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.
style="font-style: italic;">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.
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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.
style="font-style: italic;">EverQuest and
style="font-style: italic;">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
style="font-style: italic;">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.
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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,
style="font-style: italic;">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.
To read the latest guides, news, and features you can visit our Age of Conan: Unchained Game Page.
