Helping to keep things interesting is the excellent weapons system. Conan can always fall back on his trusted one-handed blade, but you’re encouraged to experiment by picking up the tools of fallen foes. One-handed short swords, two-handed pikes, dual-wielded sabres, shields - each overtly affects Conan’s style, so it’s vital to pick the best.

As reward for your Herculean labours, Conan hits the payback button big time; treating you lucky lot to perhaps the goriest game since Soldier of Fortune. It’s hard to explain in mere words how visceral Conan is; but you’ll derive extreme satisfaction as you hack into your human foes, even if the game’s final mission - which pits our Cimmerian against a variety of vaporous spirits and living statues, misses the splattered point somewhat.

The more imaginatively you massacre your foes, the more red orbs you’ll accumulate with which to purchase even more charnel-licious moves. Build up your little yellow bar to the max and your swords will sing the Song of Death, glowing red and whistling through the air as you slice and dice with abandon. Best of all, though, are the execution moves - initiated by pressing LT to block just at the point of impact. Then if you’re quick enough to hit one of the face buttons Conan’ll get busy ripping out entrails, cleaving foes in twain and popping their skulls like ripe melons.