Gamezilla

Since its release in 2008, Age of Conan has had quite turbulent time with initial launch issues, the usual balance problems of MMO’s but has now evolved into one of the best online games out there.

The pioneering combat system is what keeps the PVP enjoyable and the brilliant Robert E Howard lore ensures an exciting low level fantasy experience.

So almost 2 years on, we see Age of Conan’s first expansion Rise of the Godslayer. The new expansion is set to be released in May 2010 and of course provides a whole slew of freebies such as buffing pets and extra items.

Set in the eastern lands of Kitai, this Asian themed land was not written about in great detail by Howard and so has been more of a blank canvas for the AOC team headed up by game director Craig Morrison.

One of the features I am most looking forward to is the alternate advancement system, which provides an in-depth progression system which you can customise in line with the way you play your characters. While other MMO’s like to increase the level cap in their expansions, I prefer the approach Age of Conan takes here since it allows me to fine tune what I bring to the battlefield with my characters.

The system allows anyone from level 20 to 80 to progress their character in new ways, earning new combos, powers and abilities along the way.

Each class will feature three new feat trees which adds up to a massive amount of new options for players. Each feat will be rated from one to five so that progression can be made in line with your exact desires.

Firstly, a general tree (which is consistent across all classes) is gained at level 20, while the archetype specific trees becomes available once a players dings 80. The great thing about the general tree is that it scales to the level of the character, meaning that lower level characters will also benefit from this new tree as they continue to level up.

These new abilities are purchased using alternate advancement points which are gained for performing in certain areas of the game. Prowess, Mastery and Expertise points are gained during the main core elements of the game. Achievements in PVP give you Prowess points, Mastery points are awarded for PVE challenges and Expertise points are awarded in line with prowess and mastery at predetermined ratio. The original Age of Conan content will also allow for these points to be gained, however achievements in the new land of Kitai will be higher because of a significantly higher challenge.

The main advancements options that a player can purchase are called Feats and Perks. Feats consist of more passive bugs which are always on. Some feats do provide an associated ability that can be used when the feat is active.

Perks are something totally new, and must be equipped within a new perks bar. Very similar to the way Guild Wars works, players get to choose which perks they want to take out into battle. Some perks are far more devastating than others and so take up 2 spots on the perk bar. So you can update your perk bar in line with your playing style or the situation you about to take part in. The single slot perks are known as Minor Perks while the double slot Perks are known as Major Perks. The Major Perks are class specific and are key elements that can change the outcomes of both PVP and PVE encounters.

This technical element puts the power and control firmly in the hands of the player, and is a most welcome alternative to the level increases which often result in simply grinding your way to the next level cap. As the player advances new perks and options become available to them and ultimately, a myriad of ways they can play their class.

Having been subscribed to Age of Conan since launch, I simply cannot wait for the release of the expansion. The alternate advancement system sounds magnificent and I am sure it will bring a lot of diversity to the world. Brilliant!