CampFire's Beta Launch of Soulmask Ushers in a New Survival Craze
In the ever-expanding universe of survival games, a new star has risen, capturing the attention of gamers everywhere. It's been less than half a year since indie gaming studio CampFire introduced the beta version of their novel survival game, Soulmask, and it's taking the gaming world by storm. This comes at an opportune time, as we're witnessing a surge in popularity for the survival genre. Palworld, another survival title, stands as a testament to the genre's booming success—a trend that shows no signs of waning.
Back in February, Soulmask caught the eye of Steam users during the Steam Next Fest, securing an impressive third place among numerous contenders. The game's potential as a sleeper hit was unmistakable, leading CampFire to make an audacious move. In a bid to harness the burgeoning interest, they expedited the release of the early access version, opening the doors for gamers to dive into the world of Soulmask ahead of schedule. To accompany this early access phase, the developers have peeled back the curtain further to reveal a fuller picture of what players can expect.
The Ambitious Scope of Gameplay
CampFire isn't holding back in its vision for Soulmask, boasting an ambitious 500-plus hours of gameplay. It promises a wide-reaching journey, brimming with exploration and adventures that will keep players engaged for the long haul. At the heart of Soulmask's unique gaming mechanics are, fittingly, the masks. These aren't just ornamental; they're pivotal to gameplay, offering distinct powers to players' characters. With ten diverse masks, each wielding different abilities, players must strategically select the right mask to define their tribe's identity and succeed in their quests.
A Vibrant and Varied Open World
The expansive game world spans roughly 64 square kilometers and is segmented into seven distinctive regions, each characterized by its own biome—from lush jungles to simmering volcanoes. Such diversity ensures players will encounter a rich tapestry of environments to navigate and conquer.
Challenging Bosses and Sci-Fi Twists
Adding to the game's complexity are six formidable bosses scattered across the world. Five of these bosses follow a pyramidal hierarchy, becoming increasingly difficult as each is defeated. The final boss, veering from the rest, draws upon sci-fi inspirations to offer an entirely unique challenge.
Weapon Classification and Beastly Steeds
Soulmask features an extensive armory, with weapons divided into eight categories, such as swords and bows, each with distinct traits. Complementing the weaponry are five rare beasts that serve as steeds. More than mere mounts, these creatures provide unique ways to traverse the vast open world, adding new dimensions to exploration.
Cultural Elements and Building Mechanics
With nearly 400 ancient relics to discover, a variety of tribes to interact with, and an impressive selection of more than 300 building components, Soulmask encourages creativity and cultural discovery.
Personalized Gaming Experience
For those who seek a more tailored experience, Soulmask will include a private server mode with an extensive array of over 100 customization options. This allows players to modify in-game actions and sounds to dial the experience up or down to suit their preferences, lending the game varied degrees of realism and depth.
Availability and Accessibility
The foray into the rich, intricate world of Soulmask can be made through its early access available on Steam for €26.99. CampFire's strategic steps in rolling out Soulmask, coupled with the game's enticing features, set the stage for it to possibly become the next big hit in the survival genre domain. Fans of the genre are eagerly watching as the profile of this promising game continues to grow.