✨Overview
Warframe is a sprawling, free-to-play online action game that has continued to evolve and expand since its initial release 11 years ago (2013). Set in a futuristic universe, the game puts players in the role of the Tenno, a race of ancient warriors who have awoken from centuries of cryosleep to find themselves at war with different factions.
The game is finally now available on mobile devices, featuring crossplay and progression. The iOS port was released last February 20, 2024, while an Android port is currently in development, offering players the chance to enjoy the game on the go, while maintaining their progress towards any platform they want to play in and being able to play with anyone.
🟩Pros
+Seamless cross-play and cross-progression
+Mobile-friendly features like touch controls and automated attacks
+Fun fast-paced mobility-based gameplay
+Deep customization options
+11 years worth of updates
+Graphics and art style that hold up to today’s standards
+Full Controller Support
🟥Cons
-Potential sluggish performance on older devices
-Minor UI/text visibility issues
⭐️Score: 9/10
📊Technical Performance (Mobile Port, Controls, Performance, Visual Quality)
Since this is an Mobile port of a rather impressive online game on PC, I opted to discuss this first for those curious about how the port is, and my verdict is that its… Playable, but it will need more optimizations or a relatively new Apple device to be able to fully enjoy. If you’re looking for a more general review of Warframe, feel free to skip these parts.
Playing the game on mobile, it offers a surprisingly robust experience for a mobile port of such a technically impressive AAA game. As said earlier, one of the best features of Warframe is its cross-play and cross-progression functionality. Something that other franchises like Call of Duty or PUBG have failed to pull off. This functionality is similar to how crossplay works in Genshin Impact, supporting PC, Switch, and mobile devices. This means you can play on your PC, then continue playing your character on-the-go with your mobile phone, and then back to PC once you get home.
In terms of visuals, Warframe Mobile does a great job of translating the game's stunning graphics to the mobile experience. There is a noticeable downgrade in resolution and textures compared to the PC version, including pixelated looking text and fonts, the game also does not account yet for the Notch of iPhones so some parts of the UI will be cut off. If your device is capable and you turn up the settings though, the graphics are beautiful and can compete with its PC version.
My experience sadly fluctuated between playable and sluggish on my iPhone 13 depending the size of the level. So, I would recommend playing on a higher-spec'd iPhone device, such as the newer iPhone 15 Pro or the latest iPad Pro sporting the powerful M2 chip. It's also surprising that the game does not support Macbooks unlike other recent ports like Death Stranding or Resident Evil 4, especially with their more powerful M chips.
One additional concern arises regarding the current ability to host on iOS devices. Given the nature of mobile gaming and the likelihood of interruptions like phone calls or notifications, there may be challenges with hosting game sessions on iOS devices unlike to those on PC or Switch.
🕹Mobile Controls
The mobile port is predominantly designed to play with touch controls and as such many accessibility features have been implemented. Accessibility settings like auto-attack and auto-fire are available to make gameplay easier on the touch controls and limited screen real estate of mobile devices, as well as a “sensor ring” to provide 360 directional warning indicator for enemies. Bullet jump gets its own dedicated touch button to simplify movement, which is a huge help in traversal. The game also features full controller support and automatically switches to a gamepad scheme once detected, making it play the same as the PC or the Switch versions.
📖Story and Premise
As for Warframe itself across all platforms, the premise is set in a distant future where the solar system is dominated by various factions. Players take on the role of the Tenno, powerful ancient warriors who have awoken from centuries of cryosleep to find themselves at war with the Grineer, Corpus, Infested, and Sentients, among others.
Central to the story is the Lotus, a mysterious guide who helps the Tenno navigate the dangers of the solar system. As players progress, they uncover the true nature of the Warframes, powerful suits of armor that grant the Tenno their abilities, and the secrets of the Orokin, an ancient civilization that once ruled the solar system.
🎨Visuals and Art
Despite being an 11-year-old game, Warframe boasts stunning graphics that hold up even by today's standards. The game features highly detailed character models, intricate environments, and impressive special effects. The art style is a blend of futuristic and ancient themes, creating a visually distinct universe that feels both familiar and otherworldly. This art style is consistent among all platforms including the newly released mobile version.
🎮Gameplay
Your character’s goal is to protect the solar system from threats and maintain balance, often through combat and espionage missions. Along the way, they encounter various characters, factions, and mysteries that add depth to the game's lore and story.
One of my favorite features of Warframe is its fast-paced, mobility-based third person gameplay, which sets it apart from other games in the genre. You’re literally controlling a cyborg ninja with powerful abilities zooming around the map with other players and completing missions with haste. Players can also traverse the game's vast open world environments with acrobatic maneuvers, engaging in intense combat encounters and completing missions solo or with friends.
Combat in Warframe is fluid and engaging, with a focus on mobility and acrobatics. Players can perform a variety of moves, such as sliding, jumping, and wall-running, to outmaneuver enemies. The game's combat system is deep and satisfying, with a wide range of weapons and abilities to choose from.
⏫Progression and Monetization
Warframe offers a deep and grind heavy but rewarding progression system, allowing players to level up their Warframes and weapons, unlock new abilities, and customize their gear. The game also features a crafting system, allowing players to create new weapons and items using resources collected during missions. Warframe is completely free-to-play across all platforms, with monetization primarily coming from the sale of the premium currency Platinum. Platinum can be used to purchase cosmetic items, weapons, and Warframes.
⚖️Conclusion
With crossplay and cross-progression support, Warframe Mobile seamlessly integrates with the existing Warframe ecosystem, allowing players to continue their journey across platforms without missing a beat. With its added mobile-centric features such as touch controls and gamepad support, as well as a host of welcome accessible features, Warframe Mobile is an essential addition for fans, complementing the PC experience with an on-the-go mobile experience; while being a compelling choice for newcomers — especially mobile gamers — offering hours of engaging gameplay, as long as your device is powerful enough to handle it.
I'm excited for it to come to Android it probably won't be as good as PC or console but mobile gamers will be able to join the ride
2024-03-04
Author likedBeen running smooth on my iPhone 14 Pro after I linked my account. Lots of frame rate drops until I linked it. Weird. Haven’t tried on max settings.
2024-03-05
Author likedwhere this fkng game on Android
2024-05-04