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[NullPointer]

Note: I keep finding myself posting about Warframe in DLC/expansion threads, and when talking about post-release support for a particular loot shooter thats all the rage right now, but I figured, fuck it, why not consolidate that info into one RTTP thread. This is basic, but gets the job done.

I think a lot of players and reviewers checked Warframe out last year, judged it, and forgot about it. But in the meanwhile its grown significantly. The amount of updates and the significance of those updates over the past year is staggering, especially when compared against the expectations set by its full priced AAA competition.

Some of the bigger ones:

Melee 2.0, weapon stances, channeling and combo attacks; Pets and genetic engineering (Kubrows); Space Combat (Archwing); Factions, rep, sigils and augments (Syndicates); Clan alliances, territory acquisition and conflict (Dark Sectors and Solar Rails); Clan Dojo expansion, customization; Player hubs; Player ships and customization; a full (now diegetic) UI overhaul; a new Quest system and introductory quest for new players; a Warframe power and mod overhaul; a massively expanded Codex with how-tos and 3D breakdowns on warframes, weapons, enemies and objects and some lore; equippable and deployable Warframe AI allies (Tenno Specters); and new and massively overhauled mission types like Rescue 2.0 (with Wardens watching over the prison cells), Survival 2.0 (for planetside missions), Interception (control points), Hive Infestation, Orokin Sabotage and Excavation.

And that's besides all the new weapons (40), warframes (5), enemy types (14), bosses (5), tilesets (11), prime gear and events (lots), and all of this provided in regular free updates, across PC, Xbox One and PS4. Performance has already improved dramatically from when the game launched on PS4.

Here are a few snaps I took just to show some of the more obvious changes. There are far too many things to show off, so this is just a small sample of the most noticeable changes right off the bat.

Diagetic UI:

Some Codex subjects:

Codex Article on a Sunika breed of Kurbrow

Archwing

Syndicates

A game like Warframe is always going to be a work in progress, but gawd damn, Digital Extremes has been busy, and it doesn't look like they are going to slow down any time soon.

Now, the game doesn't do everything right, and some of the updates made over the past year are just plain stupid in my book (Kubrow upkeep and the new Mesa warframe questline are standouts) - but those design decisions are in the minority of what is otherwise a stellar solo and co-op, (wall)run and gun and stab and fly and unleash super powers loot shooter that never stops evolving and adding polish and improving performance. And yes, you still need to keep the Wiki handy to explain a lot of the systems in depth or to find out where a particular item drops, but the Codex is getting nicely fleshed out, and tutorials help out so its a little more welcoming now.

Its worth taking another look, especially if you only took a peek last year or are burned out with the particular flavor of grind in some other big games. And when discussing DLC and expansions I'm not sure anyone has done more over the past year than DE has with Warframe.

 

[Nokterian]

Great thread OP! Yeah it is very populair on steam daily nearly 30k people playing. And i jumped back in just 2 months ago and they changed so much it is a totally new game. Better navigation through the menu's your own ship a social hub etc.

Also love variety on the planets, need to start playing more!

 

[Valkerionseven]

I stopped earlier in the year, came back about a month and a half ago and it was way different. They put a lot of work into the game thats for sure.

Arcwing still needs some work but its a new mode so thats partly it needing to settle a bit before they mess with it too much imo.

I will say though, all this extra content comes with the cost of having some potential drop pools being way to big making the grind a bit longer than some might like for a simple drop.

Plays great though!

 

[Riptwo]

I played the hell out of the PC version, and hoped to make the transition to the PS4 version, but I missed the character migration period. That kind of killed the momentum for me, since I didn't want to re-level everything on a new platform. I'd love to get back into the game if they'd re-open migration again!

 

[VisceralBowl]

No thanks. Don't like the grind and repetition.

 

[de1irium]

Interesting ... I put a few a few weeks into the game a while back and it was fun but felt really repetitive. Have the maps and quest types gained as much variety as everything else?

 

[Alucrid]

I logged in after not playing for a while on the PC. It's all so confusing as fuck now.

 

[KageMaru]

I quit playing destiny due to all of the bullshit with the DLC, maybe I should check this out again. Thanks OP!

 

[Gaz_RB]

I guess I'm coming back. That looks way different than it used to.

 

[Besthelboy]

Logged in after not playing a couple of months, jumped into a planet and realized why I stopped playing and uninstalled. Just too repetitive, I really wanted to like it but the gameplay wasn't enjoyable enough for me to keep doing it over and over.

 

[NullPointer]

No thanks. Don't like the grind.

No doubt about it, its grinds and filled with mocrotransactions, but I let most of that stuff slide because 1. Its a free to play game, 2. I enjoy collecting, upgrading and customizing weapons and frames for specific challenges and the moment to moment gameplay, and 3. I've only ever spent platinum (the real world currency) to unlock new warframe or equipment slots, to generally just support the game (Usually buy a $12-15 pack whenever a major update is released) or on visual customizations, so I know you can enjoy the game just fine, and long term even, without paying, or without paying much if you do find yourself hooked.

But I can definitely understand being turned off by that stuff.

 

[Hollow]

I usually come back to Warframe every few weeks to see what's new. Lately though I've been playing it pretty regularly because of all the recent updates.

Surprised at how quickly the Mesa update came out after Archwing.

If I could just get my Soma Prime I'll be set.

 

[bigbaldwolf86]

The support put into the game from the devs is incredible and you're right OP in that it's a different game to when it launched. So many additions and changes have been made and it's all the better for them. It's the best f2p game on PS4 by far imo.

 

[Big_Al]

Did they ever overhaul the controller support in the PC version ? I remember it being supported but it felt all very half hearted when I last played it which was at least over a year ago.

 

[frizby]

Well you know I agree, and it's nice to see the game get some deserved attention. I've given Destiny a lot more time than it deserves, but the last two updates have me fully back on board in Warframe. Archwings are awesome, and Soma Prime and Nova Prime have always been at the top of my wish list.

If anybody on PS4 finds themselves enjoying the game and wanting to join a clan (for dojo research, trading and other social benefits), there are spaces open in the official NeoGAF clan. Send me a PM or post in the official thread.

 

[Raptor]

How much is to use this one?

I remember being turned down because it was way too expensive.

 

[bLaiSe]

To those who say it's a boring/repetitive game: Try mastering wall running, wall slinging and coptering (jump -> slide in the air -> melee attack while sliding [you need a melee weapon with fast attack speed]).
With utilizing the awesome parkour movement in the game it becomes much more enjoyable than just shooting AI on foot.
You play as a goddamn space ninja after all...

 

[MightyKAC]

I won't lie, I use to play the shit outta this game. Like over 1000 hour at last count according to steam.

Back when I rolled with the PC GAF this was pretty much the only thing I played. And I'd probably still be playing it if it didn't feel like I were a hamster on a tread wheel.

The game needs raids. Like really hard, high level raids that require a legit team to run through.

 

[NullPointer]

The support put into tje game from the devs is incredible and you're right OP in that it's a different game to when it launched. So many additions and changes have been made and it's all the better for them. It's the best f2p game on PS4 by far imo.

Speaking of feedback, they put out these regular Dev Streams every few weeks and I'm always amazed by how open they are about the development of the game. They hint (and more than hint) at systems being worked on, show mocks, early renders and animations in progress, take questions and go into some of the details behind making their decisions, fixing their fuck-ups, and general anecdotes aboot keeping that train moving all this time.

(and yes, they're Canadian so you get some 'aboot's to enjoy)

I wish more studios were as open and communicative as DE is with Warframe. Here's a small bit from the most recent stream.

 

[Dunlop]

my most played PS4 game initially

Tried it about a month ago and was lost after the changes lol

Looks amazing now

 

[Constantine81]

I did indeed try this day one on the PS4, and was really disappointed with the sword play. It felt pretty unimpressive for a cyborg ninja to clumsily swipe at the air. Has this changed somewhat? The gunplay wasn't particularly interesting to me and this is probably the only thing that would bring me back to it.

 

[Zakalwe]

Does it have any meaningful endgame yet?

I won't lie, I use to play the shit outta this game. Like over 1000 hour at last count according to steam.

Back when I rolled with the PC GAF this was pretty much the only thing I played. And I'd probably still be playing it if it didn't feel like I were a hamster on a tread wheel.

The game needs raids. Like really hard, high level raids that require a legit team to run through.

I guess not.

 

[Einbroch]

Have they introduced actual raids/challenge? The biggest turn-off was that I wasn't building towards anything. I played for a good 60 hours, then realized there was actually no goal, and quit.

The game just had no endgame.

 

[VisceralBowl]

To those who say it's a boring/repetitive game: Try mastering wall running, wall slinging and coptering (jump -> slide in the air -> melee attack while sliding [you need a melee weapon with fast attack speed]).
With utilizing the awesome parkour movement in the game it becomes much more enjoyable than just shooting AI on foot.
You play as a goddamn space ninja after all...

Already did that. It doesn't fix the repetition or the grind.

 

[bLaiSe]

How much is to use this one?

I remember being turned down because it was way too expensive.

You can buy that frame for like 20/30 platinum ($~3).
Or a nice person could give it to you for free.

 

[Zakalwe]

Master level founders.
800 hours counted, but more since closed beta.

I really hope they start adding meaningful end game instead of all these flashy but superfluous systems.

I left because it seemed DE were more interested in releasing weapons/frames to keep the cash shop ticking over than anything else.

 

[NullPointer]

I did indeed try this day one on the PS4, and was really disappointed with the sword play. It felt pretty unimpressive for a cyborg ninja to clumsily swipe at the air. Has this changed somewhat? The gunplay wasn't particularly interesting to me and this is probably the only thing that would bring me back to it.

Melee has changed, big time. There's various stance mods you can equip on melee weapons that provide their own set of combo attacks and unique animations. You can parry and deflect attacks, and channel your energy into extra damage super attacks. You can also now jump and attack in any direction so you can take out aerial enemies using only your melee weapon - and this is important since you can now choose to leave loadout weapon slots empty - both to increase challenge, or to focus XP gains on those weapons in particular rather than having the XP spread across your entire equipped arsenal. So yeah, you can even go into missions with only a katana if you want.

Here's a screen showing one mod's combos (PC buttons shown here, but its the same basic thing on the gamepad)

 

[ezekial45]

My big hope is that Bungie will look at this game and see how they should support Destiny from here on out. They've not only done a good job of expanding the game's narrative, but the gameplay is so much more refined and diverse than what we had originally.

 

[bananafactory]

Holy crap that looks different.

Downloading tonight!

 

[Uthred]

The game is so much better now than it was at the beginning of the year, I wish I hadnt totally burned myself out on it. Cant even muster the will to come back and get the new prime because I think Nova prime looks like shit

 

[Messofanego]

Thanks for the very detailed OP, NullPointer.

Have they added more stuff to the movement? Anyone link to a new video about it?

This is from 2 years ago when I played it near launch and made these gifs:

 

[BigDug13]

My big hope is that Bungie will look at this game and see how they should support Destiny from here on out. They've not only done a good job of expanding the game's narrative, but the gameplay is so much more refined and diverse than what we had originally.

Warframe is an ever expanding game based on PC game design and isn't built around 2-3 year cycles of sequels like console games. Destiny devs are hard at work on Destiny 2 because on console, you don't have that same system of ever expanding on a single game release. You have sequels that makes the prior game obsolete after your window to sell DLC ends.

(Not all PC games are developed like this, but it seems like console-centric games never are. )

 

[bigbaldwolf86]

Speaking of feedback, they put out these regular Dev Streams every few weeks and I'm always amazed by how open they are about the development of the game. They hint (and more than hint) at systems being worked on, show mocks, early renders and animations in progress, take questions and go into some of the details behind making their decisions, fixing their fuck-ups, and general anecdotes aboot keeping that train moving all this time.

(and yes, they're Canadian so you get some 'aboot's to enjoy)

I wish more studios were as open and communicative as DE is with Warframe. Here's a small bit from the most recent stream.

Completely agree. Their willingness and want to connect with their community is incredible and I'm sure this has helped them to shape the game into what it is.

 

[Constantine81]

Melee has changed, big time. There's various stance mods you can equip on melee weapons that provide their own set of combo attacks and unique animations. You can parry and deflect attacks, and channel your energy into extra damage super attacks. You can also now jump and attack in any direction so you can take out aerial enemies using only your melee weapon - and this is important since you can now choose to leave loadout weapon slots empty - both to increase challenge, or to focus XP gains on those weapons in particular rather than having the XP spread across your entire equipped arsenal. So yeah, you can even go into missions with only a katana if you want.

Awesome! Thanks, I'll be giving this another chance soon. I always thought it was visually gorgeous. I'm glad to see the gameplay is getting the same treatment.

 

[Uthred]

Thanks for the very detailed OP, NullPointer.

Have they added more stuff to the movement? Anyone link to a new video about it?

I dont think they've made any major changes to movement, but they have made it so that what you're doing affects enemy aim. So you're now rewarded for being awesome.

 

[Abylim]

Last time I played was quite a few months ago, they had just released an update that over hauled the whole UI and added in Kubrows, I think.

I got burnt out playing it everyday, loved the shit out of it though.

Has there been a lot of changes since then?

 

[Lady Siara]

I think you're reintroducing quite a few of us back into the fold. I enjoyed my time with it but eventually got bored since none of my friends would try it, and this was soon after it launched on PS4.

Is there a way you can transfer your PS4 account to the PC version? Doesn't look like it from a glance.

 

[Weeaboosuke]

Eh, I kind of fell out of it once I reached rank 8. The game is a complete blast though if you can slide past the RNG.

 

[Ade]

Its the game Destiny should've been.

Having a lot of fun with it on the XB1.

 

[Corgi]

has MP changed any? I feel like 90% of the time im trying to catch up to people that are far superior at platforming than me, and there are no enemies left for me to kill.

 

[jond76]

I played a little when it first dropped on Xbox One, liked it too. My only issue was that it's not very intuitive at all. I WANT to get back into it, but its a little daunting...

Will try again soon.

 

[Lavalamp1138]

Picked it up last month after getting a mass effect multiplayer sort of itch and now I can't put it down. It's a ton of fun! Lots of weapon and character variety. I love my Rhino frame, probably one of my favorite power fantasy experiences in games. I've had a bit of a falling out with games lately but I really enjoy Warframe. Feels like, whether I'm chasing after upgrade components, jumping into the Void, or taking on bosses to build my next frame, everything i'm doing has meaning and I'm making progress. I love how the game can have its intense moments, as well as those times when I can just chill, put my earphones in, put on some jams, and beat up some aliens.

 

[Zakalwe]

My big hope is that Bungie will look at this game and see how they should support Destiny from here on out. They've not only done a good job of expanding the game's narrative, but the gameplay is so much more refined and diverse than what we had originally.

WF's combat has come a long ways but Destiny's combat is miles above even with all of WF's updates.

And DE have not updated the game in the ways they should have, ie; given us endgame

It's all pointless gear treadmill atm. At least Destiny has Raids.

We'll see how Bungie fair down the road, but I honestly don't expect either company will do an amazing job. I hope they both prove me wrong.

Its the game Destiny should've been.
.

It has even less point than Destiny.

Destiny has pvp and actual endgame. WF's grind is all for nothing.

 

[NewGame]

Is it still a mundane grindy mess with microtransactional 'fun'?

 

[2 Slice Toaster]

has MP changed any? I feel like 90% of the time im trying to catch up to people that are far superior at platforming than me, and there are no enemies left for me to kill.

That is still going to happen in mission types that emphasize solo activity (Extermination/Capture/Extermination) but the new mission types they've added are all coop focused and minimize people going Rambo on the content to a large extent.

 

[VariantX]

Have they added more stuff to the movement? Anyone link to a new video about it?

This is from 2 years ago when I played it near launch and made these gifs:

Newest additon to movement is aerial melee. (Can air slash> run along wall> air slash to another wall> launch from wall> etc.)DE said something along the lines of polishing up the movement systems starting in January on the last devstream.

Also, warframes will finally have passive abilities/traits to further differentiate them. Only a couple have them right now like mesa but they're all going to have them eventually.

 

[Karsticles]

Two questions:
1) Is Nekros still bad?
2) Are Defense and Survival missions still just spamming OP ApE?

 

[NullPointer]

Have they added more stuff to the movement? Anyone link to a new video about it?

According to the latest dev stream parkour is something they're taking another look at in early 2015. No real details, but they want to add more moves and make the existing ones feel more consistent and less sticky. That also involves changes to the tilesets, which seems to be a continual process.

I dont think they've made any major changes to movement, but they have made it so that what you're doing affects enemy aim. So you're now rewarded for being awesome.

Good point. They did recently up the accuracy of enemies, so they they don't shoot "like stormtroopers" any more, but in the process might have made them just a bit too good, so now parkour and movement reduces their accuracy.

 

[Zakalwe]

Two questions:
1) Is Nekros still bad?
2) Are Defense and Survival missions still just spamming OP ApE?

1. Nekros was never bad.
2. I think they always will be.

 

[Galucha]

Sometimes I really wish they left the old UI ingame somewhere because it was so simple and functional. Now it takes about twice as long to do anything.