'Age of Conan: Rise of the Godslayer' Launches, Game Available Now

DURHAM, N.C., May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Funcom is proud to announce the launch of 'Age of Conan: Rise of the Godslayer', the expansion to the critically acclaimed, best-selling massively multiplayer online game 'Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures'. 'Rise of the Godslayer' is now available in retail as a combined package that includes the original game and the expansion, and is also available for purchase online for players upgrading from the original game. 'Rise of the Godslayer' not only introduces countless hours of new adventure through the addition of new lands and dungeons, it also adds all-new gameplay features such as the faction system.

"We are very excited about seeing 'Age of Conan' back on the shelves in retail as a renewed and revitalized experience comprised of both the original game and the expansion, exactly two years after the launch of the original game in May 2008," says Funcom CEO Trond Arne Aas. "We feel very confident about the level of quality offered in this expansion, and the initial reactions from press and players so far only serve to confirm our confidence in the game."

'Age of Conan: Rise of the Godslayer' has been undergoing beta tests for the past few months, where both players and the press have been participating. This week the first previews and reviews started coming in from the press, and here are some of the reactions observed so far:

"Khitai is visually striking [...] The alternate advancement system is looking like a fantastic way to add more diversification and individuality to your character..."

MMORPG.com

"My time with 'Rise of the Godslayer' has essentially confirmed what Funcom has been saying for weeks. It is a labor of love, and the effort shows in everything from the amount of new content, to the considered and varied advancement options, to the high production values…"

Massively.com

"... 'Rise of the Godslayer' rounds out the 'Age of Conan' experience in an incredible way [...] Funcom is definitely taking a huge step in the right direction with 'Rise of the Godslayer'..."

ZAM.com

'Age of Conan: Rise of the Godslayer' is being distributed through retail by CompuExpert in the US and by Deep Silver in the European markets, and is available as an all-new combined package that includes both the original game and the expansion so that even new players who might not own a previous copy of the game can easily get started on their adventures through the new lands of Khitai. It is also possible to upgrade an existing copy of 'Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures' to the expansion through the Funcom account management system, or by purchasing the game in retail and upgrading with the key enclosed in the box.

"We are very proud to be launching the expansion for Age of Conan," says Executive Producer and Game Director Craig Morrison. "This is the culmination of a lot of hard work from the development team, and I think they have created a wonderfully engaging experience for our players. We are really looking forward to welcoming our players to Khitai!"

Launching in May 2008 'Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures' quickly became a smash hit in retail, shipping over 1.2 million copies around the world. In North America, the most prominent online gaming market in the west, 'Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures' became the third best-selling PC title of the year in 2008. In the weeks after launch 'Age of Conan' simultaneously topped the charts in 17 countries, and the game received critical acclaim from gaming press across the globe. 'Age of Conan' is now available in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian and Polish localized versions, and is being prepared for launch in Korea as well.

Download the latest artworks, screenshots and videos at ftp.funcom.com/press

Go to www.ageofconan.com for more information such as a complete list of features.

ABOUT FUNCOM - Funcom is an independent developer and publisher of online games for PC and consoles. Funcom has provided outstanding entertainment since 1993 and continues to expand its track-record of more than twenty released games. Recent titles include 'Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures', 'The Longest Journey', 'Anarchy Online' and 'Dreamfall: The Longest Journey'. For corporate information please visit. For information about Funcom games visit www.anarchy-online.com www.dreamfall.com, www.darkdaysarecoming.com or www.ageofconan.com. Funcom is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker FUNCOM.

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

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Funcom