Age of Conan Hyborian Adventures is a new MMORPG that I’ve been playing for a couple of days, and my reactions so far are mixed. One thing you notice immediately that sets this MMORPG apart from others is the big (and welcome) assortment of classes. There are 3 races and a whopping 12 classes from which to choose. To further the customization and ability to make your character more unique from other players, character appearance customization is fairly deep, with many sliders to tweak each feature and body markings and hairstyles available. And not only are there many classes to choose from, it’s a tough decision, because they all have interesting, unique skills.

Once a name is taken, it’s gone, so if you want a better chance of getting the name you want then plan on creating your character as soon as possible. If you think you will want to try a variety of classes, I suggest making all of your characters from the get-go so you can claim the names you want before they are taken (if they aren’t already). You can create up to 8 characters on one account with no extra charge, which is excellent considering how many options there are. I recommend trying a few different classes up to level 10 or so to really find the one that’s right for you. I was unimpressed and bored with the first character I created, but a lot more interested in the game when I tried another class that, as it turns out, more suited my preferred style of play.

I highly, highly recommend having a PC game controller to play this game rather than relying solely on the keyboard and mouse. The combination of all three makes movement and combat far more comfortable. Using W,A,S, and D keys to move around instead of a controller toggle is clunky and awkward. I also prefer controller buttons for attack moves. I still use the keyboard and mouse for some other functions. I am using the Logitech Dual Action controller. You can assign whatever task/keystroke you want to 12 different buttons, plus movement or other actions to the directional pad and left and right toggles. It plugs into your USB port, and comes with software that easily allows you to make your button assignments for this, and any other PC game. The software CD is small, and my drive couldn’t read it, but you can also download the software from Logitech’s website if you encounter a similar problem, if you are interested in this controller. It costs $19.99.

This month’s PC Gamer magazine offers a code for a unique in-game item that will allow your character to travel back to their homeland from other places on the map. Between that and the several-page article about the game I recommend this issue for anyone interested in the game.

Back to the gameplay… This game fully supports Direct X 10 and the graphics are beautiful – except when there is a collision detection problem. Collision detection never seems to be a problem in combat, but it does pop up affecting the appearance of the game. With the graphics otherwise so great, this is a shame and I hope they will be able to fix it. As for the quests and activities, at least so far that I’ve played, they seem to be standard run-of-the-mill MMORPG quests like fetching things, delivering things, escorting people… etc.  Luckily, the interesting abilities of the different classes make at least the combat a little less monotonous than other MMORPGs. This is a good game for “lone rangers” who aren’t that interested in partying up, from what I’ve read in articles. It is said that a person can reach very high levels by mostly soloing, though it would be more difficult. I haven’t played much multiplayer yet because I don’t know anyone personally who has the game yet and I prefer to play with people I know than strangers. So if I know you BUY THE GAME, PLEASE!

I am more impressed with this game initially than I have ever been with any MMORPG I’ve started in the past. The character classes and customization are fantastic. And the graphics, aside from a few minor incidents, are outstanding. But the gameplay just doesn’t feel that fresh or groundbreaking to me. Combat and controls feel almost identical to Lord of the Rings Online, although your abilities are different.

As I continue getting further into the game I’ll blog more about it, culminating in a full review later on. So far, I’d say it’s a “BUY” for MMORPG fans because there are enough improvements here to be well worth checking out, but don’t expect groundbreaking new gameplay, at least not in the early game.