Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is an action RPG set in the vast fantasy world of Amalur, created for the game by writer R. A. Salvatore in collaboration with artist Todd McFarlane. The player takes on the role of a resurrected being with no fixed fate, which allows them to alter the very course of events within the fixed order of destiny the world is built on. The game offers a flexible class system based on combining three skill trees, so the player can build their own combat style, from warrior through rogue to mage, and the skill system allows freely combining elements of multiple classes without being locked into a single fixed class, meaning the player can redirect their character in a completely different direction as the game progresses.

The combat system is one of the game's strongest features — fast, action-packed, and full of flashy combos and special strikes, setting it apart from more traditional, slower Western RPGs. On PS3, the game offered a sprawling open world full of side quests, factions, dungeons, and collectibles, though technically it wasn't the most demanding title of the generation, and loading times and minor technical hiccups were noticeable. The atmosphere is rounded out by a distinctive visual style close to comic-book stylization and orchestral music underscoring the epic tone of a story that plays out against the backdrop of a struggle between mortal realms and immortal fae factions.

Kingdoms of Amalur was made with the involvement of 38 Studios and Big Huge Games, and became well known also because of the complicated fate of the development studio, which went bankrupt shortly after release, ending the planned sequel and further expansion of the game world. Even so, the game gained a number of fans thanks to its wealth of content and enjoyable combat system, and is still seen today as an underrated, honestly crafted piece of fantasy RPG that offers dozens of hours of content for a reasonable price, and many players find it satisfying even as a standalone, self-contained experience regardless of the sequel's fate.

Why play it: For fantasy RPG fans who'll appreciate dozens of hours of honest content and an enjoyable combat system at a reasonable price, despite this being an underrated title from a now-defunct studio.