360 version.
Two days after Halo3 hits the streets Conan from THQ (Nihilsitic developed) appeared on store shelves around the UK. Do yourself a favour and dump the assault rifle for a broadsword?
Historically Conan videogames, and movies, have failed to nail the essence of Robert Erwin Howard's 'Sword and Sandals' epic works of pulp fiction. Nihilistic have at least nailed one aspect of the barbarian's persona....maybe even two aspects. I applaud that.
Nihilistc's team producers to my mind are "fuuuuuuul of style, fuuuuuuul of passion".
Initially due for release at the end of the year Conan's streetdate was brought forward to the 28th of September, this didn't bode well for me and I was expecting a 'half-finished' rushed effort. This is not entirely the case.
At it's core THQ's Conan is a brawler in the mould of God of War, Onnimusha and the like. Needless to say it can't match up to God of War, but it is none-the-less a competent attempt at a balls out beat 'em up.
On starting the game the player is presented with a brief cut-scene explaining how an aborted attempt to loot treasure from a dark God resulted in the barabarian losing his memory (convenient) and his magikal armour (unlikely that Conan would wear such things as he has a deep-rooted fear of anything magik) before washing up the shores of a Barachan isle.
At this point you will be reaching for the options panel to turn down the voice-overs as the voice acting is dire and mis-cast to say the least. Subtitles are (thankfully) available.
Conan's camera is contolled by the CPU with the right stick used for rolling and dodging and is more than up to the job. I have yet to find myself stuck in a corner or on a ledge where the camera couldn't provide the best view. Seamless.
On to the first fight. Usual suspets of light and heavy attack on X and Y. grabbing. and later stunning, an opponent is mapped to B. Leaving jump on A. Right trigger throws the equipped weapon. and left trigger blocks most attacks. Blocking is important as it also triggers counter-attacks (aka Mark of Kri's disarm move) which are deadly to say the least. Arms and legs are chopped off, heads roll, and bodies are cleaved in two. Blood is everywhere. Nice!!
Killing opponents releases 'runes' which can restore health and also be used to purchase combos, whether for dual-wied, single wield and two handed attacks. Up to now I haven't bothered buying a combo as I'm managing ok with the default attacks, however ths will likely change today as I've progressed to a level where I'm getting pwned. In keeping with RE Howard's stories there are boss battles to take on, one of which I've completed, and it's dealt with as Conan would've done himself, easy, but fun.
Conan is rated 18 in the UK, probably due to all that blood, or is it the nudity?....Yes nudity is there as well. Good 'ol Nihilistic.
Music is typically orchestral battle-themes and is competent enough, never grating on the nerves. Sound effects are good 'n' heavy, clashes of steel on steel ring out true. Voice acting as I've said is awful and should be turned off.
Graphics were mooted by THQ to have that Frank Frazetta look about them, but I haven't seen any real evidence of this, that said the graphics are competent, looking like a cross between Overlord and Prince of Persia. Framerate is ok, but will dip now and again, but not to the extent of impacting on the gameplay.
So, after two days of Halo3 it's off to Hyboria for me. CYA!!!
Two days after Halo3 hits the streets Conan from THQ (Nihilsitic developed) appeared on store shelves around the UK. Do yourself a favour and dump the assault rifle for a broadsword?
Historically Conan videogames, and movies, have failed to nail the essence of Robert Erwin Howard's 'Sword and Sandals' epic works of pulp fiction. Nihilistic have at least nailed one aspect of the barbarian's persona....maybe even two aspects. I applaud that.
Nihilistc's team producers to my mind are "fuuuuuuul of style, fuuuuuuul of passion".
Initially due for release at the end of the year Conan's streetdate was brought forward to the 28th of September, this didn't bode well for me and I was expecting a 'half-finished' rushed effort. This is not entirely the case.
At it's core THQ's Conan is a brawler in the mould of God of War, Onnimusha and the like. Needless to say it can't match up to God of War, but it is none-the-less a competent attempt at a balls out beat 'em up.
On starting the game the player is presented with a brief cut-scene explaining how an aborted attempt to loot treasure from a dark God resulted in the barabarian losing his memory (convenient) and his magikal armour (unlikely that Conan would wear such things as he has a deep-rooted fear of anything magik) before washing up the shores of a Barachan isle.
At this point you will be reaching for the options panel to turn down the voice-overs as the voice acting is dire and mis-cast to say the least. Subtitles are (thankfully) available.
Conan's camera is contolled by the CPU with the right stick used for rolling and dodging and is more than up to the job. I have yet to find myself stuck in a corner or on a ledge where the camera couldn't provide the best view. Seamless.
On to the first fight. Usual suspets of light and heavy attack on X and Y. grabbing. and later stunning, an opponent is mapped to B. Leaving jump on A. Right trigger throws the equipped weapon. and left trigger blocks most attacks. Blocking is important as it also triggers counter-attacks (aka Mark of Kri's disarm move) which are deadly to say the least. Arms and legs are chopped off, heads roll, and bodies are cleaved in two. Blood is everywhere. Nice!!
Killing opponents releases 'runes' which can restore health and also be used to purchase combos, whether for dual-wied, single wield and two handed attacks. Up to now I haven't bothered buying a combo as I'm managing ok with the default attacks, however ths will likely change today as I've progressed to a level where I'm getting pwned. In keeping with RE Howard's stories there are boss battles to take on, one of which I've completed, and it's dealt with as Conan would've done himself, easy, but fun.
Conan is rated 18 in the UK, probably due to all that blood, or is it the nudity?....Yes nudity is there as well. Good 'ol Nihilistic.
Music is typically orchestral battle-themes and is competent enough, never grating on the nerves. Sound effects are good 'n' heavy, clashes of steel on steel ring out true. Voice acting as I've said is awful and should be turned off.
Graphics were mooted by THQ to have that Frank Frazetta look about them, but I haven't seen any real evidence of this, that said the graphics are competent, looking like a cross between Overlord and Prince of Persia. Framerate is ok, but will dip now and again, but not to the extent of impacting on the gameplay.
So, after two days of Halo3 it's off to Hyboria for me. CYA!!!
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