2025.
As Warframe: 1999's winter release approaches, players are encouraged to immerse themselves in the existing Warframe chapters to prepare for the new epic saga. With its unique blend of retro charm, innovative gameplay, and expanding narrative horizons, Warframe: 1999 is poised to be a significant addition to the Warframe universe.
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