PC Gaming

I recently had the honor to do an interview with Ole Herbjørnsen from Funcom. You know, the company that is developing one of the most wanted MMORPG games at time being: Age of Conan Hyborian Adventures.
Ola started working as a designer at Funcom in January 2005 and today he works as a Lead Designer on the game.

I, who still fight in the World of warcraft, of course asked if Ole can tell me Why the audience will choose to play AOC?
”I think it will be a combination of several factors. First of all is the hands-on action combat. Secondly, we are aiming for a mature rating which allows us to do some really cool stuff. Add to that Robert E. Howard’s grim universe and you should have an interesting package.”

A famous legacy of the Conan films was the music. How will you handle music in your game?
”Actually, a couple of weeks ago when we had our morning meeting where the entire team was gathered, we had a chance to listen to some of the new music which has been produced for the game. Our own composer is a very talented guy and the mini-concert got a resounding round of applause, and left a wet eye here and there. The combat music made me want to pick something up and hit people around me which I guess is a good sign. Or not, eh?“

If you klick on the link below you can read the full interview >>

A cool thing is that there actually is a way for players to permanently leave a mark on the game world. You know something that others can see even after your character has left for good. In Age of Conan you will be able to build entire cities and battle keeps, something that might be present in the game world long after you’re gone. But for the mark of you should stay there for a long time your guild needs to take care of it, so even these things will fade after a while if no one looks after it.

How does your character fit into the story? Are you “the one hero” destined to save the world or a nobody struggling for recognition?
”Initially you will start out having lost your memory and as you play the game you will gradually understand what has been happening in the world and to you in particular. Whether or not you decide to struggle for recognition is very much up to you, but it is one of the thing that really drives people in these games. There is a backstory and quests to follow, but in Hyboria, every man (and woman!) makes his own luck.”

When it comes to your enemies, I wonder how they will appear in Age of Conan and Ole says that it depends. Some humanoids will make their home in camps and will spawn from logical objects in the game world, like a tent. Some animals are territorial, and you will most likely encounter them close to their hive or den. Others, more free roaming monsters will spawn out of nothing. Funcom, however, take into account the area where the monsters spawn so no polar bears in a desert.

How will your combat system work? Is it purely skill based and is it hard to learn?
”The combat system has been through many iterations already, but we are still tweaking and refining it. I think the feedback from the fans at both GC and DragonCon show that the system is easy to learn yet hard to master. Combat in Age of Conan is fast-paced and action-focused, where you actually control every swing of the weapon yourself. So it’s a nice mix between your character’s skills and your skills as a player.”

How much emphasis is there on solo play? Will you be able to complete the toughest challenges in the game on your own or will it always require grouping with others?

”The main story has been designed to allow you to complete it alone but it might be easier if you get some friends along. We have taken steps to provide for solo content all the way from level 1 to level 80, but don’t expect to take down the most difficult opponents all by yourself. If you want the best rewards, you will have to play with others.”

Are there any kinds of destructive environments in the game?
”Yes, both indoor and outdoor. Some objects can be smashed just for fun while other objects are integral to quests. Just be careful what you smash because sometimes you could be in for a nasty surprise. You will also be able to level entire battlekeeps, bringing in your trebuchets and setting fire to buildings!”

Are there any titles or unique weapons the player can earn?
”We will actually have player-versus-player titles, so if you manage to make a name for yourself in that regard, you can rise in ranks and get access to even cooler weapons, armor and other items reserved to those who have risen to fame – or infamy!”

What is your thought on leveling? Traditional leveling usually consists of endless grinding sessions to reach the higher levels. Will this be the case in AoC or are you planning something different?
”Grinding is boring and players usually endure it because they have some goal to work towards, e.g. reaching a certain level to unlock the endgame or whatnot. With Age of Conan we are trying to make the process of reaching the goal both fun and challenging, we do this by having hands-on action combat which will keep you on your toes. Also remember that AoC is designed to be more casual friendly since we believe it is the community and not the grind which will keep players in the game in the long run. There is also an emphasis on quests and exciting storylines.”

What will end game be like? What is there to do for players who have attained the highest level?
”There is a wealth of stuff to do, everything from raiding to the massive siege warfare in the Border Kingdom where guilds construct and fight over battlekeeps. It really depends on what sort of player you are – do you raid, do you get into the political game on the server or do you do both? Online games are all about choice. “

Will there be factions where the player needs to pick sides in order to achieve certain rewards?
“We do not have a faction system in the game per se, but there are plenty of quest opportunities and such that will give you choices like this.”

Finally, when will we see the game in stores?
”Age of Conan is releasing in March 2008.”

So now you guys know what to look for. If you want to know more about the game, look at The Age of Conan Website here >>
And finally, I want to take the opportunity to thank Erling at Funcom for helping me get in touch with Ole and of course Ole for taking the time doing this Interview.

Age of Conan, Ole Herbjørnsen, Funcom