Conan the PS3 Game - Conan Pillages Next-Gen Systems

Back in 2007, THQ published a Conan game that was overlooked for the most part by the gaming community. Only recently did I pick this game up and had an absolute blast from beginning to end. So the question is what is this game about, well the fact that it's a Conan game means that it's all about fighting, babes, and split skulls.

It is similar to God of War and other third-person action games. The formula is move from level to level, solve minor puzzles, upgrade your combat abilities, and of course, fight enemies. This is probably the best aspect of this game. In combat, Conan is able to wield of plethora of weapons and shields which make combat pretty diverse and fun. Conan has multiple combat styles which are two-handed, one-handed (and one-handed with a shield), and dual wield that can all be inter-mixed as the gamer pleases. As said, combat is fierce, fun, and gory with plenty of groin kicks, head-smashes, and body slams to go around.

The game's visuals are pretty and gory, and it certainly doesn't look like a repackaged old-school game. The game's audio is a very different story though, it is buggy and in some parts of the game it simply cuts off. The music and the sound effects aren't bad, but the fact that it's so buggy make the game's sound department lack a little.

As for the game's story, it isn't spectacular and unlike a Metal Gear game, it won't stick in your head after it's all said and done. The biggest problem with this game is the replay value, of which, there is none. It is a fairly linear game and the story is static, no choices or alternate endings to be had. The only reason why anyone would replay this game is to simply experience the wonderful combat system.

This game is no Halo 3 or Bioshock 2, this is the kind of game that one picks up and plays once. Although with a price tag of about $20 at Gamestop, it is certainly not a waste of money. If you like God of War or just want a decent action game that will keep you occupied for a couple of hours, this game certainly delivers. It definitely encompasses the theme and feel of the Robert Howard stories, and makes you feel like an ass-kicking barbarian for just a short while.