Funcom has officially announced 'Age of Conan - Hyborian Adventures', an Online Action RPG scheduled for Windows in the first half of 2006. A mix of a deep, story-driven single-player experience and a massive and brutal multiplayer end-game brings forth the ultimate representation of the Age of Conan. Robert E. Howard's mighty barbarian thief may be finally getting a game on the massive scale which he deserves.
In Conan the players will encounter a dark, lush, violent and sinful universe, presented in an amazing visual and graphical style (view the screenshots by following the 'screens' tab above) and in stunning 7.1 surround audio. In a world filled with cruel gods, mythical creatures, lost civilizations and a struggling human race, the mighty barbarian has finally seized the throne as king of Aquilonia. But Conan's rule is on the brink of chaos, spiraling towards the doom of ancient evils. In this twisted fantasy world, dark magic and brutal combat lurks around every corner, and each man and woman must carve their own unique destiny under Conan's reign. In the true vision of Robert E. Howard's dark universe it's now time for you to become a messenger of death.
In addition to incredible graphics and sound, the game will be filled with unique features like the Real Combat engine; a revolutionary new multi-point melee system which allows the players to swing their weapons where they direct it, in real-time! This easy to learn and fun melee system lets the players truly feel they are on the battlefield, and goes head-on against the formulaic nature of online RPG combat. In 'Conan' you can also, for the first time in an online RPG, create player-made battle formations where you can command NPC's and other players in combat, making for epic multiplayer battles. The multiplayer game also allow the players to form guilds and lay siege to enemy castles, letting their catapults sing their merry song of death as the enemy is crushed to a pulp.
According to Game Director Gaute Godager, one of Funcom's founders and Game Director of 'Anarchy Online' and 'Anarchy Online - Shadowlands', the game will attempt to offer some unique concepts to the player; Have you not felt the urge when a great single-player RPG ends to have your character live on and interact with other fellow travelers? To enter an even greater world? This is that opportunity, to have a detailed RPG all about you, your choices and your character, and if you win - to share that victory at an even greater stage.
Age of Conan will have a plethora of additional features, as is expected from a Funcom online game. A presentation of the game, including more information about its features, will be held at E3 in May.
The Conan brand is destined to become THE fantasy license of 2006 as over 45 companies are working on a massive coordinated re-launch of the world's greatest fantasy hero. With a movie from Warner Brothers and an anime movie from Swordplay Entertainment underway, an ongoing comic series from Dark Horse Comics, new novels from Penguin, a collectible toy line from McFarlane Toys, an Online Action RPG from Funcom and a vast range of official merchandise, Conan is coming back and he's not doing it quitely.
Conan fans might be encouraged by the words of Fredrik Malmberg, Head of licensing and Creative Affairs at Conan Properties International as he claims that he is impressed at the scope of the game and claims that, ...the game is incredibly true to the works of Conan creator Robert E. Howard, who envisioned a violent, visceral world akin to a volcano about to erupt.
You can visit the Age of Conan and make your own mind up about the game.
