I can’t tell you how long I have been a fan of the Conan universe. I have read multiple books and comics on Conan the Barbarian or Conan the Destroyer. My first Dungeons and Dragons character was a human barbarian which reflected the character of Conan. For those into your old fantasy films or Arny fans, you will remember the top quality Conan the Barbarian films starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Some of you might have seen the re-imagining starring Jason Mamoa. Conan the Barbarian has seen multiple adaptations in film and literature so its only natural we’ve seen the barbarian come to consoles. We’ve seen his icon in Xbox 360 titles and an MMO called Age of Conan. Personally I haven’t played these but there’s a new barbarian on the block, Conan Exiles.
On first look I thought Conan Exiles is a role playing game with a layout not dissimilar from The Elder Scrolls Skyrim. The character and weapon design look great and the range of beasties makes it look challenging. But it isn’t a role playing game, it’s a survival game set in the world of Conan. We see a Colossus and a giant Snake that could be a sign of possible cults in the game like followers of Thulsa? Is there a chance for some narrative by James Earl Jones? No?
Instead, we have a survival game that looks to focus on developing tribes and settlements and hunting together, this excites me to think that there will be a range of weapons and armours. Will players need to think tactically together. Someone in heavy armour with a hammer is slow but can take damage whereas someone could be lighter dressed in leather and armed with a bow? So many possibilities.
With the success of recent survival games like ARK: Survival Evolved, Conan Exiles could be some future competition.
Let us know your thoughts @XBLGamerhub @MJSaiger
//
