Age of Conan: Unchained vs Patron
Age of Conan: Unchained
Age of Conan: Unchained is an MMORPG that's based on the timeless classic comic and TV series, Conan the Barbarian. Featuring one of the best fantasy-themed lore, the game also has a very unique action-based combat system that, despite its steep learning curve, is comparable to that of TERA... though, we'd say that combat in this game is much more varied. You can weave spells, attempt to capture battlekeeps with massive siege machines and even enjoy some good ol' mounted combat that is surprisingly not at all too clunky. However, you should bear in mind that this MMO has been around for quite some time, so the graphics in this game might be a tad bit old fashioned.What we love the most about Age of Conan is that the game actually rewards players who go off the beaten track and explore the secret corners of the world that questlines will never bring you to. The shift from being a subscription-based MMO to becoming a free-to-play MMO has been very well-received too, mainly because it injects a certain amount of much-needed players into its population and well, it allows newcomers to try the game out at no cost.
All in all, Age of Conan is a solid MMORPG that is very well-suited for players who like to explore and a challenge. Hardcore fans of Conan may want to try this game out as well, even if it's only to experience the different storylines in the game.
Patron
Patron is a medieval-themed city-builder that is quite similar to Banished. In this game, you play as a pioneer sent by your King to colonize a new region. With a group of peasants to help, it is up to you to build a town from the ground up and develop it into one of the most prosperous colonies of the empire!The game is all about optimizing production chains and subsequently, pursuing advancements. So, at the beginning, it’s important to produce enough raw materials so you can have enough materials to “fuel” your other production facilities in order to craft more profitable items. As your town expands, you’ll need to make sure your production scales up accordingly, be it by upgrading existing structures or building new ones. This is where the challenge really comes in.
Of course, besides upgrades and expansions, you’ll want to invest in research so you could unlock better and, hence, more productive buildings, as well as new production facilities which will then allow you to produce items that are usually more luxurious and lucrative to trade. From time to time, you will receive various edicts from the King or news of certain events. You’ll then be expected to choose between the two decisions provided.
All in all, Patron is definitely a much better version of Banished in every way, and this saying something since I’ve enjoyed playing Banished. This game’s a solid medieval city-builder with a nice level of difficulty which matches what a midcore gamer like me can handle. The game is definitely worth the cost!