It sure looks like Age of Conan is shaping up to be one buffed up game - and we have the images to prove it. These images were actually taken from its beta test, and we'd have to say, it's getting there.

The collection actually is that of the game's setting, which is, as described by game director Gaute Godager of Funcom in an interview with OGaming, "..like a dark, decadent, twisted and corrupt version of Euro-Asian history. Mix a bit of the Roman Empire, Mongolian culture and Babylonian mysticism with '30s-era myths of undiscovered Africa..." Well that sure sounds interesting.

More intriguing is how the land itself is a seeming representation of the storyline. The place is characterized by a variety of land formations, from plains to rugged terrain, and everything in between. Much like how it is neither a land of good or evil, but with "moral shades of gray". Yes, it's set in a time where everything is much simpler. But with moral issues and dilemmas abound, you know it wasn't so simple after all.

Tarantia

More of the images after the jump!

Halloween's coming up, and what comes with it aside from all the pumpkins and the ghosties and ghoulies? Why, costumes, of course! In the spirit of Halloween and in celebration of the new character race called the Fae, OGaming has announced their official EverQuest 2 – Echoes of Faydwer contest. They've got free beta accounts at stake here, so if you're interested all you have to do to join is to dress up like one of the Fae.

Yep, to enter, dress yourself up like a fairy and take a picture.

Well, according to the organizers themselves, the purpose of this contest is "to completely embarrass you for a chance to win a slot in the Echoes of Faydwer beta." That's right, no way are they going to let you guys get embarrassed for nothing. Seven winners will be chosen, with the first prize winner getting two beta accounts, Special VIP title in the OGaming forums, and a copy of Echoes of Faydwer via digital download.

The second place winner will have their account flagged for beta, get a Special VIP title in the OGaming forums, and a copy of Echoes of Faydwer through digital download. The third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh place winners will each get a beta slot and a copy of Echoes of Faydwer through digital download.

More details after the jump!

One of the fun things about a game in the beta stage is reading the bright ideas of the testers and developers. Tabula Rasa is no exception. We took a look at the Tabula Rasa forum at OGaming and found these:

• Cooler-looking weapons. "Fractured" suggested weapon add-ons that actually show up. We agree with this one. You don't want to see your character running around the screen with a dinky rifle that looks like every other noob's rifle! If you worked hard enough to get a cool add-on, then your weapon should look like it has that add-on! The more add-ons you put on your weapons, the cooler they should look.
• I want my melee heroics! MentisVenator1 suggested more melee weapons. I'm probably the biggest melee advocate here at QJ so I'm going to rant a bit. I mean, Jedi, ninja, barbarians, and armored bears always look cool, so Tabula Rasa should also allow for the big, strong, hack-and-slash characters. MentisVenator1 brought up the idea of a physical shield like our modern riot shields. I want a weapon that does more damage the closer you are to the enemy. Think about it: suicidal body-strong warriors can use the weapon to go in (and do melee damage to a group of bad guys) while the non-melee wimps can use the same weapon to clean up from far away.

But those are ideas coming from the gamers. We've also got some clarifications and updates about the game itself (and a quick update from the game's official site).

Click on where it says "Full Article" below to read more.

A whole bunch of updates has just been added to the OGaming Database for Dungeon and Dragons Online. The updates are centered around Tempest's Spine, a high level group zone in House Jorasco. To enter the dungeon, players must be at least level 7.

The update includes new and updated items as well as updated enhancements. With this update, the Tempest's Spine bestiary is now complete. More info has also been added to the Tempest's Spine quest. The quest is targetted at players who are at level 10 and above, and is given out by Chamberlain Cyrese Embree in House Jorasco. Players who receive the quest are asked to head into the mountain fortress of Tempest's Spine to kill the giant mage Sor'jek Incanni.

OK, maybe his name kinda sounds like "sword-chuck in can" (something that would definitely give Fighter from 8-Bit Theater a stimulation), but players are caution not to take him lightly. Sor'jek possesses an artifact that gives him power over the drow tribes, and his powers as a summoner and sorcerer are fearsome.

If you're looking forward to tackling this quest, head on over to the database by clicking the 'read' link below first. Just like the G.I. Joes used to say, "Knowing is half the battle."

Heads-up Guild Wars players! It's the 26th week of the Guild Wars Screenshot Competition, so why dont ya take a break from Cantha or Ascalon, check out the screenshot below, and get your brain juices workin'!

(QJ Caption: Okay guys, hit it! Y-M-C-A!)

Sorry, we couldn't help it, especially if we just had our regular dose of caffeine high. Anyway, feel free to post your captions until Sunday, and people will get to vote for the first five finalists chosen for the said week. The winner gets her/his caption featured in the OGaming gallery forever! Also, you might want to take a look at the previous screenshots featured before, and take your pick from last week's finalists. If you have some screenshots you'd like to share, just PM Eolen Whitefist or send it via e-mail. You might also want to visit the Guild Wars official site for all the details on this competition.

For those who aren't familiar with the game, Guild Wars is an MMO that features PvP and Role-playing modes. The game features the mythical kingdom of Ascalon, which after ten years, is virtually left in ruins. Players get a sneak peek at the bottom of the Ascalon story whenever they embark on a mission and take some quests. The said game now has an expansion, Faction, which features the Asian-inspired land of Cantha, while the third campaign, Nightfall will be available later this year. For more Guild Wars updates and info, just regularly check out QJ.

Guild Wars OGaming wants you to profess your love for Guild Wars in a creative way. Relive your early romantic frolics with the game and show how it blossomed into a a love affair that's scorching with passion. Tell them how good you are together in a sweet love song or a heart-melting poem. It doesn't matter what format you use, what matters is you tell the world of your undying love for Guild Wars. If you can convince Ogaming that your love for the game is unrivaled, they will conjure up a Zboard with a Guild Wars: Factions Limited Edition Keyset just for you.

All entries will be judged on the following criteria: effort/time investment, relevance to Guild Wars, uniqueness and originality, and effectiveness in portraying the intended message.

Contest Rules:

• No vulgar or inappropriate entries.
• Entry format can be anything that can be sent electronically.
• All entries must be saved to an e-mail attachment and zipped!
• Winning entries will be displayed on Guild Wars OGaming; by entering you consent to us displaying your entry.
• Only one entry per person.
• This contest is only open to citizens of the United States of America

The contest runs from June 19 to June 28.