conan
Latest
Preview Age of Conan's city of Kheshatta
RPGVault has gotten their hands on a mysterious letter from an assassin, apparently a henchman of Thoth-Amon, who has been assigned the weighty task of murdering the priest of Ibis -- also known as Kalanthes. The assassin is stationed in the city of Kheshatta to do his master's bidding, and from his letter, it seems that he's a little worried about rumors of a new hero that is on Kalanthes' side and might make his job even harder.Luckily, he wasn't so worried that he couldn't snap a few screenshots to send along with his letter. Age of Conan's city of Kheshatta is surrounded by unforgiving desert, and the city itself houses a mass of sinister-looking spires, with a significantly taller tower in the middle. We already know that it's the place to be if you're a lion, but it looks like there's some fun to be had for the rest of us too, with blood being spilt inside the city walls in one of the included screens. Have a look at the rest of the screenshots and the full letter, but don't wait around for any further correspondance -- we have a feeling this is the last we'll hear from Khalid ibn Rashid.
Detective Conan throws down the gauntlet
Just like the last horrible and cruel challenge DS Fanboy set out before you, we're asking you yet again to brave the world of the Japanese game demo and check out what Detective Conan sees when he dons his spectacles. The official website for Detective Conan Kieta Hakase to Machigai Sagashi no Tou has put up a Flash demo for the game, allowing you to do just that. In very much a Quickspot-like manner, players must identify the differences between two seemingly identical images. Give it a whirl and let us know what you think![Via Siliconera]
New Age of Conan trailer drops Thursday
Ten Ton Hammer is reporting this morning that Funcom and Eidos have announced that a new Age of Conan trailer will appear on Gamespot.com Thursday. According to the announcement on the AoC official forums, the video will launch at 1700 California time ( -8 GMT). Since I'm bad with that whole international time thing, the TTH guys have done my work for me... apparently "1700 California time" translates to roughly 12pm EST. If it's as bloody as the above pic - wow! We'll let you know when the ball drops so you can make a beeline for Gamespot.
Call of Duty 4 and Halo 3 get celebrity love on Conan O' Brien
If the annual shame parade known as the Spike TV Video Game Awards have taught us anything, it's this -- famous people love video games. Take, for example, "Arrested Development" star Will Arnett and "SNL" funnyman Jason Sudeikis, both of whom outed themselves as FPSophiles last week on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien".While we were amused by Arnett's endorsement of Call of Duty 4 and his tales of domestic disrespect, we think Sudeikis pulled away with a higher chuckle per joke ratio. You can watch his entire interview after the break -- jump to 4:17 for his gaming testimonial, or to 5:48 to watch a grown man demonstrate Halo 3 teabagging in front of a live studio audience.[Thanks, Colin.]
Age of Conan MMO News
The Age of Conan MMO has been in development at Funcom on PC and 360 for some time now, and the game is starting to come out of it's shell a bit. With a demo at GDC, and impressions and interviews going up left and right, now would be a good time to discuss the shortcomings of your game right? Of course. The Funcom Product Manager Jorgen Tharaldsen told MTV Multiplayer that the game still has no release window for 360 and that the PC version will ship in May. Multiplayer even hints that the console release will not be seen until next year, a sorry state of affairs if the PC version is set to ship in a little over three months. It's easy to see why the team hasn't made much progress considering they haven't even touched what they call their largest obstacle, the controller interface. Tharaldsen even goes so far as to say that PC gamers would be unable to use their 360 controllers in the PC version, because the game was so complicated. But, if MMO's are so hard to use controllers with why do people play WoW with gamepads?
MMOG Podcast Roundup: Feb. 1st - Feb. 15th
Every week, hardworking Massive gaming fans put their voices on the line to bring us news, opinions, and 'critiques' of their favorite games. Podcasts are a staple of many hobbies nowadays, and fans of online worlds are especially fortunate in this regard ... there are a ton out there. As such, every so often we'll try to update you on the podcasting world. Keep your eyes on this space for links to your favorite MMO-commentary celebs. Good and bad, straight-man or blue-mouthed, they all have something to offer about this amazing style of gameplay.Our highlight this week? Massively (sorta) has its own podcast-ish-thing. It's called Turpster Vision, and it's the work of the man, the myth, the legend from the WoW Insider Show and WoW Radio. His first episode ("Dancing in the Endless Forest") went up on the site just this week. And trust me, as someone who has walked in that forest and still doesn't understand what the heck is going on there, it's well worth watching. And did I mention it's funny? On to the podcasts ...
There's no crying in head lopping
The fine folks at Funcom have posted a brief update about the beta for their upcoming head-loppalooza, Age of Conan.The biggest news: female avatars are now available! Gotta love this line from Funcom: " ... while there are some bugs to work out -- people always seem surprised to find out a beta is actually used for finding and squashing bugs! -- they are playable..." They also gave a count of how many patches have dropped in the last few weeks. January had three, while there's been two so far this month. Wednesday's update dropped over 2.5 gigs of data! Lastly, PVP and the PVP servers will - for the first time - be opening soon.So if you're one of the lucky ones in beta - rejoice! But whatever you do... don't cry. As Tom Hanks might say: There's no crying in head lopping!
Age of Conan's violence toned down for Germany
The community manager for Funcom's upcoming MMO, Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures, has announced on the game's official forums that players in Germany would encounter some alterations when it (eventually) releases there. Though "full gore" will be featured, decapitation, dismemberment and "over-the-top" fatalities will be chopped out. The rest of Europe, on the other hand, won't suffer from censorship and will be able to enjoy decapitations to their hearts' content. Gore-loving Germans might want to look into obtaining the game from a neighboring country. Originally, the community manager also reported that the US version would "not see nipples." It wasn't made clear at the time whether the negative nipple mandate applied only to female mammaries or if the men would also need to wear pasties, but a correction posted later confirmed that the US would be free to see "breasts with nipples." Phew, crisis averted. [Via Shacknews]
New Age of Conan developer blog on MMORPG
MMORPG.com just launched a new developer blog for Age of Conan. Writing about the ins and outs of this mature hack-n-slash is Jason Stone (aka "Athelan"), one of the game's designers. In his first entry (posted yesterday), Jason introduces himself by explaining his roll in AoC and what his gaming background is. His goals for the blog are to "highlight the goings on in the Age of Conan community, respond to community questions and feedback, give you sneak peeks into my own Beta experiences..." For now Jason will be the only contributor, but he hopes that other members of the development team will chime in from time to time.Almost all of these dev blog's are worth the time to read because they really give a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the game's design and progress. Us old timer's never had anything like this back in the day, so it's a real treat to get what amounts to first hand information straight from the "horse's mouth" - so to speak.
Detective Conan 2 puzzles fail to leave us puzzled
These screenshots from the Detective Conan follow-up (full title: Detective Conan Kieta Hakase to Machigai Sagashi no Tou) transport us back to a less complicated age, when our younger selves would fill idle afternoons with "Spot the Difference" puzzles. Hence, we really like the concept behind this game -- identifying inconsistencies between two images -- but there's just one problem: these puzzles look ridiculously easy.We appreciate that only so much detail can be squeezed into the DS's dainty screens, but hopefully the difficulty will be ramped up further on in the game.Sleuth your way past the break for a further five shots.
TTH talks with Funcom about Barbarians
Barbarians. Love 'em or hate 'em, but it's likely going to be the most played class when the gates finally open to Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures. This adult themed, head-lopping affair may be an MMORPG where you can play several archetypes, but without Barbarians there would be no Conan. Thankfully, Funcom knows this and are making sure it lives up to what every fan of Howard's legendary literary lout would expect. TenTonHammer's Cody "Micajah" Bye sat down with Evan Michaels (Funcom System Designer) and talked about this classic class.While most people think of Barbarians as savage and brutal, Funcom has labeled them under the "Rogue" archetype in AoC. According to Michaels, Barbarians are by nature roguish in that they are very individualistic, much like Rogues. They are unequaled melee fighters. When asked how they'll be balanced compared to other "tank" characters Michaels stated that Soldiers will specialize in wearing down their opponent and last longer in a prolonged battle, while a Barbarian would rely on pure aggression to dispatch their foes. Another interesting tidbit that Michaels revealed was that Barbarians will be more effective when the odds are stacked against them. Barbarians have several different abilities that can hit multiple targets, so they become more effective when surrounded.Yep, look for Eli the Barbarian when AoC lets loose the dogs of war in late March. And be sure to read the entire interview if you plan on partaking in your own Hyborian Adventure.
Conan eases writers strike boredom with Rock Band
It would seem that Conan (the Late Night talk show host, not the barbarian) had a lot of time on his hands since the Writers Guild of America put down their pencils, pens and iBooks in order to get their fair share of the royalties pie, and, as a result, put his show on hiatus for nearly two months. When he wasn't frittering time away planning his grand return to Late Night or growing an unsettling beard, the Cone Zone killed time with a game that many of us cuddled up to during the rerun-filled winter months -- Rock Band.As seen about a minute into the video (which, funnily enough, probably isn't netting any royalties for any writers), Conan chooses to sing the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" in the style of Edith Bunker. It's great, but we prefer our version of Faith no More's "Epic", where we do an alarmingly accurate impression of Lamar from Revenge of the Nerds. What flourishes you add to your Rock Band vocal performances to coax precious lulz from your bandmates?Also, we missed you, Conan. Please don't do that to us again.(Thanks to everyone who sent this in!)
Conan MMO dev: WoW popularity in decline
Everyone knows that World of Warcraft is the hottest thing to hit the MMO genre since BakeQuest: The Battle for Sliced Bread. But according to at least one rival developer, that popularity may be starting to dwindle. Speaking to the accurately named VideoGamer.com, Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures Quest Designer Joel Bylos cites a "feeling on the Internet" as evidence WoW is beginning to lose its appeal. "You get that just from online communities, which of course we all pay attention to as well," Bylos said when asked if people might be getting tired of WoW.We're sorry, but a "feeling on the internet" probably isn't the best way of measuring satisfaction in a game with 9.3 million paying subscribers (up from 7 million roughly a year ago) and a celebrity-packed ad campaign. Sure, there will always be internet trolls and forum whiners that threaten to leave over every little problem, but by and large the silent majority seems just as hooked on the game as ever. Much like Democrats who promised to move to Canada if George W. Bush was reelected, these vocal complainers seem good at making threats but bad at following through on them. Then again ...[Via WoWInsider]
Age of Conan: 10,000 beta invites sent out so far
Funcom is not only proud of the fact that Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures will feature adult shenanigans such as "titties" (Male or female? Clearly a case for Veronica Mars), but they are boasting via a press release that the recent batch of invites put them over the 10,000 mark in total beta invites sent out. Funcom wants attention, and I'm falling for it! But if I were to jab them over something it would be about the specifics: How many players out of 10,000 are still playing? What's the average time those players spend playing the beta? etc. Yea, I doubt Funcom would disclose those numbers... Anyhow, I checked my entire array of inboxes again, and not one AoC beta invite was found. Mark my words Funcom, I will remember this tragedy. Maybe your luck is better than mine, be sure to thoroughly check your inboxes as I'm sure some invites are being crushed by the anti-spambot crusaders. I think Richard Garriot would wonder what in the hell Funcom is smoking by giving out so many beta invites almost four months before the game is due to launch on or about March 25th, 2008. On the other hand, I relish in all this beta madness; even if I do agree with some of Garriot's points in regards to Tabula Rasa's beta. Learn to develop? Don't hate. We love Tabula Rasa. errr.. Well some writers at Massively do. (Note: I am going to give TR another chance eventually -- it's in the bargain bin.) Woot? With so much content flooding the front pages here at Massively it's quite possible you didn't gander the new Age of Conan trailer. Here's a spoiler: Heads roll in splendorous Hyborian glory. It's hard to keep up with all the decapitations, so, if you made it this far check out the Age of Conan categorical goodness, and tell us how we need more AoC coverage in the comments. So, did you get lucky? Sign up for the AoC beta here before the next batch gets sent out.[via, TenTonHammer]Related Story
Heads roll in new Age of Conan trailer
GameTrailers published an exclusive new Age of Conan trailer today. It (and everything else on GameTrailers this afternoon) will probably and unfortunately be blown to the wayside by the thermonuclear hype-bomb that is the new Grand Theft Auto IV trailer, but really, it's worth viewing. You can watch or download both standard def (embedded here) and high def versions of the trailer.It's narrated by an old warrior at a bar. He describes the decline of his homeland and the trials that followed -- all against a backdrop of countless shots of AoC characters decapitating one another to epic music. So, pretty much the Age of Conan we've grown to love and expect -- blood that runs like rivers, graphics as impressive as Steve Jobs' resume, and women as loose with love as cable news networks are with the facts!
Age of Conan product director, Jorgen Tharaldsen: "You'll see titties"
Gamesblog.it managed to score a video interview with Jorgen Tharaldsen, product director for Funcom and Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures , and just in case you weren't sure yet, he makes it clear -- this game is not for kids. The interviewer poses a few questions relating to how AoC will be different from other MMO's out there, in particular its more mature and violent approach.The passionate Tharaldsen does not hold back -- much like the game itself -- with his responses. He places a lot of emphasis on Funcom wanting to be faithful to the Conan story and license, and not having to "dumb it down" or remove elements for a younger audience. Decapitations, prostitutes, and copious amounts of blood are some of the things mentioned that you may not find in your average MMO. Tharaldsen said that it was liberating to not have to worry about including aspects like this -- anything that they wanted to add, they did.It remains to be seen how the proposed server-side ratings system will pan out, and whether there will be an uncut edition of the game available in every region, but it's nice to know that at least somewhere, the game will exist in a form that is exactly how the developers envisioned.
Sunday ads: Heroes HD DVD and some free stuff
We woke up this morning thinking of all the great deals the Sunday paper would bring. We already knew about a certain Heroes HD DVD deal, but we were semi-optimistic about others. Anyway, speaking of Heroes, that offer is 100% valid, starts today and will net you a free Heroes: Season One HD DVD when you purchase the Xbox 360 HD DVD player at Best Buy. Other Best Buy offers include a free comic book with the purchase of Conan, a free wraslin' demo (which is available on the XBLM too) when you pre-order Smackdown vs. Raw 2008, and a free bonus disc loaded with gamer pictures, trailers and songs when you pre-order Mass Effect. And if you're looking for other deals worth mentioning this week, then sorry, but there really isn't any. Circuit City, Target and everyone else were let downs. But cheer up, because a little birdy told us about next week's Circuit City retail ads and all we're saying is a free guitar stand with Guitar Hero III purchase and a free Homer ball with The Simpsons Game purchase. Shhh, you didn't hear that from us.
Simpsons, Conan on Xbox Live Monday, Monday, Monday
Monday, Monday, Monday! At home right on your 360, Microsoft dishes out two demos -- a double dose of pain that'll rip out your guts, blow your mind, and leave you burned beyond recognition. The Simpsons Game, fresh off its appearance on the PlayStation Network and getting publishers' panties in a bunch, drops all 442.71 MBs right on your hard drive, with complete disregard to public safety. (Oh, hey, the achievements list still mentions Grand Theft Scratchy?) Then its time to get barbaric with Conan. Rated M for Mature, the ESRB says this game contains "BLOOD AND GORE, INTENSE VIOLENCE, AND NUDITY." You can't take this game home to your mom, because it'd tread all over her face! Demo Monday, Monday, Monday! You'll pay for the whole controller, but you'll only need the edge!
XBLM gets Simpsons and Conan demos
Ah, who doesn't love a good demo? It's not quite like getting a free game, but it's close. Every day we turn on our beloved 360, hoping to see some shiny new demos winking at us coquettishly. Suckers that we are, we download them all, regardless of whether or not we're likely to enjoy the game. Today is extra special though, because not only do we have two new demos on Xbox Live Marketplace, but we have demos for games we've been eager to try. The first is Conan, which gives us license to chop, hack, and bludgeon hapless foes (and who doesn't enjoy that?). The second demo is for The Simpsons Game, which has been looking more appealing all the time. We're hoping that the demo gives us a nice long look at the self-referential humor that has been present in the recent trailers. But hey, whatever happens, they're free, right? Go give 'em a try.
Conan demo chops head off XBLM next week
Fans of hyper-violent action rejoice, for Conan is on the way. No, not that Conan. We're talking about Conan the barbarian. The kind that pulls men apart with his teeth. THQ has announced that a demo for Conan (not to be confused with the MMO Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures) is scheduled to arrive on XBLM next week. Specifically, the demo should arrive on Monday. To get an idea of what exactly we're in for, you may want to check out Joystiq's impressions of the game from earlier this year.
