Digital Extremes has launched a free PC update for its upcoming title Soulframe, titled 'Preludes 16: Of Hook & Hound,' introducing a variety of new features including six fish species, bait, and a companion bonding system.
Soulframe's closed Alpha playtest phase, 'Preludes,' is an experimental project through which Warframe developer Digital Extremes shapes the game's direction based on player feedback. The newly introduced 'Preludes 16: Of Hook & Hound' includes a wealth of highly requested, immersive features. Most notably, the in-game fishing system introduces six types of bait alongside six unique fish species, such as the 'Emerald Prickleback' and 'Boilhead Wumper,' offering plenty of content to enjoy. Players can make various choices, such as cleansing the Ode's corruption seeped into the fishes' scales to release them into ponds or keeping them for companions, receiving different rewards based on their decisions.
In addition, companion bonding content has been added, allowing players to welcome a wolf pup as a companion after completing 'The Shewolf Snared' fable and travel together across the world of Alca. A variety of interactions are available, including playing fetch, going for walks, feeding caught fish, and combat support, with plans for this feature to eventually evolve into the highly anticipated mount system. A dynamic weather system has also been newly established. Environmental changes such as foggy mornings, rainy nights, and beautiful sunsets unfold naturally, directly influencing gameplay with practical effects like increased lightning damage or reduced enemy detection ranges. Furthermore, the revamped 'Tempers' system allows players to freely adjust weapon modifiers through the blacksmith Tuvalkane, alongside new gear additions including the two-handed mace 'Wreath,' the caster staff 'Gystalt,' the sidearm rapier 'Grimana,' and the 'Conquest of Sleeves' armor set.
Sarah Asselin, Senior Community Manager at Digital Extremes, said, "The response we received when we revealed the fishing and mount features at TennoCon was far beyond what we expected." She added, "Seeing how excited players were for these features made us look forward to bringing them to Soulframe even more. Fishing and bonding with wolf pups are just the beginning, and they will continue to evolve alongside other elements of the game. We look forward to players experiencing these features firsthand and growing that excitement together."
Applications to participate in the game's playtest are currently open on the official website, with applicants selected weekly via random drawings to join the free closed Alpha test. Registering for the 'Founders Program' grants instant access, while players can stay updated on future development news via the Steam wishlist and official social channels.
