Age of Conan: Unchained

 PC
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 831 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 536 out of 831
  2. Mixed: 103 out of 831
  3. Negative: 192 out of 831
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  1. 3Ball
    May 30, 2008
    10
    This game is much more enjoyable in comparison to WoW for me. This is probably because of the more mature nature of the game and better visual experiance that it offers.
  2. GuidoG.
    May 30, 2008
    10
    Fresh and nice approach to combat, mature as in mature and not as in immaturely showing nipples and sex everywhere, and a finely crafted world make this a gem of a MMORPG.
  3. HoustonM.
    May 30, 2008
    5
    Great graphics, about it. About a tenth of the content advertised is missing (DirectX 10, PvP ranking), half is broken (quests, instances), and the other half is sub-par to the hype (PvP, sieges, guild cities, crafting). Yet another MMORPG that bit off more than they could chew.
  4. HobartH.
    May 30, 2008
    10
    Superb Game! Will definetely be played for years!
  5. ConnorF
    May 29, 2008
    10
    Not trying to make comparisons, but I feel the need to compare this game to WoW - I've played the game for 3 years and I uninstalled after playing the first 20 levels of age of conan. I found myself having much more fun in game than I ever did in WoW. The combat destroys any other MMO hands down - it is in depth and never gets boring. The graphics are truly amazing. Every feature of Not trying to make comparisons, but I feel the need to compare this game to WoW - I've played the game for 3 years and I uninstalled after playing the first 20 levels of age of conan. I found myself having much more fun in game than I ever did in WoW. The combat destroys any other MMO hands down - it is in depth and never gets boring. The graphics are truly amazing. Every feature of this game stands out and sets the bar for MMO's.… Expand
  6. TomasA.
    May 29, 2008
    10
    Will not go back to my old mmorpg after tried this one. Amazing game, very addictice. Hats off for quick bugfixes. Melee classes has never been this before.
  7. AnonymousMC
    May 29, 2008
    9
    AoC is a very good game, it only gets a 9 due to the bugs which really don't even effect the game, I have played for around 5 hours now and the only problem I have is my computer only being able to run it on lowish settings. And it still looks better than WoW. I have played both and WoW was more of grinding where as when in AoC killing monsters doesn't feel like grinding becauseAoC is a very good game, it only gets a 9 due to the bugs which really don't even effect the game, I have played for around 5 hours now and the only problem I have is my computer only being able to run it on lowish settings. And it still looks better than WoW. I have played both and WoW was more of grinding where as when in AoC killing monsters doesn't feel like grinding because its so much fun to actually kill them. If you like MMO's then you will like this.… Expand
  8. WillS.
    May 29, 2008
    10
    Amazing graphic and finally an adult game.
  9. RupertB.
    May 29, 2008
    9
    Great roleplay experience, great graphics, nice character development. Extremly action based, playes like WoW on adrenaline. On the downside, a view localisation errors and a instanced (as opposed to a seamless) world. GREAT GAME.
  10. MartinD.
    May 29, 2008
    9
    The best MMO you can buy=== Age of Conan stunned me from the first minute i played it. The graphics and music are awesome, well designed and detailed. You feel like a warrior in a real movie. The area around you is full of live and motion and you can climb, jump, swim....you can use the environment for your advantage. The music sounds like a Howard Shore-soundtrack, and fight-, npc- andThe best MMO you can buy=== Age of Conan stunned me from the first minute i played it. The graphics and music are awesome, well designed and detailed. You feel like a warrior in a real movie. The area around you is full of live and motion and you can climb, jump, swim....you can use the environment for your advantage. The music sounds like a Howard Shore-soundtrack, and fight-, npc- and enemy-fx (like from a tiger) sounding so perfect, dont miss to use a 5.1 soundsystem. The battlesystem is simple...attack and fight, u dont need to lock the enemies just move and slash.A lot of nice fatality-moves (about 50 i heard), when u used a combo near the mobs death. There are so many quests to do, with characters from the original Conan-Books.And not every quest is like the last one.The PvP system is so nice, you can build cities(!) and attack and dstroy your enemy-guilds city to ash. There are a lot of other things to introduce..so...then get the game and start!!… Expand
  11. NichloasC.
    May 29, 2008
    9
    A very promising MMORPG with an immense potental. Definitely a jump into the next-gen and certainly worth your while. Certain minor technical issues still need ironing out though.
  12. JohnSmith
    May 29, 2008
    1
    This game should not have been released. The majority of quests are botched and pure garbage. No interactions, rare animations from the worlds quest npcs. This is a joke to pc gaming. The only thing this game brings new to the table is its combat system which basically gets old after a few days of play. I have yet to enjoy what this game has to offer. For a 2008 MMO, it sure isThis game should not have been released. The majority of quests are botched and pure garbage. No interactions, rare animations from the worlds quest npcs. This is a joke to pc gaming. The only thing this game brings new to the table is its combat system which basically gets old after a few days of play. I have yet to enjoy what this game has to offer. For a 2008 MMO, it sure is behind in world interaction.… Expand
  13. MR
    May 28, 2008
    9
    The gameplay in this game is its main attribute, as well as the graphics,music and game lore. The only thing that I'm not pleased about it so far is the few bugs and that not all content is unlocked so far. Nevertheless is awesome! Very addictive
  14. RobertB.
    May 28, 2008
    10
    Amazing game. The fighting is just so much fun.
  15. SteveM.
    May 28, 2008
    9
    Great game, awesome graphics, zones were frustrating at first, but its great now. there are a few things that i would like to see added. but right now its on the right path to a legendary status.
  16. AlexD
    May 28, 2008
    9
    Only reason I can't give it a 10 is the buggy client at launch, but honestly this game is very solid; lots of depth into classes and how they perform, graphics and audio track are astounding on good hardware (yes the hardware requirements are stiff, this is not WoW), quests and dynamics are pretty involving, so is the combat system.
  17. Tony
    May 28, 2008
    9
    Beautiful graphics and compelling plot. Game feels a little linear for first 20 lvls (as far as I've got) but hoping it will open up.
  18. StefanO.
    May 28, 2008
    10
    This is the next gen. A little bit buggy, but with an impressive rate of fixing. Better state than WoW was at launch however. I am playing it slow so it gets even better, but already this is the best mmorpg so far.
  19. CarstenS.
    May 27, 2008
    10
    This is a very fun game. The quests are intriguing, and the combat is a bar raiser. The setting is true to the Conan universe. Sound is fantastic and graphics stunning.
  20. MaxC.
    May 27, 2008
    9
    This is a pretty impressive game. It has its share of faults and glitches, but those are being addressed very quickly with patches every two or three days. Age of Conan is a refreshing breeze in the MMO market with enough of a difference to still feel new despite doing similiar quests (collect wolf pelts, kill this many enemies, etc.). It has a unique way of continuing the story line with This is a pretty impressive game. It has its share of faults and glitches, but those are being addressed very quickly with patches every two or three days. Age of Conan is a refreshing breeze in the MMO market with enough of a difference to still feel new despite doing similiar quests (collect wolf pelts, kill this many enemies, etc.). It has a unique way of continuing the story line with a Single Player aspect that uses your MMO character. I've put several hours into the game and I'm still enjoying setting up new characters to try out new classes, but I can't wait for the mid to end game PvP Guild Battles that feature Guilds trying to destroy or take over other Guild's Keeps. So far, so good, with minor problems that are being addressed as you read this.… Expand
  21. ZexA.
    May 27, 2008
    5
    I still fail to see the impressive graphics... And yes, i am running it with video settings maxed out. Lotro graphics are better, period. And immersion... WoW and Lotro are more addictive and give a better immersion effect, at least for me..I am not able to move freel in AOC, some paths are fixed and that is very annoying. Since i am lvl8, i am giving t a 5... waiting to see more and be I still fail to see the impressive graphics... And yes, i am running it with video settings maxed out. Lotro graphics are better, period. And immersion... WoW and Lotro are more addictive and give a better immersion effect, at least for me..I am not able to move freel in AOC, some paths are fixed and that is very annoying. Since i am lvl8, i am giving t a 5... waiting to see more and be able to give a more accurate score. It feels like like a console game.… Expand
  22. DaveJ.
    May 27, 2008
    9
    Excellent game. If you're like me you'll spend the first day or two thinking "well wow has better than this", "why's there no LFG system" etc Persevere, it's all there, plus some, yes it's a different game and in some ways Wow is better, but in others this far exceeds its predecessor (plus, it's early days and much better than Wow was at launch). WoW it Excellent game. If you're like me you'll spend the first day or two thinking "well wow has better than this", "why's there no LFG system" etc Persevere, it's all there, plus some, yes it's a different game and in some ways Wow is better, but in others this far exceeds its predecessor (plus, it's early days and much better than Wow was at launch). WoW it isn't, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Also there's the fact that they instance many locations when they get busy (to lighten the load, reduce lag etc in each one). Not one instance per person/group, just one per 100 players or so, which still leaves places crowded. This seems odd at first and can leave you hunting round for a friend for ages if they're in a different instance but at the same place as you and you don't realise, though there are functions within the game that help t sort this sort of thing out. On the plus side it allows you to switch to a different instance on a PVP server where someone is hellbent on stopping you complete your mission (PVP servers are open season for gankers, travelling in groups is advised!). Though the game world is twice the size of WoW it is also zoned, which means you have to travel from one to the other via a loading screen (a bit like the boats, gnometrain and airships in wow). This is where it lost 1 point for me (though I was still tempted to give it a 10). The zones themselves are often huge though and I the zoning was done for performance issues, it does seem a little awkward at times (but I soon get used to it). Most of the locations in the game are physically remote from each other so that explains some of the zoning but others are less obvious (e.g. the Nobles Quarter of one city is in a different zone to the rest). It depends how much this matters to you, for me the other good points soon outweighed this one minor flaw. I don't want to appear too negative here, to me these are minor points, I just want to prewarn the Wowers so they know what to expect in advanced! A very cool game, i saw my first mammoth rider today, THEY ARE HUGE! ;-) PS a new patch came out today which gave a much needed 50% FPS boost. My 2gb, AMD 4000+ SC, 7600GT 256mb system can now manage between 10 and 40 FPS on reasonable detail and 600m view distance, which is nice.… Expand
  23. JasonJ
    May 27, 2008
    9
    PROS: Graphics are very nice; pretty and gritty-- like The Witcher, everything looks realistic; no space goats and crystal cities, no weapons or armor with laser beams shooting out out of them. 'Mature' quests; no silly stuff like WoW. Example: 'These guys raped my wife and crippled me, so go kill 50 of them and bring me their teeth so I can make a necklace out ofPROS: Graphics are very nice; pretty and gritty-- like The Witcher, everything looks realistic; no space goats and crystal cities, no weapons or armor with laser beams shooting out out of them. 'Mature' quests; no silly stuff like WoW. Example: 'These guys raped my wife and crippled me, so go kill 50 of them and bring me their teeth so I can make a necklace out of them'. Generally engaging low-fantasy storyline. Tons of quests to do, especially in the starter area (I don't know what game the reviewer James P is playing). Combat with real-time skill selection and, of course, gory fatalities: decapitations, impalings, face-melting, etc. How the quest map functions should be the new RPG standard. Lots of cool classes to choose from. AoC has learned from other MMOs and may be the first to get healing and healing classes right-- they are not just gimpy healbots. CONS: Very steep hardware requirements; it's a shader-heavy cross platform game clearly not optimized for PC; 8800 series or better gpu and dual-core cpu required for a decent experience for anyone with visual standards. Graphical glitches; lots of serious clipping issues that result in flashing textures on player/armor models. A week after launch, major features and other components of the game are simply not functional-- tradeposts and some character skills, for instance, are not available. The 'social' element of AoC seems lacking-- is it single player or multiplayer? UI has highpoints (like the quest map), but is otherwise lacking functionality and isn't aesthetically pleasing. Vagueness: no numbers to crunch concerning your skills-- it's hard to tell exactly what they do. It is not a truly open-world MMORPG; it is completely instanced like Guild Wars, and it lacks the forced party creation pre-zone that helps the social element in GW. In the starter zone (1-20), everything has voice acting; once you leave, it stops and NPCs become mute with non-moving mouths (which is, ironically, very much like GW used to be.) YET TO BE SEEN: Raid dungeon difficulty and complexity-- is everything just a tank and spank? Will the guild cities and sieges be a satisfying experience? What can you do at lvl 80? Is the game basically over then? SUMMARY: It's a pretty good, fun game that feels more singleplayer than multiplayer. It is far from 'rock-solid'; it is wonky even after 5 years in development. It will fare better on consoles for two reasons: 1. It will simply run better with fewer problems on console hardware. 2. The combat system that requires multiple button-mashes will be easier for people with handheld controllers. Is it a WoW-killer? I doubt it. Is it a decent alternative for people tired of WoW cartoony-ness and endless grinds? Yep.
    I'm giving it a score of 9, but my guess is that most professional reviews will range from 7-9, and the game will eventually score in the mid-to-low 8 range here on Metacritic, depending on how generous the individual reviewers are feeling that day.    … Expand
  24. JamesW
    May 27, 2008
    10
    Brilliant Game, not very clear when and where you need to go but still a gripping experience.
  25. GJ
    May 27, 2008
    10
    Great game. Those who played WoW will feel right at home but with allot more tools at their fingertips.
  26. RonmelPolarbears
    May 27, 2008
    10
    This game will grow as hell. It rocks big time.
  27. Ole-JosteinJohansen
    May 27, 2008
    10
    Fantastic game. so far I have played alot and it seems it just gets more and more interesting.
  28. JakeBprg
    May 27, 2008
    10
    Amazing graphics and gameplay
  29. JasonL
    May 27, 2008
    10
    WOW beater!! played wow for 18 months, Conan kicks A**!! what a great game-long overdue but well worth the wait.awsome!!!
  30. EetuS.
    May 27, 2008
    4
    Horrible game, no balance and spawn camping ruins ffa PvP.
  31. THOMASASHLEY
    May 27, 2008
    9
    WELL DONE FUNCOM! The attention to graphic detail,unique play style,diversified quests,and so far a lack of immaturity on the PVE servers,has won over a LOT of adult gamers. If you meet the recommended requirements,you will be enthralled by the graphics! Leave WOW now before another "tired" old news expansion keeps you bored.
  32. ErikT
    May 27, 2008
    9
    Two thumbs up for Age of Conan!! Some minor UI issues, but apart from that a superb game!
  33. TormodS.
    May 27, 2008
    9
    Did not play WOW so I am new to this genre. I love this game so far. Best PC game I have played for a long time!
  34. JJ
    May 27, 2008
    7
    Theres a whole lot to like about AoC, and some things to not like. Pros: immersive world, very nice graphics, combat is fun and has great nuances, good voice acting, great animations of players and creatures, cool magic, lots of levels to advance through, PVE and PVP, a myriad of quests, lots and lots of variety in the world including towns and different themes, great artwork, fantastic Theres a whole lot to like about AoC, and some things to not like. Pros: immersive world, very nice graphics, combat is fun and has great nuances, good voice acting, great animations of players and creatures, cool magic, lots of levels to advance through, PVE and PVP, a myriad of quests, lots and lots of variety in the world including towns and different themes, great artwork, fantastic architecture. What I more want to talk about are the cons: the game is a MMO, yet a big part of playing the game is doing quests with NPCs so its a hybrid single player / multiplayer game. Yes others can join you in your quests but only if they have the prerequisite quests completed. Most other players are on different quests, too, so they don't want to join you usually. For PVE gameplay, this is a single player game with other people running around in it. In my opinion, it's not a truely focused multiplayer game for PVE (player vs environment). The game user interface needs improving. Also my character targets group members and not the hostiles, which is stubborn to get him to target back onto the foes. Also you'll see really great looking equipment being worn by NPCs that you can't get or use. Maybe that will change with new patches and updates by Funcom. Right now the servers are experiencing hacks that affect everyone connected. I think this is their top priority. Another con to this game is that the quests send you back and forth in the same area so much that seeing the same scenery over and over gets old. There are no dynamically or randomly created areas like dungeons so the scenery in this game gets stale. If you like MMORPGs then you certainly need to check out AoC, yes! But it has problems and I'm currently questioning its longevity. The first few days I played this I was in awe but that is now wearing off because I don't like seeing the same place over and over and over again. Just to advance out of the starting town (Tortage), you must complete one specific quest (Destiny) but there are many quests to do. Its not clear which quest you must do to escape Tortage. I think you must do the Destiny Quest in single player but I'm not sure. After 35 hours of gameplay in Tortage just trying to escape it, the town felt like a prison. I used a hidden quick-escape quest to get out of Tortage and I don't want to go back. Potentially AoC is a legendary game, but I don't think its there yet. Time will tell. Its a rather linear game for being a MMO. Is this linear and quest based gemplay a decision by funcom so that they can bring it to the masses on the x360? I don't know for sure.… Expand
  35. TravisS.
    May 27, 2008
    10
    One of the best MMO launches in history. Great fundamental gameplay that lays down the ground work for an amazing MMO. The game has a few bugs, however the amount of bugs is on par with any other MMO at launch (yes yes fanboys even WoW was riddled with bugs at launch). If you are looking for an evolutionary game (no it is not revolutionary) that puts a twist on combat as well as PvP then One of the best MMO launches in history. Great fundamental gameplay that lays down the ground work for an amazing MMO. The game has a few bugs, however the amount of bugs is on par with any other MMO at launch (yes yes fanboys even WoW was riddled with bugs at launch). If you are looking for an evolutionary game (no it is not revolutionary) that puts a twist on combat as well as PvP then Age of Conan is going to be an excellent choice. This is coming from someone who has been playing MMO's since Ultima Online in 1998.… Expand
  36. BrianS
    May 27, 2008
    5
    Way too much pre-game hype from folks that don't really look for depth in their MMOs. This game has zero depth beyond leveling. The loot is mediocre, the leveling curve is extremely simple (there were level 80s within 3 days of release) and whats more theres nothing much to do other than grind resources and build guild cities that can't even be attacked yet because battle keep Way too much pre-game hype from folks that don't really look for depth in their MMOs. This game has zero depth beyond leveling. The loot is mediocre, the leveling curve is extremely simple (there were level 80s within 3 days of release) and whats more theres nothing much to do other than grind resources and build guild cities that can't even be attacked yet because battle keep sieges aren't active yet. The top level of AoC looks awesome, its when you start looking underneath the hood and looking for important dynamics like social content, variable adventuring lines, quest rewards and world drops that give you a sense of accomplishment....when you start noticing what an unfinished project this game is. The combat system is good, but seriously it gets very old after about the 4000th time your character does the exact same fatality animation its done the other 3999 times. Just don't accept the top level reviews, people that haven't played this game past Tortage really don't start getting a feeling for the massive failures in this games concepts.… Expand
  37. J
    May 26, 2008
    5
    Looks pretty and cool for the first few days, but once you get to the "meat" of the game, it's clear Age of Conan is horribly buggy and unfinished. Another case of beta software being sold in stores.
  38. DaveC
    May 26, 2008
    5
    Don't believe the hype. The game has been in development for 5 years and it still has many bugs. (Yes, I gave the game a 5 rating for each year...zzz) What were they doing in 5 years? The interface is horrible. The combat system is a joke. (Console button mashing meets pc rpg?) They tried to implement fatalities. This game is just a clone of WoW meets console game meets Mortal Don't believe the hype. The game has been in development for 5 years and it still has many bugs. (Yes, I gave the game a 5 rating for each year...zzz) What were they doing in 5 years? The interface is horrible. The combat system is a joke. (Console button mashing meets pc rpg?) They tried to implement fatalities. This game is just a clone of WoW meets console game meets Mortal Kombat. I saw a level 6 ranger fighting it out with a lvl 18 barbarian and won. They were fighting for like 10min. WTF? The combat system requires you to press a skill i.e.: "cyclone" so you press hotbutton 6 and then immediately after that press a corresponding key of 1,2, or 3 depending on the skill. Then it executes said skill. Oooo WOW. Amazing. I guess they just didn't want people to fall asleep at the keyboard hitting one button for one skill. Come on, in 5 years can't they come up with something better? Is it fun? Not really, I just button mash everything and the mobs die. After 5 years they should have tested this game some more or just scrap the project. Should have kept it in beta with all the bugs. For example, 1)we left a dungeon instance and when we returned to the world Tortage all the mobs were max lvl at lvl 20 including the starting areas. 2) Game crashes upon exiting. 3) Other times you can't invite people to your party for some odd reason. 4) Some times when you're in combat you get stuck all of a sudden but you can see everything going on around you. The mob can hit you but you cant hit back. I'm still playing till my time is up and discovering new bugs every day. The good thing about this game I guess would be the blood and gore. Taking heads off was interesting but gets repetitive. Boobs, how many times can you salivate before it gets old? Great music but a bit repetitive. Granted the game is only 7 days old since the Live launch so bugs are expected. I wouldn't mind some bugs...even WoW or Lineage 2 had problems in the beginning. The disappointing thing about Conan was that after 5 years you would think they would come out with something innovative in terms of gameplay and a user friendly interface with a good map. I seriously doubt they thought about the user friendly side of things. Its so frustrating to see where your group member is cause of a tiny dot and its only noticeable when they are close to you. Where to go for quests was easy enough with the question mark and exclamation mark like WoW. Going to the quest destination was simple cause they marked it so that was good. Everything else was way too complicated they put too many things on the map. I don't know how people gave this game a rating of 8+. They must have been won over by the graphics. Anyways, people should try this game at a friend's house before wasting money. I apologize for this rant cause I really expected great things from Conan and was very disappointed with the end result.… Expand
  39. CJ
    May 26, 2008
    5
    Graphics are ok, but where is the mature content? Outside of a couple veiled adult references this varies little for any other fantasy mmorpg. The battle system is pretty lame. I'm canceling my account and going back to WOW and EQ2.
  40. MaxS.
    May 26, 2008
    9
    The GOOD: Smooth launch, fun combat, great graphics, easy addiction (not sure if that is good)... The BAD: Still many glitches to work on, very simple UI, some parts of the game feel unfinished.. but I'm sure they will be ironed out in a month or two. Warning to WoW players tho: above average PC and player's IQ needed!
  41. BenA.
    May 26, 2008
    10
    Simply put an amazing experience, people will be playing in years to come. 400k subs to start is very encouraging.
  42. ChrisR.
    May 26, 2008
    10
    A unique and exciting experience not met by previous MMORPG's, Great graphics, an unbelievably large and detailed world (30 Gigs of it) fun new classes, and great PvP make this one of the best games i have ever played. I highly recommend this game.
  43. BradT
    May 26, 2008
    9
    Very good plot basically flawless launch. Only some bugs but doesn't kill gameplay.
  44. JeffJ.
    May 26, 2008
    5
    Over Hyped and not worth playing for any extend period. The game won't have any legs.
  45. BugsB.
    May 26, 2008
    5
    Yet another game that was released before fundamental mechanics were properly implemented. For example, traders do not work therefore, there is no bank, no auction house, no mail box... Aside from the less than realistic textures and non-existant music, there isn't much about this game that differs with respect to other mmorpgs out there. However, the free for all pvp system is a bit Yet another game that was released before fundamental mechanics were properly implemented. For example, traders do not work therefore, there is no bank, no auction house, no mail box... Aside from the less than realistic textures and non-existant music, there isn't much about this game that differs with respect to other mmorpgs out there. However, the free for all pvp system is a bit of a breath of fresh air. Regardless, paying a monthly fee should be for developing new content as opposed to making the game work as it was intended. This abuse by the gaming companies is getting real tiresome because it's not too cool to pay for a beta product, especially with the price of these games.… Expand
  46. JamesG.
    May 26, 2008
    10
    This game is absolutely amazing. Best graphics that this genre has seen (even tops many top quality FPS graphics). The sound is remarkable. The music itself is a massive feat. This game definitely redefines the MMO genre. No longer is combat "click on this guy and spam 1,2,1,2." You actually have to side step, attack the body, etc. WoW has some serious competition.
  47. JBerry
    May 26, 2008
    10
    Great fun. Much more action packed than WoW, and a lot more promise than WoW. It's got the PvP sieges and what-not. This will be THE mmo to play.
  48. JohnL.
    May 26, 2008
    4
    Super boring quests in the beginning of the game. So boring in fact my party of 4 people all unsubscribed after a few hours of play!!! The quests are mostly "open" instances so if you need to get, let's say, 15 jewels from 15 alligators and another party that is in your "shared" instance has killed them all your party has to wait for them to respawn and unrealistically they will just Super boring quests in the beginning of the game. So boring in fact my party of 4 people all unsubscribed after a few hours of play!!! The quests are mostly "open" instances so if you need to get, let's say, 15 jewels from 15 alligators and another party that is in your "shared" instance has killed them all your party has to wait for them to respawn and unrealistically they will just pop up in thin air. The mini-map is terrible for tracking your party members and almost worse for finding locations of quests. The quest journal is not well laid out. The larger maps show NO party members at all and you would like to use the larger maps since the mini-map can't be resized and is as small as a quarter on larger wide screen monitors. Better scripted private instanced quests and a much better quest journal and mapping system and this game might be worth the cash for our group of players. Back to DDO Stormreach for now which still has the fastest and best battle system to date in my opinion.… Expand
  49. SeanT
    May 26, 2008
    9
    Not perfect... of course not, but what game (especially MMO) is? What this is is a damn fantastic start to a game that will only become more and more enjoyable. The visceral world and deep combat is a breath of fresh air in this stale, McWoW market. PLEASE do not believe the small group of bashers making a front on the general forums. Who knows why they are doing what they are doing, but Not perfect... of course not, but what game (especially MMO) is? What this is is a damn fantastic start to a game that will only become more and more enjoyable. The visceral world and deep combat is a breath of fresh air in this stale, McWoW market. PLEASE do not believe the small group of bashers making a front on the general forums. Who knows why they are doing what they are doing, but it is clear they are NOT the voice of the AoC community... just currently the most heard (in General) as the rest are enjoying the game. Give it a shot, you will not regret it.… Expand
  50. JohnD.
    May 26, 2008
    4
    This looks and feels very much like EQ2 which I hated. The graphics are not good. The sound effects are poor. It's also very buggy. Doesn't hold a candle to WoW even though I'm really tired of WoW.
  51. LinoC
    May 26, 2008
    4
    Huge disappointment, Explore a World ? not... just a series of small hubs of quests totally instanced and with dozens of copies of the same zone making so that the sense of immersion of being in a "world" completely disappears, it can vary from a beautiful scenery to the worst junction of polygons with a lousy texture like the volcano area.... white sands isle on the other hand is very Huge disappointment, Explore a World ? not... just a series of small hubs of quests totally instanced and with dozens of copies of the same zone making so that the sense of immersion of being in a "world" completely disappears, it can vary from a beautiful scenery to the worst junction of polygons with a lousy texture like the volcano area.... white sands isle on the other hand is very nice. UI is so bad it can make an amateur programmer cry, bugs by the tons.... NEXT GEN MMO ? my god hope not... feels like a single player game with some intruders running around sometimes on your private world.… Expand
  52. ThomasF.
    May 26, 2008
    10
    Great to see an mmorpg that places a firm emphasis on the plot and character progression without mindless grind. The combat system is involving, though may take some players time to get used to it. Easily amongst the better if not the best mmorpg out there. Only downsides at the moment are graphics and server based issues, but hopefully they'll be patched out pronto!
  53. JustinG.
    May 26, 2008
    9
    Best MMO iv played. Great combat system, Great graphics, Great Quests, Great Game!!!!!
  54. MarkK.
    May 26, 2008
    10
    Just incredible. Also an avid WoW player for nearly last 2 years. The Good : Graphics Amazing. Control System great. Quest system really good and helps you alot. Talent System similar to WoW so easy to pickup. Additional Stat placement. Running Speed mana regen etc is brilliance on funcoms behalf. Certain aspects of the UI are good. Player movement. Collision Detection is fantastic. Just incredible. Also an avid WoW player for nearly last 2 years. The Good : Graphics Amazing. Control System great. Quest system really good and helps you alot. Talent System similar to WoW so easy to pickup. Additional Stat placement. Running Speed mana regen etc is brilliance on funcoms behalf. Certain aspects of the UI are good. Player movement. Collision Detection is fantastic. Mellee combat system is way too good. Quests have some depth and storylines are really good (not just a click accept and finish it) do the Destiny quest chain in starter zone. its worth it. The Bad : The chat system really sucks coming from WoW which is refined nicely, but i guess will be fixed quickly. Other than the minimap and menu selectors the UI not so hot. But mods already enroute, i haven't used WoWs default UI for a very long time so not even sure what it looks like anymore, but im sure similar addons will be available for AoC soon enough. Its a great game and if you finding WoW getting repetitive and somewhat boring outside new boss drops then grab this game its that good.… Expand
  55. DanC
    May 26, 2008
    5
    Like most software AoC seems as if it was rushed out the door. Many bugs and drops are inappropriate for the level (actually too high a lvl) . Interface graphics are 5 years or more behind the times but world graphics are OK. Game bluescreened after install but then played OK. Got caught in a quest loop cinematic that eventually worked itself out but I had to end task multiple times then Like most software AoC seems as if it was rushed out the door. Many bugs and drops are inappropriate for the level (actually too high a lvl) . Interface graphics are 5 years or more behind the times but world graphics are OK. Game bluescreened after install but then played OK. Got caught in a quest loop cinematic that eventually worked itself out but I had to end task multiple times then restart the game. I hope it gets better and I expect it will. The lack of being able to find vendors is frustrating in the early lvl island but I'm hoping this gets better when I finally get to a major city. The quest toons voice cinematics are nice. The game has potential but it's not there yet.… Expand
  56. TankA.
    May 26, 2008
    10
    This game is way much better compared to wow. Bye bye blizzard
  57. BryanC.
    May 26, 2008
    8
    An above average game that has a lot of bugs that need to be fix.
  58. JohnC.
    May 26, 2008
    5
    Its ok. The leveling is very tedious, and once you hit the main cities you don't really know where to go or what to do. A little direction would be nice. The PVP system is different, but gets boring after a while. Make sure you have a decent PC before you play this. Also, world PVP is very annoying, there is lots of corpse camping as you have to resurrect in a static place. Its ok, Its ok. The leveling is very tedious, and once you hit the main cities you don't really know where to go or what to do. A little direction would be nice. The PVP system is different, but gets boring after a while. Make sure you have a decent PC before you play this. Also, world PVP is very annoying, there is lots of corpse camping as you have to resurrect in a static place. Its ok, but it doesn't break any boundaries.… Expand
  59. AaronG.
    May 25, 2008
    10
    Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures is quite simply one of the best massively-multiplayer online games I have ever played. While it is unlikely that it will attain a player base comparable to World of Warcraft due to its demanding system requirements and adult theme, it is, without a doubt, a game of superior quality.
  60. LukeG.
    May 25, 2008
    10
    I am a serious gamer whos been playing mmog's for 9+ years this is by far the best and possibly the best game of any type i have played,
  61. LouisB.
    May 25, 2008
    10
    This MMO is amazing. You get those incredible graphics, innovative Gameplay, easy to use interface + all benefits from conventional MMOs. It will improve over time and become a memorable and very populated game!
  62. PaulM
    May 25, 2008
    9
    Graphics, sound, engaging combat, awesome voice acting, level 1 to 20 destiny quest line that keeps you at the keyboard with the "one more quest" vow. The game is super strong. The only drawbacks have been typical launch issues that will obviously be ironed out in time. Anybody giving the game a low score will undoubtedly have the word WoW it his review a few times, not playing with a Graphics, sound, engaging combat, awesome voice acting, level 1 to 20 destiny quest line that keeps you at the keyboard with the "one more quest" vow. The game is super strong. The only drawbacks have been typical launch issues that will obviously be ironed out in time. Anybody giving the game a low score will undoubtedly have the word WoW it his review a few times, not playing with a completely open mind.… Expand
  63. AuronS.
    May 25, 2008
    1
    This game is largely the same as WoW, the mutli-directional combat system is similar to every other attack in other MMORPGs, it seems this "new" "exciting" feature is only a simple frontal cone of attack damage, not only this, but it seems the combat moves are more of an annoying novelty that will soon swear off, and it seems now the whole "left, up, left, left, down, right, b" style This game is largely the same as WoW, the mutli-directional combat system is similar to every other attack in other MMORPGs, it seems this "new" "exciting" feature is only a simple frontal cone of attack damage, not only this, but it seems the combat moves are more of an annoying novelty that will soon swear off, and it seems now the whole "left, up, left, left, down, right, b" style moves from old school fighting games has been employed to make this combat system interactive. The UI based in "Age of Conan" is also incredibly stiff making you employ all 3 combat directional buttons on your small (default) combat bar, and until some serious player made addons are released for easier play it seems this game will stay the same for awhile. Graphically this game is beautiful and feature incredible looking environment that other MMORPGs have never seen, however, it seems the developers have left out detail on the player models themselves, you have the choice of 3 different skin colours and jumping in the game make you avoid it unless necessary, but of course there is alway 1 person jumping around like a 3 year old on a jumping castle making you wish it was more like guild wars and jumping had been removed. I feel a score of 1 is fair judging on the similarities from other MMORPGs and the major design flaws as listed above.… Expand
  64. CarlosC.
    May 25, 2008
    5
    The Graphics are amazing!! The gameplay is lacking. With invisible walls and a character that shows no response when he's unable to move because of a ledge or a hill thats become too steep. The "world" feel isn't there. I like the combat though. That is among the best for mmo's. My score is based on missing half of what I believe makes an awesome mmo. An explorable world; The Graphics are amazing!! The gameplay is lacking. With invisible walls and a character that shows no response when he's unable to move because of a ledge or a hill thats become too steep. The "world" feel isn't there. I like the combat though. That is among the best for mmo's. My score is based on missing half of what I believe makes an awesome mmo. An explorable world; you cant explore a world that has invisible walls.… Expand
  65. LevT.
    May 25, 2008
    7
    Extremely bug laden, in need of serious balancing. This will probably be the best game to ever grace a PC. However, in its current form its a long, long way from being playable. For those who give it a 10, I guarantee they have not played past 50th level. The game runs great at 20 and below. Beyond that, much of the game is bugged, missing, or damaged. I'm going to revisit this in a Extremely bug laden, in need of serious balancing. This will probably be the best game to ever grace a PC. However, in its current form its a long, long way from being playable. For those who give it a 10, I guarantee they have not played past 50th level. The game runs great at 20 and below. Beyond that, much of the game is bugged, missing, or damaged. I'm going to revisit this in a few months. This title will probably warrant a 10 rating from me some day.… Expand
  66. SimenF.
    May 25, 2008
    10
    Fresh new take on MMORPG's. Intence combat and a beautiful world that sucks you in. That is if you have the rig to run it on medium to high settings. And to think it just launched, it will keep improving as all MMO's do after launch!
  67. NickB
    May 25, 2008
    10
    Loving this one so far. Story mode is awesome, much better than any other MMORPG on the market. Combat is engaging! Graphics are amazing, but you need some serious machine horsepower to play it at full settings.
  68. DouglasR.
    May 25, 2008
    9
    Some technical issues and bugged quests are the only things wrong with this game. But, being so close to release this great MMO is doing well comparatively. The combat is engaging and the quests are fun. The guild element is strong with player made cities, battle keeps to capture, and pvp rivalries. It's a good game by itself, but is shaping up to be a great MMO.
  69. MortenL.
    May 25, 2008
    10
    Very fun. I've always liked mmos, but this takes it to a new level.
  70. AlanF
    May 25, 2008
    4
    Gorgeous graphics, great story and well thought out combat system. If this was an FPS it would be a 10 but as an MMO...it fails on many levels. Many aspects of this genre were seemingly given little or no thought, making it difficult and at times frustrating to play. Beginner levels are too long and difficult to complete...mostly due to to lack of a meaningful quest chain progression. Gorgeous graphics, great story and well thought out combat system. If this was an FPS it would be a 10 but as an MMO...it fails on many levels. Many aspects of this genre were seemingly given little or no thought, making it difficult and at times frustrating to play. Beginner levels are too long and difficult to complete...mostly due to to lack of a meaningful quest chain progression. Frustrating chat system...Rather than being ground breaking it is an semi-quasi FPS version of EQ, likely to have it's rabid followers but unlikely to gain the mass appeal of a WoW.… Expand
  71. CS
    May 25, 2008
    9
    Great game! I love the battle system and the graphics are gorgeous, tons of fun to play....only downside is the system requirements, definately a keeper!
  72. ChristianM
    May 25, 2008
    10
    Lot of fun and after WoW finally a new great game.
  73. MarkT.
    May 24, 2008
    10
    At last! The new MMO to rule them all... this game is truly fantastic. Gritty, fun, amazing world, great music, great combat.
  74. DavidA
    May 24, 2008
    5
    The graphics and core concepts are great, but the way it was delivered is sub-par. There's no auction house, no mailbox, no bank (apparently there's supposed to be one, but it's broken so nobody can use it.) The UI is horrible, with the chat interface being by far the worst. Spell icons are so detailed it's hard to tell what they are. Item stats are too granular at The graphics and core concepts are great, but the way it was delivered is sub-par. There's no auction house, no mailbox, no bank (apparently there's supposed to be one, but it's broken so nobody can use it.) The UI is horrible, with the chat interface being by far the worst. Spell icons are so detailed it's hard to tell what they are. Item stats are too granular at times (+0.01% pierce resistance... ohboy?) or just vague (+2 defense and +2 heroic defense? what's the difference?) The graphics are amazing, and push top of the line systems to the limits. The combat system is excellent, as is the class variations. They did a great job at creating "unique" classes instead of clones straight from other MMO's. In the end, the UI and lack of a good social interface made it too frustrating for me to play past level 30. I didn't even have a desire to play an alt, since there's no way to send items to your alt except trading it to another player.… Expand
  75. PatrickR.
    May 24, 2008
    10
    Don't listen to the guy that gave this game a 4. It has so many new elements to an MMO that you just have to try to see if you will like it. Combat is different, spells are different, pvp is different. Some completely solo content available to get you started instead of just throwing you to the wolves. Compelling story and excellent graphics. Although I will say it is steep for Don't listen to the guy that gave this game a 4. It has so many new elements to an MMO that you just have to try to see if you will like it. Combat is different, spells are different, pvp is different. Some completely solo content available to get you started instead of just throwing you to the wolves. Compelling story and excellent graphics. Although I will say it is steep for requirements, as has been said, but to play top end games, you need a top end computer. Judging from development, this game is probably going to be specialized for a certain audience(hence the MATURE rating, no teens and hand holding here), try it and see if you are part of that. I know I am!… Expand
  76. BunnyG.
    May 24, 2008
    10
    Best MMO. end of the fucking sentence. Great graphics. huge leap in gameplay. not another WoW rip off. play it. now.
  77. LiamW.
    May 24, 2008
    10
    The game is enticing, for the first 20 levels all levels talk ( NO HAVING TO READ!!) Pretty simple, but it enhances the story line and really entangles you in the AOC storyline. If you have enjoyed wow, but got tired of the medicore gameplay, get this definintly.
  78. NicoleD
    May 24, 2008
    10
    Engaging. abundance of quests. imo better than wow.
  79. CD
    May 24, 2008
    3
    Boring. I really cant pay attention to the game because it just isnt fun. its also way too graphically demanding for a MMO; my computer ran about 120 FPS max settings on wow and i barely get 10-15 FPS in AoC. freakin awesome. the combat system seems like it would be interesting, but it doesnt deliver. it is too hard to pay attention to everything in an MMO while doing the whole hack and Boring. I really cant pay attention to the game because it just isnt fun. its also way too graphically demanding for a MMO; my computer ran about 120 FPS max settings on wow and i barely get 10-15 FPS in AoC. freakin awesome. the combat system seems like it would be interesting, but it doesnt deliver. it is too hard to pay attention to everything in an MMO while doing the whole hack and slash thing. overall, the game is pretty on the surface but is just shallow.… Expand
  80. PegK
    May 24, 2008
    5
    It bothers me that my less than a year old computer with updated graphics card cannot handle the combat in the cities and lags and sputters when moving even on the lowest settings. I like the graphics but there are so many cut scenes it's ridiculous- every time you talk to someone, go through a door etc, it's another load page. Combat is good, but there are many, many bugs that It bothers me that my less than a year old computer with updated graphics card cannot handle the combat in the cities and lags and sputters when moving even on the lowest settings. I like the graphics but there are so many cut scenes it's ridiculous- every time you talk to someone, go through a door etc, it's another load page. Combat is good, but there are many, many bugs that need to be fixed.… Expand
  81. BjörnO
    May 24, 2008
    4
    A game with fantastic graphic and athmosphere. Sadly everything is destroyed by all loading time because they have divided the game world in different areas. Everytime you go to a new area you must talked to a npc and then travel. The feeling for a open world is lost.
  82. PatK
    May 24, 2008
    10
    Fantastic experience in mmorpg's. Everyone who wants to spend time on an mmorpg should stick to this one.
  83. Steve
    May 24, 2008
    9
    great game so far and i expect it to get better with additional content patches and expansions. .
  84. MarkB.
    May 24, 2008
    9
    Looks awesome, and people seem to like it. I'm just worried that it's the glamour of it all at first that gets people, I hope it's awesome all the way through. On a last note, I hope this game will run "ok" on my paltry 7800gtx (was the sh!t in its time though!) not to mention I hope they didn't mess up mages like wow did >:( I even have the slightest impression they Looks awesome, and people seem to like it. I'm just worried that it's the glamour of it all at first that gets people, I hope it's awesome all the way through. On a last note, I hope this game will run "ok" on my paltry 7800gtx (was the sh!t in its time though!) not to mention I hope they didn't mess up mages like wow did >:( I even have the slightest impression they have, I will never pick this game up. EVER. mages ftw!… Expand
  85. T.adrien
    May 24, 2008
    4
    Feeling of loneliness in a MMORPG what a strange paradox The interface is shamefull for a 2008 game quests haven't anything different from other MMORPG Nothing new except the graphism which are really good.
  86. JohnD
    May 24, 2008
    9
    The amazing graphics are the highlight of the game in my eyes. Creating a game for mature adults is spot on. The only flaw I've found is that you're bound to a relatively small island until you hit level 20 and complete a quest line. You can't rush it, as there are level requirements to the quests. However, the game does a great job of making you feel important in a The amazing graphics are the highlight of the game in my eyes. Creating a game for mature adults is spot on. The only flaw I've found is that you're bound to a relatively small island until you hit level 20 and complete a quest line. You can't rush it, as there are level requirements to the quests. However, the game does a great job of making you feel important in a struggle that you learn to feel something for. Each class (warrior, priest, scout, and mage) have their own quest roll, which eliminates some of that repetition that we all love in our early days of gaming :) Great work FunCom!… Expand
  87. EilefS.
    May 24, 2008
    10
    Best online game i have played on a pc.
  88. JoeD
    May 24, 2008
    6
    Great graphics, sound and gameplay. Downside is if you order the Collectors Edition you may have problems getting into the game in the first place as they shipped with bad codes. Service support was good on launch day (Friday) but non-existant on Saturday, which is pretty poor for a new title being released on Friday.
  89. KurtS.
    May 24, 2008
    1
    Instances, worthless RP, boobs, 24/7 bugs and graphic issues, unskilled PvP, unbalanced PvP, very poor graphic style, very poor response on problems.
  90. CalebB.
    May 24, 2008
    10
    Very amzeing game great supor,t graphics, and gameplay. Good pve/pvp content as well. very unique classesand cool content not seen before in any other mmo.
  91. AnonymousMC
    May 23, 2008
    10
    I cant remember ever being so sucked into a game so quickly. My expectations were big, and after five days in Hyboria all i have to say is praise. The graphics are innovative to say the least, the universe funcom has created here really feels alive and breathing. The content doesn't suit me all that well because of my highly competitive nature, so it's all pvp for me. The combatI cant remember ever being so sucked into a game so quickly. My expectations were big, and after five days in Hyboria all i have to say is praise. The graphics are innovative to say the least, the universe funcom has created here really feels alive and breathing. The content doesn't suit me all that well because of my highly competitive nature, so it's all pvp for me. The combat system is what will probably keep me entertained for many months to come, there is such room for skill-development there. The funfactor of this game is simply the highest i've ever experienced. Ive reviewed quite a few games, and i always try to set the final score by evaluating "how good of a time i am having playing". Of course there are glitches in a fresh release, but Im having an absolute blast every time i sit down to play. Thats just priceless.… Expand
  92. JessL
    May 23, 2008
    10
    If you've got a decent machine, the eye candy is amazing. But even if you don't, the game is just plain old fun. While you still hit buttons to perform combat actions, it's so much more interactive and involving than any other MMORPG I've ever played. I think there's room in the market for several big-boy MMO's, so while I don't think WoW will be going If you've got a decent machine, the eye candy is amazing. But even if you don't, the game is just plain old fun. While you still hit buttons to perform combat actions, it's so much more interactive and involving than any other MMORPG I've ever played. I think there's room in the market for several big-boy MMO's, so while I don't think WoW will be going away any time soon, I think it's very likely that AoC will rise up and become the new king of the hill.… Expand
  93. KenL
    May 23, 2008
    6
    The game feels flat, unpolished and rushed. If you're lucky enough to avoid the bugs and not get bothered by the crude interface flaws, then I'm sure this can be a good singleplayer experience at least. As to holding up as a long-lasting mmorpg, I can not see it happening, and I think people will get bored pretty quick.
  94. NickS
    May 23, 2008
    7
    Good, but not great. This MMO could go either way; it could end up being mind-blowing, or die out quickly.
  95. CharlesD.
    May 23, 2008
    7
    New, breath of fresh. But somehow missing the "massively multiplayer" element. Not polished enough. Too early of a release to be considered in the long run
  96. JessM.
    May 23, 2008
    4
    The game has potential but it still feels like in beta; too choppy and laggy. Also, I've been spending most of my time on game updates that takes up some major time.
  97. ASHH.
    May 23, 2008
    10
    A very nice mmorpg , great graphics , very fun gameplay slightly diffrent but better then what wow did (copy eq) , lots of content quite mature community + game check it out.
  98. AdamW.
    May 23, 2008
    2
    Yet another boring WOW clone (with a more adult theme).
  99. MariusM.
    May 23, 2008
    10
    Awesome blend of graphics, gameplay, story and customisation to keep you hooked for an Age.... of Conan.
  100. WilliamK
    May 23, 2008
    8
    Excellent game thus far overall. Some balancing issues, technical, User Interface and Performance keeps the game from top marks. However where it lacks, it makes up in Character Customization, Combat, and overall fun factor.
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Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best PC Game of 2008
9
#9 Most Discussed PC Game of 2008
45
#45 Most Shared PC Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 44
  3. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. GameZone
    94
    This game marks the next generation of MMOs in many ways. It looks good, is very entertaining and plays very well. This is a journey well worth taking.
    Read full review
  2. AtomicGamer
    92
    It won't put WoW out of business, but then again, nothing will for a long time, and that doesn't mean this isn't a great game with tons of appeal and a hopefully more mature audience
    Read full review
  3. GameSpy
    80
    Age of Conan going forward should become a delightfully savage second home for plenty of howling on-line barbarians.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »