Worthy of a release bearing the Eidos name, Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures is the latest videogame on the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) platform that has hardcore and even casual gamers spending time and subscription money to reach max level (80).
Leveling-up in AoC requires more than just simply clicking and hacking. Part of this game's unique appeal is its unique battle engine which lets it stand-out among its MMO peers. Gaute Godager of Funcom says in an interview on IGN: "We call the engine Real Combat, and it is based on six directions, or ways, of attacking an opponent with a sword. First, you can hack down against the head. Second, you can slash diagonally down from the right, while the third is slashing the same way from the left. Fourth, you can thrust against the torso. Fifth, you can slash diagonally up from the left, and sixth, you can slash diagonally up from the right. The point here is that these directions lend themselves naturally to being strung together in combinations. These combos unlock additional damage and faster combat, if done well" And faster combat in RPGs of course means faster leveling.
Despite Age of Conan's more enjoyable grinding due to its "Real Combat" system, it's still going to be in the best interest of most Rogues, Priests, Soldiers and Mages journeying through Hyboria to grab a leveling guide and reach level 80 as soon as possible. The average subscription price of $14 U.S. is of course, well worth the gameplay, but a lot of cash-strapped gamers might be willing to forego individuality and self-reliance to save time and attain bragging rights by reaching level 80 ahead of his mates.
Now the real world is full of enterprising people and the number of AoC leveling guides out there are almost as plentiful as the number of techniques or routes to take to reach max level in Hyboria. All I can say is choose well stranger, and may the gods smile upon you on your perilous journey through the Kingdoms of Hyboria.
