TenTonHammer.com - Taking MMO Gamers to the Next Level!

By Garrett Fuller, Industry Relations

As gamers, what is it we truly look for in a game: graphics, a cool IP, or our favorite world realized in an MMOG? There are a lot of things that can define an MMO in today’s market. Each game launched or nearing launch is trying to bring something new to the table. Age of Conan’s fast paced combat system and interactive story design has not only added a new dish to the meal; it has changed the entire menu.

Is the Age of Conan combat system revolutionary or merely evolutionary?

MMOGs have followed a hot bar model for some time now. This particular form of user interface (UI) makes the most sense in PC game play and it gives the players options on skills, attacks, or spells. EverQuest and Dark Age of Camelot followed this model and created what became known as common MMO game play design. World of Warcraft perfected this concept and gave players a huge hot bar with loads of options. This became the norm and many games continue to follow this pattern.

Age of Conan has taken the MMOG interface mode and turned it on its ear. With the directional combat hot bar, players are no longer just clicking one button to use a skill. They are clicking to direct their attacks to different target zones on their opponent. Follow this style of play up with skill combos that allow you to do more devastating attacks and you almost have the makings of an arcade-style fighting game. MMOGs to date have been lack luster at single combat. Conan has the player clicking all over the place just to finish off a fight. The slow back and forth combat in MMOGs is now over. Conan has proven that a more dynamic combat interface is needed in these games and they have set the new bar, no pun intended.

Following the RPG format, Conan uses cut scenes to send you on quests and allow you to follow a story line. This format is similar to Knight of the Old Republic or Fable, but again it is not something we have seen regularly in MMOGs. The opening levels feel more like a single player RPG than an MMOG. Still this captures a certain feeling for the player that makes them stand out. You do not see hundreds of other Barbarians running around competing for the same quests you are. The opening story gives you a more personal feeling in the game. It is a great way to get players invested in their character. When the world opens up you feel like a part of it, not like you are just living in it.

Upon reaching level ten, quests open up all over the place. So much so, it is at first overwhelming. Suddenly you realize you don’t have to do every one of those quests. There are just a ton of options for players to do the quests they want. If you are going to an area grab a few more. The map has arrows on it to point your way. Gathering quests are also in the game, but they are incredibly fast. All the lotus flowers needed for a quest can be found in one spot and gathered up in about a minute instead of hunting around for hours. Add the cut scenes to the quests as well as fighting multiple opponents in missions and not just the location of one monster, and the time goes by very quickly.

According to Garrett, the combat system in Age of Conan is spot on.

Conan has hit big in an area where most MMOGs fall short, and that is in game play. Going through the pre-launch hype of being a great graphics-based game, the surprise in Conan really comes from the game play. It is fast and fun, which for an MMO is a change from the normal attack patterns and interface. Remember those old fights where you had to pull one mob and hope others didn’t attack, those days are over in this game. In Conan you are fighting two to three opponents at once and blood is flying everywhere while you pick and choose your attacks. Other games really should take a look at this model simply because it has the player in mind and really is just plain fun.

If there is one area where Conan falls a little short it is in the social side of the game. The social interface is a little weak right now, but that can be improved over time by Funcom.

The bottom line is Age of Conan is starting the move to where MMOGs should be going. The fun console or arcade style game play combined with a strong story in a very large world. This game could easily be played on a console. With a smooth launch and popular word on the street, Age of Conan may definitely be hearing some lamentations from its competition.

---

Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Ten Ton Hammer network or staff.