Game: Age of Conan

Developer: Funcom

Genre: Fantasy

Status: Development

Release: December 2006

Platform: PC



This article is based on the interview with RUI Casais- AI Programmer.

MMOSITE: The videos of Age of Conan released at this year¡®s E3 are really a feast for our eyes. Its graphics and sound effect impressed us a lot. Could you tell us more about the differences between Age of Conan and other MMORPGs regarding its graphics and sound effect? And are there any other features that set Age of Conan apart from other MMORPGs?

RUI Casais: We have as realistic look as possible on the graphics and Stunning sound effect.
Graphics:Conan takes graphics in Online RPG¡®s to a new level! With the latest and greatest in technology and an amazing art direction the graphics in Conan immerses you into a world as never before seen in any online fantasy universe.
Sounds:Listen to a powerful and epic soundtrack in 7.1 surround. Hear gripping voices recorded by professional actors, and enjoy a dynamic soundscape bringing players to the edge of their seats.

MMOSITE: "Real Combat" engine is a feature in Age of Conan. During combat, players can command NPC to establish a formation. But how can players achieve the goal of commanding NPC?
RUI Casais: There are three ways.
1.Certain NPC program to join in your team.
2.When NPC is hungry or if he is happy.
3.When you help NPC to get what they want .

MMOSITE: Does Siege Combat in Age of Conan¡®s PvP system have a restriction on participant numbers?
RUI Casais: We are still testing, so the participant is unknown yet. No decided , most likely they will have extra reward and title Will player obtain any extra reward if he wins the Siege Combat? Are there any special titles to reward those players performing well in Siege Combat?
RUI Casais:No decided , most likely they will have extra reward and title.

MMOSITE: Age of Conan is a MMORPG developed based on Conan comics. How do you make Conan fans accept this title? Do you refer to any contents of Conan comics concerning character appearance?
RUI Casais: It actually based on the Conan Novel instead of Comics, It works with Conan Inc. which own the right of the Conan, so they follow very close with its Rule book, and also work with their professional writer to write the storyline for the game.

MMOSITE: Since Age of Conan made its debut at E3 last year, many players have been expecting its release. Now, a whole year has passed. Can you tell our readers, when will you start Beta Testing? How can players participate in your closed beta?
RUI Casais: Early Summer, and they can get it by subscribe to news letter or go to its official forum.