Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

Game On's - At A Glance

KINGDOMS OF AMALUR: RECKONING

(published by 38 Studios and Electronic Arts, developed by 38 Studios and Big Huge Games)

platform played - XBOX 360

Finally taking a look back (2 years back that is... so I'm a little slow) and getting a chance to wander the Amalur countryside.  I prefer the free-realm style games, and this one gets close to one of the better.  Sorry, I have to gauge all similar products by the standards established by THE ELDER SCROLLS.  This maybe no SKYRIM, but AMALUR does have the elegance in story and character that makes for a good game.

This role-playing game carries the R. A. Salvatore signature all over it.  Well, he was the executive designer, so no surprise.  If you didn't know, Salvatore is one of the most prolific fantasy writers, creating one of the top fantasy characters, of our time - Drizzt Do'Urden.  I will admit my dismissiveness that has grown after the insatiable thirst for dark elves by most shallow gamers, so find a slight repulsion to ever being around his work as of late.  But I am working through my issues. 

Coupled with the visual artistry of Todd McFarlane (yes, THE Todd McFarlane), this power duo is like a rock-n-roll Supergroup.  The imagery has a stylistic artistry of its own, a comic book-come-to-life approach (but not as much as the BORDERLANDS phenomenon).  The people and scenery have a vivid presentation but also carry a subtle malaise woven in. 

I did have some trouble spots with game-play style.  The over-the-shoulder viewpoint works to some degree (and can see the merit in the choice) but it does take away from the personal experience.  I appear to be spoiled with the first-person viewpoint.   But I will say the controller layout was simple and quick to manipulate.

Anyways, AMALUR has a richness and strength in plot that most games wish they had.  The character creation choices, the adventuring opportunities and decision making, and the rich interactive mechanics for character building with the setting made for a complete game.  Two years later, doesn't seem game developers took note of this remarkable piece of digital crafting.  Shame.