Funcom announces Age of Conan – Hyborian Adventures

Durham, USA - April 20, 2005 - Funcom announces 'Age of Conan - Hyborian Adventures', an Online Action RPG scheduled for Windows in the first half of 2006. A mix of a deep, story-driven single-player experience and a massive and brutal multiplayer end-game brings forth the ultimate representation of the Age of Conan. Now you can enter the brutal domain of the world's greatest fantasy hero.

In 'Conan' the players will encounter a dark, lush, violent and sinful universe, presented in fantastic graphics and stunning 7.1 surround audio. In a world filled with cruel gods, mythical creatures, lost civilizations and a struggling human race, the mighty barbarian has finally seized the throne as king of Aquilonia. But Conan's rule is on the brink of chaos, spiraling towards the doom of ancient evils. In this twisted fantasy world, dark magic and brutal combat lurks around every corner, and each man and woman must carve their own unique destiny under Conan's reign. In the true vision of Robert E. Howard's dark universe it's now time for you to become a messenger of death.

In addition to incredible graphics and sound, the game will be filled with unique features like the "Real Combat" engine; a revolutionary new multi-point melee system which allows the players to swing their weapons where they direct it, in real-time! This easy to learn and fun melee system lets the players truly feel they are on the battlefield, and goes head-on against the formulaic nature of online RPG combat. In 'Conan' you can also, for the first time in an online RPG, create player-made battle formations where you can command NPC's and other players in combat, making for epic multiplayer battles. The multiplayer game also allow the players to form guilds and lay siege to enemy castles, letting their catapults sing their merry song of death as the enemy is crushed to a pulp.

"I have always been a huge fan of Conan and his Hyborian universe, and to direct this game is a dream come true" said Game Director Gaute Godager, one of Funcom's founders and Game Director of 'Anarchy Online' and the heralded masterpiece 'Anarchy Online - Shadowlands'. "We are truly trying to make this the ultimate representation of Conan's world, and we are filling it with features never before seen in an online game. Have you not felt the urge when a great single-player RPG ends to have your character live on and interact with other fellow travelers? To enter an even greater world? This is that opportunity, to have a detailed RPG all about you, your choices and your character, and if you win - to share that victory at an even greater stage."

'Age of Conan' will have a plethora of additional features, as is expected from a Funcom online game. A presentation of the game, including more information about its features, will be held at E3 in May.

The Conan brand is destined to become THE fantasy license of 2006 as over 45 companies are working on a massive coordinated re-launch of the world's greatest fantasy hero. With a movie from Warner Brothers and an anime movie from Swordplay Entertainment underway, an ongoing comic series from Dark Horse Comics, new novels from Penguin, a collectible toy line from McFarlane Toys, an Online Action RPG from Funcom and a vast range of official merchandise, Conan is reentering the global scene of entertainment with a brutal beheading of the competition.

"This is the first time fans will be able to experience Conan's incredible world first-hand, and be in awe at the scope of it" said Fredrik Malmberg, Head of licensing and Creative Affairs at Conan Properties International. "The game is incredibly true to the works of Conan creator Robert E. Howard, who envisioned a violent, visceral world akin to a volcano about to erupt. Heads will roll."

More information and screenshots from the game can be found on the official website: www.ageofconan.com

Official information about the Conan universe: www.conan.com

*Quote taken from PC Zones upcoming preview for May 2005: "Robert E. Howard's mystical fantasy world brought to staggeringly attractive life online (...) we can't wait to strap on our furry boots, oil up our pectorals and practice our best Austrian accents. And it takes a lot to make us admit to that kind of behaviour."

ABOUT FUNCOM - Funcom is an independent developer and publisher of computer and console games with a focus on Action Adventure and Online Games. Funcom has provided outstanding entertainment since 1993 and continues to expand its track-record of 24 released games to date. Recent successes include 'The Longest Journey' and 'Anarchy Online'. For corporate information please visit www.funcom.com. For information about Funcom games visit www.anarchy-online.com, www.dreamfall.com or www.ageofconan.com.

ABOUT CONAN PROPERTIES INTERNATIONAL - Conan Properties International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Paradox Entertainment Inc., controls all rights to Conan, associated characters and the Hyborian world, as created by Robert E. Howard and expanded upon by acclaimed authors and artists for decades. Conan is considered to be the world's best-known fantasy character. For more information about Conan Properties International, visit www.conan.com. For information about Paradox Entertainment Inc., visit www.paradox-entertainment.com.