Age of Conan was perhaps one of the most anticipated MMOs for some time. As May 2008 grew closer, fans become increasingly more excited about the launch, casting aside any niggling worries and rumours that were circulating from those players involved in the beta. The particularly violent and adult world of Age of Conan was, however, a disappointment to many diehard fans and, after just a few months, the number of players had dropped drastically. A lack of content, particularly at the higher levels, and many glitches and bugs gave the game a distinctly unfinished feel.
Much time has passed since 2008 though, and Funcom have certainly been busy fixing the original content and now launching the first expansion to the game, Rise of the Godslayer. The update is designed to add a range of new content from level one, all the way up to eighty, while also providing top level gamers with something to do other than chase additional levels. Initial complaints regarding the lack of content that the game delivered are certainly no longer valid, with a massive new selection of quests for players to enjoy on their way through the levels.
Perhaps the most notable feature that Rise of the Godslayer brings to the table is the new environments that have been created. The new zones give the impression of an enormous landscape, without it seeming empty in any way, with incredible detail and vivid colour in the landscapes. Funcom actually worked with a team of Korean designers in order to give the game an Eastern feel which was certainly successful. With a reasonable graphics card at your disposal, you may well find yourself lost for some time just enjoying the wonderful scenery in which many hours have obviously been spent.
There are many new additions to the game, such as ten new factions complete with their own set of quests and quest rewards, and an overhaul of dungeons, including the ability to utilise the extensive emoting abilities of the game to activate certain events. However, one particular area of note is that of the new Alternate Advancement (AA) system in which gamers are able to learn new moves and abilities that are different to those simply associated with their class. AA points are earned from the start of the game as you play, but by focusing on specific aspects of gameplay, different skills can be enjoyed. For example, playing a lot of PvE will help you to gain points for PvE bonuses, just as PvP playing will earn you PvP perks. The bonuses and perks could be anything from an upgrade of your stats, to actual new skills and spells to slot into your new ‘Perk Bar’.
Despite the issue of long loading times, and the occasional bug dampening your overall experience, Age of Conan: Rise of the Godslayer feels like a particularly polished product. With a range of updates to enjoy, from the new wolf and tiger mounts that you will need to raise from a cub, to the new factions to hold your interest and the new Alternate Advancement system, this is an upgrade likely to bring back many disillusioned players to Age of Conan.