Age of Conan Editorial: Piercing the Darkness

There's a difference between making big promises and being able to actually deliver on them:

"'Darkfall' makes quite a lot of promises itself, and yes, even I'll admit that it all sounds good, but where is it all working in front of us?"

This fortnight, we take a reality-check: 'Darkfall', where's the beef?

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Is that an editorial or an over glorified forum post?

AOC is the sleazy salesmen of the MMO world. Sure they found a niche, but so doesn't maxim.

"play me look at my cyber titties"

At least maxim gives you nuances of the real thing

Lol, whoever wrote that is the biggest hypocrit in history. Rofl.

But hell, i don't mind. I'm saving this link and going to have alot of fun with it on the AoC forums when Darkfall releases.

YEA me too. he would abeen smarter to keep his mouth shut

I am sorry Stephen Spiteri, but you are a complete idiot.

1. No where in there does he say the words "Age of Conan". You associated that update to AOC.
2. What he said is true
3. The FunCom producers started the "banter", you seem to lack up to date info. http://forums.ageofconan.com/showthread.php?t=19320&page=3
4. Funcom makes horrible games imo, didn't them make AO??!??!??! Nuff said.

I think it is time for the Darkfall team to give the exclusive updates to some other fansite, Warcry continues to post in accurate information about games, because the people reporting do not do any research on the topic they are writing about, they read fanboi info and take it as fact.

I kind of feel bad for this guy forum wise. There is no way AOCer are gonna come sprawling to his defense in anything equal to the Forumfall attack. Even if they do come they will never equal forumfallers in wit, meanness, or zergdom forum invasion skills.

Forumfallers are trained flamers, be prepared AoC forums.

"But hell, i don't mind. I'm saving this link and going to have alot of fun with it on the AoC forums when Darkfall releases"

by the time Darkfall releases, I'll be playing DIABLO VIII.
keep waiting like a good doggie your bone, while I'll be playing something real.

shaoranhongkong:
"But hell, i don't mind. I'm saving this link and going to have alot of fun with it on the AoC forums when Darkfall releases"

by the time Darkfall releases, I'll be playing DIABLO VIII.
keep waiting like a good doggie your bone, while I'll be playing something real.

Like AOC? LOL People will start dropping off after the first few months out of boredom and horrible lag...you watch and mark my words.

Ha, do you really believe Tasos Flambouras wasn't talking about AoC when he specifically mentioned the Mature rating and real time combat? I admit he does make some valid points. Such as screenshots and trying to sell on the Mature rating (advertising violence, nudity, etc. as selling points of the game). It can still turn out to be an awesome game though.

chadrew:
Ha, do you really believe Tasos Flambouras wasn't talking about AoC when he specifically mentioned the Mature rating and real time combat? I admit he does make some valid points. Such as screenshots and trying to sell on the Mature rating (advertising violence, nudity, etc. as selling points of the game). It can still turn out to be an awesome game though.

It does not matter what he meant, what matters is he did NOT do say it. That is the difference between professional and unprofessional.

You're right. But then again he's the dev of a competing game while Stephen is not affiliated with Funcom as far as I know (?) so he can flame all he pleases :)

Edit: Oh my, they actually posted a link to it on the official AoC site!
http://community.ageofconan.com//wsp/conan/frontend.cgi?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_content=front_page_news&func=publish.show&template=content&func_id=2382&table=CONTENT
Let the flame wars begin :)

FAIL

You lead off your article talking about graphics? If you don't subscribe to "gameplay > graphics" then your opinion means very little to me.

Ok, so I kept reading. Travel time? LOL. What kind of trading economy, travel risk, and mount/ship usefulness do you expect with easy-mode travel.

Then you start talking about PVP and "real-time" combat. Just don't go there. You and I both know the difference between DF and AoC on this matter, so don't even try it. AoC, no doubt, has hacked PVP with lousy queues and fake meaningless battles for (just guessin) Conan Power Points.

These 2 games don't even compare, so I don't know why all this crap is erupting. Face it, beyond the soft-targeting and decapitation this game is CLONAN.

btw, it's Orkboy Magazine!

But he acts like it is DFO that started the jabs, but if you look at the dates...Funcom slung the mud, and Taso kept it on a professional level, that is the point. Funcom is a bunch of punks.

Hm...

Tasos Flambouras = Peter Molyneux.

Darkfall has a lot of promises, but will it just be another Fable? A good game with too much hype for its own good?

Or.

Will it just be another Duke Nukem Forever? Maybe not, since Duke Nukem Forever is evidentally coming out eventually.

If this guy isn't a dev why is Warcry even putting stuff like this up? Warcry is given exclusive updates from Darkfall, but then they put up rantings from unaffiliated people knocking the game? I mean, what are the trying to do? This shouldn't be about this nut and his article, but why it was glorified and posted on Warcry. Can anyone explain to me how this crazed rant has any merit to be put up as a rebuttle to an update on Darkfall?

The fact that AoC feels Tasos' update was aimed at them only proves his points are valid imo, else they'd miss, but it seems they hit home.

AoC failed, they didn't deliver what they promised, see you in DF beta in a couple of months.

Well i doubt he wasnt sanctioned by Funcom in writing this article. They even put it up on the Age of Conan board.

http://community.ageofconan.com/wsp/conan/frontend.cgi?func=publish.show&&func_id=2382&sort=PRIORITY&table=CONTENT

What really make me upset is that Warcry Network can sink as low as letting this nobody spew his BS here.

Edit- and now they REMOVED this editorial from the Age of Conan board, roflmao!!!!!

MagiusDarkflayer:
Hm...

Tasos Flambouras = Peter Molyneux.

Darkfall has a lot of promises, but will it just be another Fable? A good game with too much hype for its own good?

Or.

Will it just be another Duke Nukem Forever? Maybe not, since Duke Nukem Forever is evidentally coming out eventually.

I am not sure what you mean by hype, we have been complaining for years that their marketing sucks and that there is a HUGE lack of hype.

Hype is AOC advertising crap in game.

r4NGe:
FAIL

You lead off your article talking about graphics? If you don't subscribe to "gameplay > graphics" then your opinion means very little to me.

Ok, so I kept reading. Travel time? LOL. What kind of trading economy, travel risk, and mount/ship usefulness do you expect with easy-mode travel.

Then you start talking about PVP and "real-time" combat. Just don't go there. You and I both know the difference between DF and AoC on this matter, so don't even try it. AoC, no doubt, has hacked PVP with lousy queues and fake meaningless battles for (just guessin) Conan Power Points.

These 2 games don't even compare, so I don't know why all this crap is erupting. Face it, beyond the soft-targeting and decapitation this game is CLONAN.

btw, it's Orkboy Magazine!

Apparently they're called "blood points" or something like that.

forumfall owns your weakass instanced crap :P
weezer has been hating on DFO since the old pker.org days when he was loving those scammers at age of mourning, realms of torment etc. Nice to see he found a new game

;)

I'm not surprised you 'Forumfallers', or whatever it is you call yourselves are so accustomed to flaming people. You've been doing it for 8 years! Most of the replies I've seen here are either direct insults to Stephen and/or incorrect and skewed assumptions on AoC.

Before I reply, I warn you that I've been following AoC since 2005 when they launched their forums and met developers and marketing people in person. So pardon me if my opinion is a bit 'biased'.

1.) Age of Conan is not about 'titties'. Anyone who has remotely been following the game will tell you that. Obviously none of the people posting here against it are. I can't even begin to tell you how many pointless discussions on this there have been. The fact remains that Robert E. Howard, the creator of Conan set his character in a mature and brutal world. Funcom want to recreate that world. 'Titties' as you so graciously call it, were a common sight in Hyboria as it had whore houses-a-plenty, women were equally as cheap and low valued as men and for god sakes its human anatomy! But even then, Funcom have tried to not portray women as lowly as they were portrayed in the orginal stories, in order to no offend women of today.

2.) When Darkfall releases (Certainly not this year. Yes I am on your forums, yes I have looked into your game. Although I'm sure most of you havent even bothered sharing the same courtesy before commenting.) you could easily have played Conan for a long time. So yes, if Darkfall turns out to be better than AoC, by all means lets all flock to it. However Darkfall is not coming out anytime soon so you may as well give AoC a shot. Sure as hell beats sitting there and twiddling your thumbs while pressing F5 on your forums praying for some kind of update.

3.) This one is to jaggid. Theres no reason for personal insults firstly.

-Any other games coming out soon that have a feature called 'real time combat' and mature content? Didn't think so.
-If its true wheres the proof?
-Lets face it. Darkfall has a 'vaporware reputation' only equaled to Duke Nukem Forever. It was an un-called for comment, but Athelan obviously didnt appreciate someone coming onto Funcom's forums touting another game which hasn't even got a vague idea for a release date.
-AO had a buggy launch, thats all. Look how long its been running for. Not really that many games keep a community going for this many years. So I think you owe AO a bit more respect. Also, one would say Funcom have learnt from their mistakes. Using AO as an arguement like saying, "Oh your the guy that broke the cake last time. This time no cake for you."

4.) Given some of the comments posted I see you guys pride yourselves going on other games forums and creating a ruckus to prove how 1337 you are. Very mature. At least Warhammer fans know their place. You guys haven't been appeased by Darkfall developers for so long I can't really blame you for going what seems to be crazy. Yes, phear the Forumfall people!

5.) This jaggid guy speaks with such insight. I dont know whether to sing his praises or just give him a cookie. Please refer to pt.3. Also regarding what Athelan said, yes he said it. Yes a developer just flamed someone elses game. Until Darkfall actually produces something tangible, any developer can. AoC Devs have done it, Warhammer devs have done it and I wouldnt be surprised if many other MMO devs have laughed/mocked at Darkfall.

6.) r4NGe - You sound like a hardcore MMO veteran who refuses to do anything but travel for several hours and be out of the action just because you want to feel 'immersed'. Your insight into how AoC works and what its rewards will be prove that you are the smarter monkey. I'll give you the cookie instead of jaggid. Happy? Oh and regarding features...

http://community.ageofconan.com/wsp/conan/frontend.cgi?func=publish.show&func_id=1089&table=PUBLISH&template=news_features_game&selected=1089

I could list them, but I'd rather you read first. Most of you 'Forumfallers' fail to do that.

That is all I had to say. Good article as always Steven, even though it was a bit on the flamy side.

I probably won't return to reply whoever posts back to me. So please, don't waste your time. This post is for you to read.

Sorry Rahxephon50, you are entitled to your opinion, as am I. I feel the guy is an unprofessional idiot and works for a company with a proven track record for crappy games...pick one they are all crappy, imo.

If you have been following either game for as long as you state, I should have to go back and dig up years worth of data. If you want truth, go look up the DarkFall updates on this site and read them word for word, do not make assumptions of what might be.

RAh all bet aleaks dont sound good at all lol i wouldpay for AOc is it was the last mmo on earth

Where do you see Tasos taking a swipe at AoC? Unless he directly mentioned the game (which he didn't), and directly confronted whatever aspects of the game that you say he "swiped" at, then you are doing exactly what you're accusing him of doing. It's just paranoia, people. Now you've become exactly what you're criticizing and making a FOUR PAGED DOCUMENT about.

"Like AOC? LOL People will start dropping off after the first few months out of boredom and horrible lag...you watch and mark my words."

Keep saying that everyday to yourself, one day it might be true.
while that i'll be enjoying a game, a real one, not a youtube video.

Why do we continue this same argument? Let the kiddies believe in Santa Claus... "That's right little billy Dark Fall will be coming soon, as long as you are a good boy and never speak badly of it."

The irony of the entire four pages of idiocy is that Tasos never once mentioned AoC.

Children, this is what we in the intelligent community refer to as stupidity and paranoia.

The author of the above article, Mr. Spiteri, apparently has some serious insecurity issues occurring that he feels the need to write a FOUR PAGE ARTICLE going over some hits that he imagined were directed at Age of Conan. It is simply idiotic what Mr. Spiteri is saying.

"but how do you expect to sell a game if it is not at least visually pleasing to the eye?"
That's a good point, perhaps by, I don't know... Having good gameplay? And who makes the decision that it isn't "pleasing to the eye"? I personally find that Darkfall's graphics are quite good, polished, and it doesn't look like someone thought it would be fun to go overboard with the bloom effect.

"because in the end the gamer is fickle"
What? Is that an insult at your audience? Very smooth Mr. Spiteri.

"Eight hours? Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you mention just a bit earlier that your number one priority is gameplay?"
You see, it's the close-mindedness like this that creates games like Age of Conan. You immediately assume that you need to hike halfway across the world constantly in order to do something. Why is that? You probably never need to leave your racial boundaries.

"The irony of the entire four pages of idiocy is that Tasos never once mentioned AoC.
Children, this is what we in the intelligent community refer to as stupidity and paranoia."

Oh yeah, big mature guy.... So, If i'm talking about a black guy that nowadays is white IM NOT TALKING ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON RIGHT LOLOL ?

Grow up, just because he not mentioned the word AoC doensnt mean he's not talking about the game. GROW UP SOME BALLS AND ADMIT IT AT LEAST.

Darkfall is based on gameplay, don't make me laugh pleaseeeee... this is hilarious. 8 years being planned and yet............. what can you say about the game? a youtube video only?

right.

shaoranhongkong:
"The irony of the entire four pages of idiocy is that Tasos never once mentioned AoC.
Children, this is what we in the intelligent community refer to as stupidity and paranoia."

Oh yeah, big mature guy.... So, If i'm talking about a black guy that nowadays is white IM NOT TALKING ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON RIGHT LOLOL ?

Grow up, just because he not mentioned the word AoC doensnt mean he's not talking about the game. GROW UP SOME BALLS AND ADMIT IT AT LEAST.

Darkfall is based on gameplay, don't make me laugh pleaseeeee... this is hilarious. 8 years being planned and yet............. what can you say about the game? a youtube video only?

right.

It's posts like these that make me laugh. I love how you
use Michael Jackson to innacurately describe Tasos' dev journal in
some unknown way that we have yet to comprehend.
Please, enlighten us, O'Great one. Tasos wasn't talking
about AoC. I've read it over several times and I haven't yet
seen any direct reference to AoC. He could have been talking about
Elder Scrolls, and how it has a topless character option.
But unless you see or hear it directly from Tasos's fingers or mouth,
Tasos did not, in any way, shape, or form, insult AoC.

P.S. Darkfall's been in development for 7 years. If you're
going to flame the game, and it's developers, at least get your
facts right.

OK, I'll try to make a coherent argument which is a stretch in my condition. Let me see if I got this right:

Conan isn't mentioned in the original article. Personally, I wouldn't recognize Conan since I'm not playing or following the game, but I was reminded of WOW, of L2 other games too, maybe even WAR even though I've had minimum exposure to it.

Weezer is a Conan tester and follower which I guess means he's played the game, and is somewhat an expert on the game.

He recognizes Conan in everything that's said(nothing good)since he tries to rebut everything.

He puts together a 4 page horribly written rant which apparently has the opposite than intended effect. If Darkfall isn't an issue, then why all the fuss?

Conan puts this thing on their official site (I assume they read it)..

Darkfall gets put in a big spotlight, and scores free publicity at Conan's expense. Darkfall's site and forum get mad traffic and are swamped by Conan fans, especially by those who never heard of Darkfall before - a glorious victory for forumfallers everywhere :P

Is that what happened here?

Wow. Someone's over reacting a bit much. You'd think they were talking about your momma. I've been following Conan somewhat and I didn't really notice those "swipes." The screen shot thing could be about any MMO, just cause Conan is hyping its graphics hardcore doesn't mean it was specifically targeted towards them. I've never seen any indication that Conan was abusing its Mature rating, so the other comment didn't strike me as targeting Conan either. I just thought they were talking about Mature video games in general. But I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on that one. However, you are clearly obsessed with Conan to the point that veiled swipes set you off like the Incredible Hulk. Games take swipes at each other all the time, its commonplace. They are competitors. JGE took swipes at EVE in its most recent press, and I love EVE, but I don't get worked up about it.

Failure.

No matter what way you spin it, Conan is looking more and more like WoW. You're trying to appeal to short attention spans and those easily distracted by making small straightforward worlds that have pretty colors. Well you can all play in your own kiddie world while the grown-ups enjoy some real content.

LOL what a pathetic attempt at flaming Darkfall. Nothing but insecurities. What is soo pathetic is anyone who is anyone has heard about the beta and that its going down in a flaming pile of crap. Nothing like postponing yet another technical beta...I smell another delay since the game is supposed to go live in a little over a month. Nothing but empty promises from AOC and Funcom.

Its very strange for all of you even for the poster of this article, that you really bother to compare and take sides between an actual game and a concept of a game. Even if AoC fails the game that are you reffering as Darkfall wont be released. And on the other side how is possible one that like AoC to hate something that is just talks. Is he afraid that AoC isnt the game he hoped of? I was reading mr.Flambouras ideas and it was fun actully it would make a very nice single player rpg but make them work on mmo? Cmon.. And while he doesnt said anywhere AoC its obviously that he refers to this. But even if he didnt, he meant other games so basically its the same. He said that his concept is better than actual games. Which is dumb and its equally if not dumber from the 4 pages of the author.