============================================================================
¦ 0 2 5 ¦
============================================================================
MASTER CLASS - COMBAT
Combat is the main element that makes Conan such an enjoyable title to play.
Combat, and boobies for the boys. ANYHOW, the combat system in Conan is very
easy to get to grips with, generally very responsive and GREAT fun to use,
but if you want to know how to get the MOST out of it ? I have a number of
helpful hints and tips for you to consider.
Before we get to those, however, let's go through the whole combat spiel from
start to finish.
You move Conan using the thumbsticks - the left thumbstick gets him to either
walk or run around in whatever direction you push, and the right thumbstick
gets him to roll in whatever direction you push.
Fighting is done by pressing any of the X, Y, B, A, LB, LT, RB and RT buttons,
each of which produces a different result as follows :-
X - Fast/Light Attack (Quick, but doesn't do a lot of damage);
Y - Slow/Strong Attack (Slower, but does lots more damage);
B - Grab/Throw (Grapples your enemy for a throw/hold that will stun them);
A - Jump;
LB - Casts whatever Spell you currently have selected;
LT - Block/Parry;
RB - Pick up Item/Weapon; and
RT - Throw Weapon
Any idiot can wade into enemies and just randomly mash the buttons in the hope
that he's going to come out on top - however this is a MASTER CLASS people,
so we are aiming for the HIGHEST echelons of fighting prowess, non ??
Therefore OUR combat techniques will centre around the following :-
1) The individual strike;
2) The combo attack; and/or
3) The counter-attack.
=====================
THE INDIVIDUAL STRIKE
=====================
The individual strike is, very simply, where you hit the buttons but do not
pull off a recognisable combo. It is the simplest fighting style to adopt,
and will reflect most of your initial play (without this or a similar guide
to work with at least).
================
THE COMBO ATTACK
================
Striking the right buttons in the right combination (e.g. X,X,X,X) will (if
you have purchased the appropriate combo and are wielding the right type of
weaponry) execute a combo attack.
Each combo attack has its own name - e.g. "Fast Strike Finisher" or "The
Barbarian", giving it its own identity.
In order to buy combo attacks, you must acquire red runes (which you can get
by either slaying enemies, freeing buxom beauties or cracking open treasure
chests). Once you have obtained enough red runes to enable you to buy a
combo attack, a tiny little depiction of the back button will appear in the
bottom left-hand corner of the screen, to show you that you can purchase a
combo attack.
Pressing the back button will take you into the Combat Abilities screen.
===========================
THE COMBAT ABILITIES SCREEN
===========================
I have already described this, but for the sake of completeness here is a
considerably more in-depth appraisal of that screen.
The Combat Abilities screen has five icons running along the top, being :-
1) "Ready to Learn" - a picture of Conan's face;
2) "General Move" - a picture of an open hand;
3) "One-Handed" - a picture of a sword on a shield;
4) "Dual-Wield" - a picture of two crossed swords; and
5) "Two-Handed" - a picture of two hands gripping a large sword.
You will make all your combo attack purchases on the first screen - the
"Ready to Learn" screen - but if you cycle through the second to fifth screens
you will see those combo attacks that you have already learned in that combat
style, together with confirmation of your current level of mastery in each.
You will also see question marks beside those combo attacks which are in this
particular fighting style, but which you have NOT yet learned, for your
reference.
Beneath the icons at the top there is a run-down of certain key pieces of
information regarding each of the combo attacks on offer, so here are some
notes about those :-
* The image to the left of the combo's name corresponds with one of the icons
for screens 2-5, so for example at the top of the list are two combos with
the same name - "Fast Strike Finisher" - HOWEVER, one is only useable when
you have a sword and/or shield (the FIRST one), and the other is useable
only when you are wielding two single-handed weapons (the SECOND one).
* The button combo to the right of the combo's name is (rather obviously) the
combination of buttons you need to press to do the combo successfully.
* A description of the combo is at the bottom of the screen, with two figures
to the right of it. The first figure - that under "Experience Cost" -
shows you how many experience points you have to give up in order to buy
this combo; the second figure - that under "Experience" - shows you how
many experience points you have amassed.
IT IS VERY, VERY IMPORTANT that you realise that you do NOT have to spend all
your experience points in one gigantic splurge. You CAN if you would like,
but some of the combos on offer are well worth saving up for, so I would
strongly suggest you don't always blow your experience on the cheapest combo
available ... juuuuuuuuuuuust a thought ;)
Read through the combos to see what you like - if you are the type of player
that likes to build up a broad base of skills across all the different
fighting styles, then you will want to pick up as many combos as possible. If
however you are the type of player that thinks "Pfffft, I'm NEVER going to
use a twin-handed weapon - they're WELL biff", then there is absolutely NO
point in buying combos for that weapon type, non ??
=================
MASTERING A COMBO
=================
Once you have performed a combo attack a certain number of times, you will
attain what is called "Mastery" of that combo. This means that doing the
combo from THAT point on will result in bigger rewards for you (greater green,
red and blue rune deposits mostly).
==================
THE COUNTER-ATTACK
==================
The third (and MOST satisfying) method of combat in Conan is what is called
the Counter-Attack. This is where you parry an incoming attack, and counter
it, thus slaying your opponent immediately.
It goes without saying that this type of attack cannot be used against bosses
(more's the pity as most of them RICHLY deserve it !!).
If you acquaint yourself with the LT button (the left-hand trigger button at
the back of your controller), you will find that by pressing and holding it,
Conan blocks as many incoming attacks as he can. If he has a shield, he can
block more attacks (the so-called "unblockable" attacks - or at least some
of them), but it's very simple to block - you literally just hold the left
trigger, and he's blocking as much as he can.
PARRYING, however, is another kettle of fish. Think of parrying as a gold
medal performance, whilst blocking is the bronze.
In order to successfully parry an incoming attack, you must press the LT (left
trigger) IMMEDIATELY BEFORE YOU ARE STRUCK. This means you have to watch your
opponent to see what they're doing, and time your parry just right. In order
to make your life easier, try parrying the easier enemies first, just to get
a feel for how to parry well, and THEN try your hand at parrying the more
powerful enemies later in the game.
==========================================================================
NB. GENERALLY-SPEAKING, YOU CANNOT PARRY BOSSES - YOU CAN ONLY BLOCK THEM.
==========================================================================
When you have successfully parried an attack you WILL know about it, because
one of the letters X, Y or B will appear immediately over your head. If you
respond quickly enough by pressing the corresponding button on your controller
you will find that Conan counter-attacks (thus slaying his enemy).
The counter-attacks in Conan are nothing short of BRUTAL, and will leave your
jaw in your LAP the first few times you see them - some of them are literally
BREATHTAKING.
Each fighting style has its own set of counter-attacks, and I have taken the
liberty of listing them in section 0 2 6 below :-
===================
THE FIGHTING STYLES
===================
Since you now know what the different fighting styles are (grappling, one-
handed weapon (with, or without shield), dual-wield and two-handed weapon),
we should go into more depth on the fighting styles so that I can explain
their respective strengths and weaknesses.
=========
GRAPPLING
=========
Grappling your enemies involved grabbing them, and man-handling them. You
can only grapple those enemies that are either stunned, or are weaker (i.e.
smaller) than you. You cannot grapple larger enemies as they have a habit of
countering your grapple and kicking you squah in the noots ;)
If you are able to successfully grapple an enemy, you can execute any of the
"General Moves" listed above (provided you have purchased them), or just throw
your enemy (which is your standard grapple move) around the area.
Throwing is arguably the most USEFUL of the moves available, as you can throw
them into their comrades, or off ledges (hurling them to their deaths in the
process), or even into spiked walls or fences (which is rather satisfying I
must say).
Grappling is NOT the best form of combat, and should be used with due
consideration for your surroundings.
Here is a list of all the grappling moves in the game :-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : BODY THROW
HOW TO DO : B
DESCRIPTION : Grab a small enemy and throw him
EFFECTS : Grapple
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : BODY SLAM
HOW TO DO : B, B
DESCRIPTION : Grab a small enemy and slam him to the ground
EFFECTS : Grapple
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : PILEDRIVER
HOW TO DO : B, X
DESCRIPTION : Grab a small enemy and drive his head into the ground
EFFECTS : Grapple
BONUS : 2 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : BACKBREAKER
HOW TO DO : B, Y
DESCRIPTION : Grab a small enemy and break his back
EFFECTS : Grapple
BONUS : 5 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : CAMEL PUNCH
HOW TO DO : B
DESCRIPTION : Quick punch that stuns, setting up enemy for further attacks
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : DEATH STOMP
HOW TO DO : Prone + X
DESCRIPTION : Quick kick to a prone enemy
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : DOUBLE DEATH STOMP
HOW TO DO : Prone + X, X
DESCRIPTION : Follow up kick to a prone enemy
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : DEATH STOMP FINISHER
HOW TO DO : Prone + X, X, X
DESCRIPTION : Finishing kick to a prone enemy
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : LAST BREATH
HOW TO DO : Prone + Y
DESCRIPTION : Finish a prone enemy
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
==========
ONE-HANDED
==========
One-Handed fighting is basically two different styles in one. You can wield
a one-handed weapon (such as a short sword or an axe), OR you can with the
same weapon WITH A SHIELD in your other hand. Regardless of which
configuration you go for, you will be deemed to be fighting "one-handed".
IF YOU HAVE A SHIELD EQUIPPED you will be able to block arrows. This is the
ONLY way to block arrows in Conan - if you don't have a shield you will have
to roll or otherwise dodge out of their way to avoid being perforated like a
rather fetching tea bag.
Additionally, carrying a shield gives you added protection from unblockable
hits. It doesn't enable you to block EVERY unblockable hit in the game, but
lower-level enemies will be blocked by your shield.
Therefore my suggestion, if this is the type of style that appeals to you,
is to try and combine the one-handed weapon WITH a shield.
You can throw the shield and then go and pick it up, which is nice - however
the shield does impact on your ability to grapple, as sometimes you will use
the shield to slice an enemy's head off rather than get them into a close-
quarters hold (but hey ! It's aaaaaaaaaall good) ;)
There is another variation to the one-handed fighting school, which is where
you combine a one-handed weapon with a lit torch. In this fighting style,
you can execute the finishing moves and standard moves of the one-handed
school, but you can also finish up a combo by swiping an enemy (or animal)
with your torch, causing significant burn damage (and much hilarious laughter)
in the process.
You can also use the RB button to ignite combustible material, such as tents,
wooden platforms, vines, and so on.
Here is a list of all the one-handed moves in the game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : CROM'S CURSE
HOW TO DO : Parry + B
DESCRIPTION : Pull a small enemy's guts out with Conan's bare fist
EFFECTS : Grapple
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : SKULL CRUSHER
HOW TO DO : Parry + X
DESCRIPTION : Decapitate a small enemy from behind
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : CLEAVE IN TWAIN
HOW TO DO : Parry + Y
DESCRIPTION : Toss a small enemy into the air then slice him in half
EFFECTS : Grapple
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : SHIELD SHAKER
HOW TO DO : B
DESCRIPTION : Quick punch using Conan's shield to break his shield
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : AIR STRIKE
HOW TO DO : In Air + X
DESCRIPTION : Opening strike in midair
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : DOUBLE AIR STRIKE
HOW TO DO : In Air + X, X
DESCRIPTION : Follow up strike in midair
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : FAST STRIKE
HOW TO DO : X
DESCRIPTION : Opening strike with weapon
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : DOUBLE STRIKE
HOW TO DO : X, X
DESCRIPTION : Follow up strike with weapon
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : TRIPLE STRIKE
HOW TO DO : X, X, X
DESCRIPTION : Repeated strike with weapon
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : FAST STRIKE FINISHER
HOW TO DO : X, X, X, X
DESCRIPTION : Finishing fast strike combo
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : ELBOW STUN
HOW TO DO : X, Y
DESCRIPTION : Stun a small enemy, setting him up for further attacks
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Stun
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : WARRIOR SUPLEX
HOW TO DO : X, Y, Y
DESCRIPTION : Grab a small enemy and slam him down creating a shockwave
EFFECTS : Grapple, Heavy
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : THIEF OF BEL
HOW TO DO : X, Y, B
DESCRIPTION : Disarm an enemy's weapon and use it in Dual Wield
EFFECTS : Unblockable
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : BEL'S WRATH
HOW TO DO : X, Y, B, X
DESCRIPTION : Disarm and use an enemy's weapon against him
EFFECTS : Unblockable
BONUS : 5 Green Runes + 1 Blue Rune
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : BEL'S REVENGE
HOW TO DO : X, Y, B, X, X
DESCRIPTION : Disarm and hit an enemy repeatedly with his own weapon
EFFECTS : Unblockable
BONUS : 5 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : BEL'S GAMBIT
HOW TO DO : Y, Y, X
DESCRIPTION : Fling a small enemy's weapon into the air and strike his head
EFFECTS : Grapple
BONUS : 5 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : CIMMERIAN CHARGE
HOW TO DO : X, X, Y
DESCRIPTION : Powerful charge attack
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker
BONUS : 2 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : SHIELD SLAYER
HOW TO DO : X, X, Y
DESCRIPTION : Uppercut strike with a shield
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : HYBORIAN HEAD SMASH
HOW TO DO : Y, X
DESCRIPTION : Stun a small enemy with a powerful headbutt
EFFECTS : Grapple, Unblockable, Stun
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : MONKEY SLAM
HOW TO DO : X, X, X, Y
DESCRIPTION : Hold a small enemy by the neck then slam him to the ground
EFFECTS : Grapple, Unblockable
BONUS : 5 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : USURPER THROW
HOW TO DO : X, X, X, Y, B
DESCRIPTION : Throw a small enemy after neck hold
EFFECTS : Grapple
BONUS : 5 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : SPINNING DEATH
HOW TO DO : X, X, X, Y, Y + Hold
DESCRIPTION : Spin a small enemy repeatedly
EFFECTS : Grapple, Sweep
BONUS : 5 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : HEAD POP
HOW TO DO : Y, X, X
DESCRIPTION : Decapitate small enemy with Conan's shield
EFFECTS : Heavy
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : SHIELD STRIP
HOW TO DO : Y, X, B
DESCRIPTION : Grab an enemy's shield
EFFECTS : Grapple, Shield Removal
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : IMMOLATION
HOW TO DO : Flaming Torch + X, X, X, X
DESCRIPTION : Light multiple enemies on fire
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : HEAVY AIR ATTACK
HOW TO DO : In Air + Y
DESCRIPTION : Descending heavy air strike
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : HEAVY STRIKE
HOW TO DO : Y
DESCRIPTION : Opening heavy strike with weapon
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : HEAVY RUNNING STRIKE
HOW TO DO : Y
DESCRIPTION : Opening heavy strike while running
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : DOUBLE HEAVY STRIKE
HOW TO DO : Follow up heavy strike with weapon
DESCRIPTION : Shield Breaker, Heavy
EFFECTS : None
BONUS :
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : HEAVY STRIKE FINISHER
HOW TO DO : Y, Y, Y
DESCRIPTION : Finishing heavy combo strike
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
==========
DUAL-WIELD
==========
Dual-Wield is THE fighting style for me I have to say. Whilst it is arguably
the poor relation of the four styles you have available to you, it is most
certainly the flashiest and most breathtaking visually.
You can combine any two one-handed weapons - they needn't be the same, and so
it's just as viable for you to play in Dual-Wield mode with two axes, two
short swords, or an axe and a short sword - your choice entirely.
Unfortunately you cannot block arrows with Dual-Wield, which would have been
nice but I can appreciate that they wanted to keep that solely for those of
you that like to use the shield.
Dual-Wield is arguably the quickest fighting style in the game, and you can
throw one (or both, if you have a sword on your back) of your weapons at your
enemies and pick them up (if they hit) later, so you always have at least one
projectile attack available to you when you are Dual-Wielding.
There is a certain level of versatility in fighting as a Dual-Wield specialist
insofar as some combos include block breaking moves, whilst others are able
to be extended (not indefinitely, but try the improved variation of the
standard Windmill Combo, and you'll see what I mean).
If you're interested in more flash than substance, and the GENUINE "Wow"
factor of slaughtering enemies like a pro, then this is perhaps the fighting
style for you !!
Here is a list of all the dual-wield moves in the game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : GWAHLUR'S LEAP
HOW TO DO : Parry + B
DESCRIPTION : Vicious stab into an enemy's shoulders, finishing with a mighty
leap
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : BLADE FURY
HOW TO DO : Parry + X
DESCRIPTION : Multiple rapid slashes with a finishing kick to the ground
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : HEAD STOMP
HOW TO DO : Parry + Y
DESCRIPTION : Decapitating head stomp after flinging the enemy into the air
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : AIR STRIKE
HOW TO DO : In Air + X
DESCRIPTION : Opening strike in midair
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : DOUBLE AIR STRIKE
HOW TO DO : In Air + X, X
DESCRIPTION : Follow up strike in midair
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : FAST STRIKE
HOW TO DO : X
DESCRIPTION : Opening strike with both weapons
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : DOUBLE STRIKE
HOW TO DO : X, X
DESCRIPTION : Follow up strike with both weapons
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : TRIPLE STRIKE
HOW TO DO : X, X, X
DESCRIPTION : Repeated strike with both weapons
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : QUAD STRIKE
HOW TO DO : X, X, X, X
DESCRIPTION : Continuing strike with both weapons
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : FAST STRIKE FINISHER
HOW TO DO : X, X, X, X, X
DESCRIPTION : Finishing uppercut strike
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : THE BARBARIAN
HOW TO DO : X, Y
DESCRIPTION : Fierce sideways strike with both weapons
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : WHIRLWIND
HOW TO DO : X, X, Y
DESCRIPTION : Windmill strike that lands multiple hits
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : SAVAGE SPIN
HOW TO DO : X, X, X + Hold
DESCRIPTION : Quick spin attack that can land multiple hits
EFFECTS : Sweep
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : BLACK RIVER RAGE
HOW TO DO : X, X, Y, Y
DESCRIPTION : Follow up windmill strike that lands multiple hits
EFFECTS : Heavy
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : THE MERCENARY
HOW TO DO : X, X, X, Y
DESCRIPTION : Finishing attack that can decapitate an enemy
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : CIMMERIAN CYCLONE
HOW TO DO : X, X, X, X + Hold
DESCRIPTION : Quick spin attack that can be repeated for multiple hits
EFFECTS : Sweep
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : WHEEL OF DEATH
HOW TO DO : X, X, X, X, Y
DESCRIPTION : Quick, low spin move that damages enemy's legs
EFFECTS : Unblockable
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : SORCERER'S SHOCK
HOW TO DO : Y, Y, Y + Hold
DESCRIPTION : Powerful shockwave that sends enemies flying
EFFECTS : Shockwave
BONUS : 10 Blue Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : FURY KICK
HOW TO DO : Y, X
DESCRIPTION : Powerful kick that sends small enemies flying
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : 5 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : HEAVY AIR ATTACK
HOW TO DO : In Air + Y
DESCRIPTION : Descending heavy air strike
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : HEAVY STRIKE
HOW TO DO : Y
DESCRIPTION : Opening strike with both weapons
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : DOUBLE HEAVY STRIKE
HOW TO DO : Y, Y
DESCRIPTION : Follow up attack with both weapons
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : TRIPLE HEAVY STRIKE
HOW TO DO : Y, Y, Y
DESCRIPTION : Repeated attack with both weapons
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : HEAVY STRIKE FINISHER
HOW TO DO : Y, Y, Y, Y
DESCRIPTION : Finishing attack with both weapons
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
==========
TWO-HANDED
==========
Ah, yes - the slowest, and most powerful of all the fighting styles available
to you is, without a doubt, the Two-Handed Fighting Style.
Whilst you will suffer with your attack speed, you will increase with your
reach, often being able to strike 2, or even sometimes 3 enemies at the same
time, resulting in MASS carnage (and a couple more achievements if you know
what I mean) ;).
There are a few drawbacks to fighting with the Two-Handed school, such as
blocking still isn't on par with the One-Handed School's sword-and-shield
combo, the reduction in speed is palpable, and (of course) you only have the
one weapon available to you, so if you throw it you'll be immediately busted
back to the One-Handed fighting school, as Conan draws his trusty sword from
the scabbard at his back.
Two-Handed is a good option for boss fights (once you've learned how they
attack you, and can time your strikes well), and large groups of enemies,
but variety being the spice of life, I tend to dip more into the Two-Handed
style periodically, than rely on it exclusively ... but that's just me.
As I have mentioned previously, you will NOT be able to block arrows with a
two-handed weapon, so don't even try.
Here is a list of all the two-handed moves in the game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : CROM'S CURSE
HOW TO DO : Parry + B
DESCRIPTION : Pull a small enemy's guts out with Conan's bare fist
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : STEPS OF HELL
HOW TO DO : Parry + X
DESCRIPTION : Vertically slice a small enemy after running up his chest
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : DEMON'S DESCENT
HOW TO DO : Parry + Y
DESCRIPTION : Vertically slice a small enemy after tossing him into the air
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : 1 Blue Rune
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : FAST STRIKE
HOW TO DO : X
DESCRIPTION : Opening strike with weapon
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : AIR FAST STRIKE
HOW TO DO : In Air + X
DESCRIPTION : Quick spinning strike in mid air
EFFECTS : Heavy
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : DOUBLE STRIKE
HOW TO DO : X, X
DESCRIPTION : Follow up 360 strike with weapon
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : FAST STRIKE FINISHER
HOW TO DO : X, X, X
DESCRIPTION : Finishing uppercut strike
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : UPPERCUT
HOW TO DO : X, Y
DESCRIPTION : Uppercut strike that sends a small enemy into the air
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : 5 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : OUTLAW'S HILT
HOW TO DO : X, X, B
DESCRIPTION : Damage an enemy's head with the hilt of Conan's weapon
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : 5 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : THE BLOODY CROWN
HOW TO DO : X, X, B, Y
DESCRIPTION : Finishing vertical strike that can cleave an enemy in half
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : GEMCUTTER
HOW TO DO : Y, X
DESCRIPTION : Quick groin kick that leaves a small enemy stunned (OUCH !!)
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : 2 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : KING'S EXECUTION
HOW TO DO : Y, X, Y
DESCRIPTION : Finishing vertical strike that cuts the enemy in half
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : None
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : STYGIAN SKEWER
HOW TO DO : X, X, Y
DESCRIPTION : Stab a small enemy directly in the gut
EFFECTS : Grapple, Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : 5 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : STYGIAN SKEWER FLING
HOW TO DO : X, X, Y, Y + Hold
DESCRIPTION : Spin a small enemy around, smashing into other enemies
EFFECTS : Grapple
BONUS : 5 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : MITRA'S HAND
HOW TO DO : Y, Y, Y, X
DESCRIPTION : Finishing strike that sends a shockwave that damages other
enemies
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : 10 Blue Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : CAPTAIN'S RUSH
HOW TO DO : X + Hold
DESCRIPTION : Quick sweeping charge attack
EFFECTS : Heavy
BONUS : 5 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : GIANT'S CRUSH
HOW TO DO : Y + Hold
DESCRIPTION : Powerful shockwave that sends enemies flying
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy, Shockwave
BONUS : 5 Green Runes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVE : SLAYER'S BLADESAW
HOW TO DO : X, X, X, Y
DESCRIPTION : Throw Conan's sword spinning towards an enemy
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : 10 Green Runes + 2 Blue Runes
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MOVE : HEAVY STRIKE
HOW TO DO : Y
DESCRIPTION : Opening heavy strike with weapon
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : None
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MOVE : HEAVY DESCENDING
HOW TO DO : In Air + Y
DESCRIPTION : Descending heavy air strike
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
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MOVE : DOUBLE HEAVY STRIKE
HOW TO DO : Y, Y
DESCRIPTION : Follow up heavy strike with weapon
EFFECTS : None
BONUS : None
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MOVE : TRIPLE HEAVY STRIKE
HOW TO DO : Y, Y, Y
DESCRIPTION : Follow up heavy strike with weapon
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : None
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MOVE : HEAVY STRIKE FINISHER
HOW TO DO : Y, Y, Y, Y
DESCRIPTION : Finishing heavy combo strike
EFFECTS : Shield Breaker, Heavy
BONUS : None
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=================
COMBAT TECHNIQUES
=================
So !! Now that we've had a look at the basics of combat, and the four main
fighting styles that are available to you during play, let's move up a step
and take on board some master-class tips, shall we ??
=====================
DOMINATING IN A 1-2-1
=====================
If you're looking to impress your mates then pick your fights carefully.
Conan is a FAR more skilled combatant than any individual enemy he faces,
with the possible exception of the Boss Fights, and so if you're in a 1-2-1
situation, take your time - don't rush your enemy, wait for them to attack
you and then parry and beat the mofo down ... then bask in the glory of the
kill.
=====================================
MULTIPLE ADVERSARIES AT THE SAME TIME
=====================================
When you are tackling multiple enemies at the same time, they will (as a
matter of course) attempt to surround you, to make their attacks more
effective.
This is absolutely fine - however you MUST learn to prioritise which enemies
to take out first.
As a master, you should be looking to take out any ranged units first, so
archers and spellcasters should be the first to fall. If you don't manage
to get to them immediately, then try and manoeuvre your enemies so that they
are standing inbetween you and the ranged units, as they WILL take damage from
arrows, energy blasts, explosions and so on and so forth.
Once you have bested all the ranged units, THEN and ONLY then would I look to
allow myself to be surrounded by the other attackers, and I would then focus
on watching out for the enemies with the quicker attacks first. In most
levels you will encounter 2-3 different levels of average enemy, with the
lowest being slow and dull, and the higher being quicker, stronger and smarter
so in the first two acts it would be the brown-shirted pirates and/or pirate
bosses, NOT the white pirates whereas in act three it would be the Stygian
Pikemen and NOT the Stygian Swordsmen.
You will find it easier to take out the weaker enemies first obviously, but
you should almost allow your peripheral vision to pick up on when they are
about to attack you, as their attacks are slow, predictable, and easily
parried. Hawkishly watch the stronger enemies for signs that THEY are about
to launch an attack at you (and whether you will be able to parry it, or
whether it will be unblockable), and respond accordingly.
When you ARE surrounded, and multiple enemies begin to attack you, try and
concentrate on parrying the one that will hit you first (because attempting
to block that one and parry somebody else is tricky at best), and ignoring
the others. Once you have successfully parried an attack, the game slows
down just a touch which should give you the time to counter-attack the first
enemy, and conveniently side-step or spin away from the other inbound attacks
no worries at all - it's all just a matter of keeping a level head, and
watching the timing.
Finally, when you are engaging multiple enemies at the same time, LEARN TO
MASTER THE ROLL TECHNIQUE. You can roll away, sometimes even during a brief
repose in a combo, and almost CERTAINLY if your enemy fails to strike you
with one of the hits of whatever combo THEY are attempting to pull off at a
given time, and so you can REALLY put rolling into and out of combat
situations to GREAT use - a prime example being whenever you have to fight
more than one lion at a time. Hit-and-move (roll), rinse and repeat !!
========
FEIGNING
========
Feigning is the process of making it look like you're going to do one thing,
and then going and doing another. Whilst the AI in the game is not the best,
you will experience great benefits during combat if you feign or dupe your
opponent into making a move, and then taking advantage of their committing TO
that move, particularly if they are bigger and/or slower than you.
Therefore if you go to strike a pirate boss with a strong attack, and he goes
to block, he has committed to blocking. You can roll away (if you haven't
already gone too far into the strong attack), and attack him from another
angle.
Granted it doesn't ALWAYS work, but there are times when this technique will
pay off and you will go "Hmmmmmmmm ... so Sinister DOESN'T just like the
sound of his own voice" ... ;)
====
LURE
====
Since your enemies will follow you around once they have spotted you, if there
are archers with explosive arrows pelting the arena floor (such as in the
first Bone Cleaver fight, you can lure your enemies so that they actually walk
over the exploding arrows and, if your timing is right, they will go booooom !
MUCH hilarity to be had doing that I assure you !!
========
THROWING
========
Whilst throwing an enemy at another enemy doesn't do a huge amount of damage
to either, it CAN result in stun damage, which leaves the enemy/ies vulnerable
to massive amounts of damage for a few secs (you can even finish them in a
variety of suitable brutal ways if you choose to).
=========
FLASHBOMB
=========
If you want to do something VERY special, hurl a burning torch into a fire
and watch the sparks FLY, OR strike the fire with a weapon for the same
effect ;)
The fire will recharge over time, but you should rely upon this as a last-
ditch effort if you're getting crowded whilst around a campfire, as it will
act like a mini-shockwave, sending any enemies too close to the flames flying
away.
================
ATTACKING FASTER
================
[Thanks to my brother for this one]
Conan's finishing animations for some of his combos are BEAUTIFUL, but quite
drawn-out (for dramatic purposes). If you incorporate a roll at the end of
a combo, you will achieve 2 things. Firstly, you will make yourself harder
to hit, and SECONDLY you will cut the combo animation short, enabling you to
attack again quicker. Use this technique to therefore significantly increase
the speed and ferocity with which Conan can attack.
===========================
HIGHER-RANKING CHAIN COMBOS
===========================
It goes without saying that it is possible to get some VERY high-hitting
combos in the game. In order to do this you will obviously need a LOT of
enemies to go through, and some multi-hit combos to keep you going ... an
especially good one to accrue HUGE numbers of hits (because you're going to
want to use something that hits a lot of times and does comparatively little
damage, so you can keep your enemies alive for longer) is the Dual-Wield
School's "Wheel of Death" move (X, X, X, X, Y).
HOWEVER, in order to bolster your chances of getting really stupidly high-
hitting combos, you can adopt one of two techniques that my brother and I
use - they are different, so I'll let you decide.
- I would take full advantage of the slow-down that takes place when Conan
completes a combo LIKE the Wheel of Death, and do a forward roll AFTER
he's finished the move to position yourself for its next instance;
- He would roll just before the end of the combo to give him a tiny bit
more time to get into position to do his next instance of the combo (or,
knowing him, a totally different combo - he likes to mix it up).
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