Release Dates

05/20/08

TBA

05/23/08

TBA

Hyborian Adventures is the first installment in the planned Age of Conan series that will include expansion packs. Like other MMO games, there will be a subscription fee. The official site states "it will likely follow industry standards" concerning pricing.

When first entering the world of Hyboria, the game is divided into two sections: In the first section you can choose if you want to play alone or with other players. This whole first part is done on an island called Tortage. When you reach level 20, you are allowed to leave the island and thus the second section takes the character created during the first portion to a whole new environment that includes conquerable territories and player owned cities.

One of the primary attractions of Age of Conan is the "Real Combat" system. The player is able to direct the swings of their character's weapon during combat to attack six separate target zones. Funcom has stated that this system will be easy to learn even for veteran MMORPG players who are used to "click and wait" combat; however, the specific details of this system have yet to be unveiled. Other features will include battle formations, which impart bonuses to the group using them, and mounted combat, which will also use the "Real Combat" engine.

Funcom is focusing on developing content for the "end game," the time at which characters have reached maximum advancement, rather than the "grind" and promises a fast leveling process. Funcom has also promised the graphic nature of Robert E. Howard's short stories will not be toned down for the game and Age of Conan has recently been given a Mature 17 rating.