Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning Reviews
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Hooked Gamers, 9.0/10.
Despite these small problems, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning still brings a lot of new and enjoyable elements to the table and is a must-have for any serious RPG fans. Even though it has a more linear feel, the game manages to pack a heck of a lot of content into a small package and, while it may not have the same level of replayability as other titles like Skyrim, this is a game you could sink 30-50 hours into and still have a ton more to do. With an already legendary team of authors, designers, and artists in its corner, and a planned MMO follow-up in the future, Reckoning can certainly hold its own in this day and age of expansive, immersive and fun RPG's.
Stuff, 8/10.
Much will no doubt be made of the similarity between Reckoning and Skyrim, but both offer sufficiently different experiences to keep all RPG fans attentive. Those growing weary of Skyrim can certainly look to Reckoning to provide another world in which to become wholly absorbed, and although not professing quite the sophistication or polish of Bethesda's juggernaut, there's plenty here to cause Hallmark to run out of "I'm Sorry, Please Forgive Me" Valentines cards this year.
Pocket-lint, 4/5.
If you like RPG fantasy adventure in the classic style then don't waste your time reading any more about KoA. Go out and buy the thing. You won't regret it. It's a really nice blend of straight forward adventures like the Fable trilogy but with the crafting and skills depth that titles like the Elder Scrolls series and World of Warcraft bring, plus just a dash of good fighting game too.
Its only real downfall is that it's such a good mixture that it really forgot to add that extra ingredient of its own to make Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning the true winner in its class that maybe it could have been. Not an easy thing to do though. As is the way with this type of game, the hours rapidly turn into days as you're kept in a state of near-satisfaction, a one-step-forward-two-steps back form of paralysis that keeps you pushing on to the next inevitably inconsequential event
Amalur is a mainly pleasant place to be however, And while KoA doesn't quite have Skyrim's epic scale, there's enough to keep you busy for the foreseeable future.
AZ Central, scoreless.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is a very good RPG game that really only misses on the storytelling. The combat, crafting, leveling, and overall feel of the game really makes up for the lackluster execution of the story.
Dealspwn, 8/10.
Big Huge Games have made a big huge game, and one that's good for hundreds of hours of addictive questing. The brilliant combat and compelling skill system absolutely deserved stronger characters and a more imaginative, less insipid setting, but Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning absolutely nails the 'Playing Game' aspect of RPGs. With gameplay this good, we're willing to forgive the compromise in the 'Role' department.
Elder-Geek has both a write-up and a video review, 3/5.
While the game doesn't fall flat on its face with bugs and glitches, it's still definitely playable. Fans of the genre may enjoy it, but don't expect a D&D type adventure before you begin. Curious action adventure fans may find something to love here. All in all, it feels as though Amalur tries to blend the styles of Diablo, World of Warcraft, and Fable 2 into one game, but doesn't achieve the greatness of any of them. It simply plays it too safe and the end product feels, for lack of a better word, generic. An online co-operative campaign would have done this game wonders.
Fans of WoW might be most comfortable with Amalur as it can be best described as an (offline-MMO.) We can't recommend anyone rushing out and purchasing it as full price especially since 2011 was full of great RPGs. This is definitely a look before you leap scenario. For console gamers, this worth a rental. For PC players, check out the demo or wait for it to go on sale.
Ten Ton Hammer, 90/100.
On its own, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is a fun, nuanced, and well-told story with fluid combat and mesmerizing visuals. As the lead-in for a grand new fantasy IP, the writers make a stretch or two (Roman Gnomes make me think of a Travelocity commercial), but Amalur is a world I hope to visit again.
