Does that title make me sound like a fanboy? Sadly, I am still under NDA, and though I have requested permission to discuss certain aspects of the game, I have not received it yet.  I do believe I am safe to offer my opinion though - and that is to say - if this game ends up running smoothly, it's pretty friggin' bad-ass.

For the last week I've been playing the Age of Conan open beta. Being the open beta client, and not the closed beta - there is a significant difference in playability and number of bugs - why this is so is beyond me. The only issues I have with the game are a result of things that should be addressed by release.

I've got the preorder, and will be playing heavily starting the 17th (my wife also just happens to be out town for a design conference that week - huzzah) and I'll let you know how playing an 18+ game affects the overall level of griefing and asshattery usually associated with MMOs.

If you are a member of fileplanet, you should be able to get an open-beta key from them and play. And if you are already in the OB, then this is not news to you - but in case you were wondering why you should bother, check out this announcement from the official site -

On the 10th of May Funcom is transforming the entire Open Beta into PvP MAYHEM, while at the same time giving testers access to all which Hyboria has to offer!

As we take down our servers for a short period we are at the same time changing the entire server rule-set to Free For All PvP carnage!

Here are the dirty details:

• All servers become PvP servers. You can kill each other – no level restrictions on killing or getting killed, but you cannot PvP in the major cities.
• All level 13 characters becomes level 20. Their inventory is wiped, but they have “tons” of money and really nice equipment suitable for level 20’s. Shopping bonanza!
• You have access to ALL zones and ALL levels after level 20!
• You will be zoned to your Race’s Hub. (Cimmerians – Conarch Village, Aquillonians – Old Tarantia and Stygians – Khemi!

We will get back with detailed information on the exact time it starts on the official Open Beta forums at IGN, as well as on the Age of Conan forums and community site.

 Oh hell yeah, extra time to strengthen my sword arm - see you in-game!

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