1. Destiny for Free!
Warframe is for free. Yeah, it’s a trap. We all know nothing is completely for free, but you can actually play this awesome space-ninja game without spending money if you can stand some grindy gameplay to unlock stuff.
Warframe’s gameplay model isn’t the best out there, that’s for sure, but it’s pretty soft for casual gamers. Most of the items can be made by gathering required materials while completing missions, which sounds awesome. The thing is, high level stuff requires excessive grinding, which can be annoying for some players. Nevertheless, the game is a lot of fun and when you are down to shooting and slashing enemies you certainly forget about items and such. If you can get carried away, you’ll probably get all you want without even noticing. Additionally, there’s a ton of new items and blueprints to discover.
All in all, the fact remains the same: Warframe is free to play. The game can be enjoyed without risking your wallet. Whatever unfairnesses may be generated by players who buy stuff is hardly noticed since the core of the game is based on co-op modes. Drawing a parallel seems unavoidable: Destiny, a similar game in many ways, lacks content and has several problems when compared to Warframe. From a weak story to several balance issues, and its own grinding-for-items gameplay, $60 seems a bit too much for Destiny when Warframe is available.
2. It Looks and Feels Great
The first thing people notice when playing Warframe for the first time is how great everything looks. That’s even more important when taking into account it’s a free-to-play game. Animations, models, weapons and even menus look incredibly and are worthy of praise. Even the space-ninja theme, which may seem a bit dorky (awesome) in theory, works perfectly.
Right after the sign-in menu, players are already in the game. Everything is integrated as part of the very world in which Tennos fight for survival. Each player has its own ship, filled with consoles in which different game features can be accessed. This works as an amazing way of immersing players into the game’s world.
Additionally, there are pets, different body types, several customization options and a wide range of weapons and skills to make fighting look as cool as ever. There’s a very distinct and action-filled sensation in mostly every Warframe mission.
3. Massive Gameplay Variety
Despite frequently having similar maps and missions, Warframe actually offers a huge variety of gameplay options. This works both as a way of preventing players from getting bored, and also as a way of allowing gamers to find their most comfortable setting.
Different warframes not only look different, but also have different powers. In addition, there’s a huge array of weapons and upgrades to choose from. Depending on the warframe and weapons being used, co-op matches can become very interesting and classes can be simulated.
Warframe also has lots of different missions which include different game modes and objectives such as rescuing NPCs, resisting waves of enemies, recovering items, world events and boss fights. There’s content for all tastes.
4. Constant Updates
One of the good things about free-to-play games is that they are updated constantly. It’s the most effective way developers have to keep they fanbase interested and playing. As said before, Warframe’s gameplay model isn’t solely based on cosmetic items, which means every new content will require lots of hours and effort to be unlocked.
On the much brighter side every new Warframe update brings really interesting stuff. Digital Extremes isn’t afraid of mixing things up, or adding completely new gameplay mechanics in order to keep players happy. They really put a lot of love into their game, and it shows.
In addition to new missions, enemies, warframes, and weapons, updates also continue to develop a somewhat decent story which helps keeping things connected. However, the very best thing concerning Warframe updates are the flashy new features, such as the archwing. If this game was missing something, it was space combat.
It’s hard to deny Warframe keeps getting better every day, despite its own flaws.
5. Addicting, Fun Co-Op Gameplay
Warframe was designed as a co-op game and it’s very good at it. The game reaches its peaks of fun when completing missions with friends and/or complete strangers. Soloing will definitely get you bored in no time, since the grinding and the slight repetitions of missions and enemies becomes too obvious.
Missions are also relatively short. This adds a great value of casual gaming when you don’t have a lot of time or just want to get into some quick shooting and slashing action instead of other deeper story-centered game.
Additionally, there’s the ability to create clans. These reward players with special research items and warframes. When clans are created, they get a dojo, a special ship that acts as headquarters in a similar way to individual ships. Clan dojos can be extensively customized using an architecture menu. Room choices include not only which facilities your dojo will have, but also the decorations in each one of them (which can be put mostly anywhere).
All in all, Warframe is a great game to play with friends, and that’s always a good thing. This is even more important if you are not willing to spend money and need to get your grinding on to get items and new stuff.
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