Players create and customise their character based on four classic archetypes: soldier, rogue, priest or magic-user. Choosing to be Stygian, Cimmerian or Aquilonian also determines your sub-class, such as assassin, shaman or conqueror.

When you step into the game world, two things are apparent: the land of Hyboria has been realised in stunning detail, but you'll need a PC with hefty specs to appreciate it.

Most of the game adheres to typical MMORPG formula (questing, socialising and crafting), but combat is strikingly original and addictive. Players use power-boosting combat stances and use deadly weapon combos to attack in real-time, striking from above, left or right.

Online games evolve dramatically over time, but Age Of Conan is already off to a muscular start.