Conan // Xbox 360
God of clones

// The skinny: Caught up in his lust for power, Conan unwittingly frees an imprisoned wizard. After the encounter he washes upon a shore and embarks on retrieving his mystical armor and searching for his woman.

// Review: Conan was a game that flew under the radar mainly because of the long shadow cast by the much ballyhooed Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures MMO. It's a shame because while it's a straight rip off of God of War, it's a great rip off.

/ The story is unsurprisingly shallow. Conan acidentally releases an evil sorcerer, meets a buxom hottie, then proceeds to stomp ass. A paper thin plot isn't necessarily a detraction because who really wants intrigue or character development in a Conan title? What you really expect is wanton carnage, and Conan fully delivers it.

/ Much like the God of War series you gather up to 4 devastating magic attacks, engage in epic boss battles with Simon says finishing moves, and there is even an old woman who narrates the yarn with the same 3D painted stills. Conan slightly distinguishes itself in that you can pick up any weapons and whether you dual wield, use a shield, or two handed weapon, each style has its own set of moves. By cashing in experience orbs you can buy new combos giving the fighting a good amount of depth.

/ Conan also has an amped up visceral appeal. Every blood strewn dismemberment and bone crunching hack feel awesomely brutal. And Conan doesn't just open doors. He kicks them in or gives them a brawny clean and jerk. You can also rescue fair maidens for more xp, who all happen to be naked and enthusiastically grateful.

/ There were some noticeable missteps. Ron Perlman was cast as Conan. While he does a good job, it feels off because you expect someone that sounds more brutish and less sophisticated. The platforming and puzzle solving elements were weak and the presentation was lacking.

// Wrap up: Just because it apes criminally from God of War doesn't mean that it's not fun. If you enjoyed that franchise then this will make for a great rental.

Entertainment rating: 3.5