Written by Alexander O. Cuaycong and Anthony L. Cuaycong
Title: Conan Exiles
Developer: Funcom
Publisher: Funcom
Price: $49.99
Genre: Action, RPG
Also Available On: Steam, XB1
The world of Conan the Barbarian is grim and harsh, set in a mythical time of conquerers, despoilers, and slavers, where power and magic ruled. Written by Robert E. Howard, Conan the Barbarian is about survival in a place that values strength and cunning, and about persevering amidst the harshness of the land and the cruelties its people can do to the less fortunate.
Funcom's Conan Exiles on the PlayStation 4 tries to replicate the experience, thrusting players into a multiplayer milieu where they must forage for food and water, scavenge what supplies they can find, and build and defend their homes from bandits and other players. It's an engaging idea as it applies to the game’s harsh environments, aiming to capture the very essence of the source material.
At the onset, Conan Exiles lets players create characters and customize appearances as they please. Left crucified and destined to die, they're saved by Conan and thrust immediately into the world on their own, with little to their name. Thusly, their prime objective is clear: Survive.
Indeed, Conan Exiles does not have any overarching story, instead relying on players to create their own in-game. And, in this regard, it provides the proper atmosphere. Even as its graphical presentation lacks flash, the musky, dirty filter it uses to accompany the many barren sights makes its myriad locations stand out. From dusky caverns to windy tundras to endless deserts, it boasts of locations that highlight the difficulties associated with living in the world of Conan.
And difficult it is. In Conan Exiles, players must find a way to balance hunger and thirst with action, all the while developing skills to better equip themselves for the challenges ahead. As is typical of other titles in the survival genre, crafting is essential, and various types of weapons and armor are all within reach for players who persevere in either making them or looting them from the ranks of the dead.
In games like Conan Exiles, those who have played longer in comparison have the advantage. In multiplayer setups, “griefing” exists and raiding happens every so often, so it can be difficult to get too invested when player progress is tied to the accumulation of items and the exploration of diverse locations, which other players can claim and destroy. Death is not permanent, but it does present complications, especially when player-versus-player combat feels unfulfilling and floaty.
Thankfully, Conan Exiles has a single-player option, and even as it gives off an air of desolation, it likewise allows for the freedom of progression sans complications. And it's through these quiet moments when players are allowed unfettered movement that the game really shines, highlighting its many dungeons to explore and collectibles to find.
Admittedly, Conan Exiles is far from perfect. Over time, however, it gets immersive. Compared to other sandbox/survival titles like Subnautica, Minecraft, and Rust, it doesn't look as artistic or as stylized. Nonetheless, its gameplay remains strangely compelling, propped up by the way it presents its harsh, arid climates.
Despite all its flaws, Conan Exiles is able to stand against its competitors well enough to warrant a purchase at $49.99. It's neither the best looking nor the most satisfying in its genre, but it's inviting all the same. Fans of dark and gritty settings will find it right up their alley.
THE GOOD
- Compelling atmosphere
- Character growth is straightforward and easy to understand
- Hours upon hours of gameplay on hand
THE BAD
- Progression requires grinding and feels like a chore at times
- Stylistically lacking compared to other games of the genre
- Unoriginal, giving off a “been there, done that” vibe
RATING: 7/10
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