Starset Kicks Off the Arknights: Endfield Preview Event
During an engaging seven-hour session, attendees were treated to a live performance by Starset, known for their collaborations with Gryphline on promotional trailers for Arknights. They also hinted at debuting a new track for the upcoming Arknights: Endfield game, generating excitement among fans.
Introduction to Arknights: Endfield
The event featured Gryphline, who offered insights into the development journey leading up to Arknights: Endfield. A live-translated discussion with Lead Designer Ryan and Producer Light Zhong illuminated the game’s progress. They addressed the timeline, revealing that serious development began in 2022, with a technical test scheduled for 2024 and a beta test that launched earlier this year. Currently, the team at Hypergryph is gearing up for a second beta test, scheduled to start on November 28th.
Innovative Gameplay Features
One of the standout features of Arknights: Endfield is its unique factory-building systems, aimed at setting it apart from traditional gacha action RPGs. Light Zhong highlighted how sandbox elements enhance player exploration, fostering a more immersive experience. Unlike many gacha games, Endfield’s factory mechanics introduce fresh gameplay dynamics.
Utilizing feedback from the previous beta tests, Hypergryph is refining three critical aspects of the game: general progression, stage and map design, and the storytelling through cutscenes. An example of this evolution includes modifying a quest that originally involved cleaning up trash, transforming it into a more action-oriented scenario where players must battle raiders. This shift aims to create a more cohesive and narrative-driven map design, enhancing player engagement. The second beta test is expected to feature around 50-60 hours of content, primarily focused on new gameplay elements.
Collaboration and Factory Features
The factory building system promises to be a key highlight in distinguishing Arknights: Endfield from its competitors. While I wasn’t able to explore factory construction firsthand, the keynote presentation revealed exciting features, such as the ability for players to share blueprints on social media without needing direct connections. This encourages creativity and experimentation among players as they design their factories.
Dynamic Combat System Overhaul
One of the most significant changes in Arknights: Endfield’s design is the revamped combat system, now influenced by the mechanics of popular character action games. In the updated gameplay, not only does the Endministrator join the fray, but all three party members operate independently, enhancing the strategic depth of combat.
Combat is largely streamlined, eliminating the need for multiple resources like MP or TP, instead relying on cooldown mechanics. While this allows for faster combat, some players expressed a desire for a more dynamic control scheme, such as distinct buttons for light and heavy attacks. The current system encourages players to strategize with character abilities to maximize damage and efficiency during battles.
Exploration and Engagement in Wuling City
Exploring Wuling City revealed intriguing environmental puzzles, rewarding players for thorough exploration with collectibles, hidden chests, and bonuses that contribute to regional development. This, in turn, impacts character upgrades and overall account progression. However, the traversal mechanics posed challenges, as the current jumping system often hindered the freedom of exploration.
Future refinements are expected to enhance navigation and encourage player engagement while exploring the city. Adding elements such as double jumps could potentially simplify some exploration moments, making it easier to access elevated areas.
A Fresh Perspective on the Arknights Universe
Despite my limited familiarity with the original Arknights lore, the preview event equipped me with a broad understanding of the game’s universe and themes. Arknights: Endfield, designed as a distinct gacha action RPG, promises to engage both new and returning players, differentiating itself with high-quality graphics and a focus on base-building mechanics.
Insights from the Development Team
Following the hands-on experience, I had the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with Ryan and Light Zhong. While not all questions could be addressed, they offered valuable insights into the game’s evolution and design philosophies.
Combat System Developments
The team discussed their aim to adapt to modern playstyles while maintaining the core fun of the experience. They emphasized that changes to the combat system were made to make battles smoother and more dynamic, adding layers of strategy without diluting gameplay.
Unit Design Philosophy
Continuing the tradition of the original game, older units in Endfield will remain viable and relevant, which encourages a diverse mix of characters in team compositions.
Factory System and Resource Generation
The Factory System is designed to enhance character empowerment and streamline regional development. Even players not focused on factory mechanics will still have the opportunity to create useful equipment, albeit at a slower pace.
Blueprint Sharing and New Features
A blueprint sharing system will facilitate easier collaboration among players in constructing their factories. This feature will debut in Beta Test II, simplifying the setup of production lines across Talos-II.
As for co-op gameplay, the beta test will be cross-platform, allowing players to sync their progress across devices seamlessly. While details regarding the endgame content are still pending, the team promises to keep the community informed.
Looking Ahead
This timely update on Arknights: Endfield hints at an exciting future for the franchise. With its unique blend of action RPG elements, innovative factory mechanics, and engaging storyline, the game aims to carve out a space for itself in the competitive gaming landscape.(Editor’s Note: Accommodations for this preview event were generously provided by Gryphline. The demo showcased a specially prepared build, offering a glimpse into the upcoming Arknights: Endfield Beta Test II.)
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