Yes, there are microtransactions, but I'm pretty sure they're optional.
I saw somewhere on the website that the game is $9.99.
Haven't looked at all the details yet. I'm going to download it this weekend. I had a trial version, but I didn't play it that much. I didn't want to get hooked, as I was also into WoW at the time.
If you go here, they call it "Unlimited Trial":
Welcome to the unlimited trial in the most savage world ever
Here's a quote from their FAQ:
Quote:
Free-to-play FAQ
Answers to general questions about free-to-play
General
When will the hybrid model be launched?
The current plan is to switch to this new model during summer 2011.
What does it mean that you are now introducing a hybrid business model?
In the simplest terms, anyone can play ‘Age of Conan: Unrated’ at no cost. No subscription is required. You can download and play for free.
‘Age of Conan: Unrated’ offers player the option of playing the game for free, without obligation. The business model is a hybrid of the 'store only' free-to-play model and the tiered offering that includes a Premium subscription option. This allows us to let players experience everything Hyboria has to offer, while still offering great added value to Premium subscribers.
Will I need a credit card to play?
No. There are no upfront obligations at all for playing ‘Age of Conan: Unrated’. However, should you wish to purchase items from the store, or upgrade to a Premium subscription, you’ll need a valid payment method.
In addition to major credit and debit cards, we also accept Paypal, PayByCash and ClickandBuy for purchasing points.
What is free in the game and what is Premium?
Please refer to the ‘Free and Premium Content Overview’ that describes the difference between Free and the Premium content in detail.
I prefer being a subscriber. Can I remain subscribed?
Of course! The Premium offering offers players the full Age of Conan experience, you can continue as a Premium subscriber without any problem at all. The Premium subscription is actually the same as the subscription offer, but now with even more bonuses.
What are the advantages of subscribing?
You can look up all the great benefits of subscriptions in the ‘Free and Premium Content Overview’.
What happens to existing customers?
Existing customers with an active subscription will have full access to all the Premium content (which is the full game as players know it today) for as long as their subscription stays valid.
Can a player switch from paying to free? What happens when they stop paying?
Yes, you can switch from paying to free when your current subscription period ends.
If your subscription runs out, you will automatically be switched to a free player and will remain a free player until you decide to re-subscribe.
I had previously canceled my subscription, but I'm interested in playing for free. Will I have the same access to the game as I did previously?
Accounts that were previously active are still there, but you will be limited to two character slots, and the other restrictions on free play unless you become a Premium subscriber.
What type of in-game mail, chat and auction restrictions do free players have?
Free players' chat and mail is limited in the same way as in the trials. They can not use certain chat and mail options and may only send private messages (tells) to players who are their friends. The restrictions are in place to curtail spammers.
[...]
|
There will be limitations on free accounts, such as number of character slots, number of classes available, number of dungeons available, and a few other limitations. But, hey, the game is as cheap as free if you want it to be.