Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is an action RPG that blends adventure and role-playing elements into a fast-paced experience. Originally released on February 7, 2012, for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, the title has garnered a Metacritic score of 81.00. The game invites players into the fictional region of Faelands, part of the larger Kingdom of Amalur, where the immortal Fae of the Summer resides. In this world, immortality is defined by the cycle of death and rebirth, allowing souls to inhabit new bodies after perishing. Developed by 38 Studios and Big Huge Games, the title carries a pedigree of industry veterans aiming to create the perfect RPG by combining an open world with interesting lore, intense combat options, and unique conversation systems.

Story and Setting Overview

Players begin their journey as a Fateless being after their hero dies and is carted off for disposal. Awakening in a pile of rotting corpses, the protagonist breaks free from the constraints of fate to right the wrongs of the land. The adventure spans five distinct regions of Faelands, offering a backdrop filled with lore and backstory designed to immerse RPG enthusiasts. The narrative focuses on a character whose actions have the power to change the destiny of everyone they meet, providing a tale of freedom from the normally inescapable limits placed upon the inhabitants of Amalur.

Gameplay and Combat Mechanics

Combat in Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is timing-based and arcadey, featuring intense hacking-and-slashing action. Upon starting, players choose from four mortal races and select one of three class trees. The core combat loop revolves around gaining Fate points, which allow the player to enter Reckoning Mode. This slow-motion, berserk-like state enables the quick elimination of enemies. The game mixes gameplay ideas from titles like God of War and The Elder Scrolls series, delivering a third-person slash-em-up experience set in a huge world. The gameplay is described as addictive, rewarding, and exciting, with an open-ended approach to customization and class-building.

  • Timing-based combat with ferocious attacks and backstabbing opportunities.
  • Open-ended customization and class-building options.
  • Crafting systems for potions, smithing equipment, and building supplemental crystals to strengthen gear.
  • Interactive world elements allowing players to communicate, rob, or kill NPCs, each with consequences.
  • Exploration mechanics that support jumping and swimming.
  • Quick Time Events (QTEs) integrated into cutscenes.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning: Notable Features and Appeal

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is designed by lovers of RPGs for lovers of RPGs, emphasizing a conversation system where character interactions avoid repetitive dialogue choices. The game offers a relatively accessible approach to crafting and experimentation, removing the daunting nature often found in the genre. With a straightforward progression system and an open world rich in side quests, the experience is described as relaxing and rewarding. IGN reviews have highlighted the gameplay as superior to contemporaries like Skyrim, Dark Souls, and Dragon Age, noting its arcadey nature and addictive backstabbing mechanics.

The title appeals to fans of action RPGs who enjoy a rock-solid gameplay experience, extensive customization, and a world that balances ferocity with exploration. The crafting systems, including potion brewing and the construction of supplemental crystals, are designed to be fair and full of risk and reward, allowing players to feel their progress without being overwhelmed. Beyond the original PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 release, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is available in a Re-Reckoning iteration for PS4 and Xbox One, bringing a graphically enhanced experience to modern platforms for a new generation of players.