Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning for PC, PS3 and X360 is an action RPG designed for a single player. The debut project of 38 Studios combines a vast, diverse world with dynamic combat. The game was developed not only by people known in the computer industry. The project leader, Ken Rolston, was a designer of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Todd McFarlane created artistic setting (artist, creator of Spawn), and the whole thing takes place in world created in the imagination of the writer, R.A. Salvatore.

Plot

The game is set in a land called Amalur. The protagonist was raised from the dead in connection with a mysterious experiment associated with a device called the Well of Souls. During the game, we are trying to discover what kind of intrigue is behind our return to the vale of living, and why we do not have a Destiny (all residents of Amalur predefined future which cannot be changed).

Mechanics

The game combines the qualities of a classic RPG with a big, open world filled with characters, rich stories, extensive character development system, and dynamic arcade gameplay resembling somewhat the God of War series (mainly combat-wise). We do not choose the character class at the beginning of the game, because it is a natural consequence of the choices made during the adventure. On the other hand, victory in battle depends not only on the efficiency of our fingers, but above all, the level of the hero. Development of the plot is significantly affected by an extensive dialogue system created on the model of that known from Mass Effect, which allows to decide the direction we take to a great extent.

Character creation is done with the powerful creator. The player can choose one of four races and modify virtually any part of the body. According to the RPG canon, the protagonist with time acquires a number of useful skills in both combat (divided into three trees: melee, finesse, and sorcery) and craft (e.g. alchemy, blacksmithing, or creating rings). The points earned can be distributed among more than 60 general skills. Combat, created in the style of dynamic action games, is made even more engaging thanks to bombs, weapons enhanced with magical abilities, and the Reckoning mode which slows time down and increases the damage dealt by us.

In the game, in addition to the main plot, there are hundreds of side missions and challenges, allowing to gain experience, reputation with a particular caste, and take possession of the trophies. We can pretty much move without restriction throughout the open world of Amalur. The map is divided into five large districts. The differ from each other in terms of natural conditions and characteristics of the area. The visuals are extremely colorful and artistic.

Last updated on 21 November 2014