Free PC open-world RPG is finally yours to try after four-year wait, inspired by Princess Mononoke

It was four years ago that Soulframe was first unveiled, with Digital Extremes’ upcoming free-to-play fantasy open-world RPG taking heavy inspiration from Princess Mononoke.

The ambitious project remains without a launch date, but it has come to light that you’ll be able to get hands-on with this highly anticipated experience later this week.

Warframe developer Digital Extremes has confirmed that it’s holding an early open alpha test for Soulframe, with PC users able to dive into the game from Friday, November 6.

The playtest will be known as ‘Soulframe Open Preludes’, following on from the pre-existing ‘Preludes’.

Essentially, this is the first ‘open’ opportunity to go hands-on with Soulframe with previous ‘closed’ tests relying on an invite code or access to a founder’s pack.

The upcoming ‘Open Preludes’ will make Soulframe available to all on PC, with no invite, code, or application required.

The only thing to keep in mind is that the game remains in a pre-release state, as this is Soulframe’s alpha build that’ll be on offer to try.

Soulframe is inspired by The NeverEnding Story as well as Princess Mononoke

Digital Extremes

If you’re not familiar with the aforementioned acclaimed Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke, it follows the main character San and her wolf companion Moro as they find themselves caught up in a violent clash between the guardians of the natural world and human technological development.

Soulframe also sees the player character able to recruit a wolf pup, but it also crucially adopts a very similar theme.

The game takes place on the island of Midrath, where an industrialised, alien empire called the Ode’n has invaded, siphoning away Midrath’s natural resources.

Players occupy the role of an Envoy, an ancient warrior who must awaken and reconnect with ancient spirits in order to fight back and heal the world.

“The Spellsong, that enchanted melody that sounded over Alca on Ode'n Descent, caused all to forget. Forget their rites, their divine Omen Beasts, themselves,” begins the game’s synopsis.

“Now, the people of Alca can only believe their rulers have always been so: their right to rule as sure as the rising of twin suns Mora and Saphene. The Omen Beasts they worshipped lay defiled, corrupted by Ode'n Ichor.

“Their pact may have granted strength enough to rebel against Alca's invaders, yet none remain to free them of their bindings. None but you, Envoy.”

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Alongside forging these ancient pacts and engaging in combat, players will also complete story quests known as Fables, discover World Trees, rescue animals, explore, and partake in crafting.

If you enjoy The Elder Scrolls and The Witcher games, you’re likely to get a kick out of Soulframe - and if you were previously involved in one of the closed tests, there are new features this time around.

There’s a new environmental world progression system called ‘Veilands’, the opportunity to grow a fully fledged Omen Wolf mount, and a new character pact. You can also expect a new mini-boss by the name of Veltruska, a headless horserider. Spooky.

There’s no word on how long the ‘Open Preludes’ alpha test is due to last for so, assumedly, it’s indefinite for now, granting players plenty of time to get to grips with the full breadth of what’s on offer.

It’s a great opportunity to inform Soulframe’s development as it keeps moving closer and closer towards a full release.