Datasoft‘s 1984 release, Conan, is a curious game. It doesn’t seem to be directly related to either of the two Conan films released in the early ’80s (although it does use artwork from the sequel, Conan the Destroyer), so my guess is that it was a quick cash-in on the popularity of Arnold Schwarzenegger by the developers.

The game was originally written for the Apple II by Eric Robinson and Eric Parker, and the Commodore 64 version was created by Ron J. Fortier and John Butrovich.

Wikipedia lists the game as “Conan: Hall of Volta“, but the game is called simply “Conan” on the box art and title screen, so I’m not sure where this “Hall of Volta” subtitle came from (other than some Wikipedia editor making it up).

You of course play as Conan, the famous Cimmerian character, and must infiltrate the castle of the evil Volta and defeat him.

The game features seven different screens and plays somewhat similarly to Datasoft‘s other games, The Goonies and Zorro. Except that it’s much more difficult than either of those games.

You must collect keys and gems, and avoid traps and hostiles, to complete each screen and open the exit to the next level. Conan somersaults when jumping, and can fall some distance without dying, provided he doesn’t fall into lava or other traps. He can also throw swords to kill Volta’s creatures, but these are limited so must be used sparingly.

On the penultimate screen, you must figure out how to destroy Volta’s electricity-generating machine and reach the exit, before finally confronting him in his lair.

Conan is a disappointing game, coming from Datasoft (who had a reputation for producing mostly good games in the Eighties). The graphics are messy and lack colour, and the gameplay is frustratingly unforgiving and imprecise. Couple that with the fact that it only has seven screens of action, and you have a relatively forgettable title overall.

More: Conan: Hall of Volta on Wikipedia
More: Conan on CSDb