Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

[alexleighton]

Didn't see a thread about this game so I thought I would start one. Seems this game was completely off my radar until late last week, now I've tried the demo and I keep waffling between getting it on day one or passing completely.

I like the combat, even if it's a bit simplistic at times, it's really satisfying. And the story, at least as far as the demo lets you take it, is pretty interesting. The art style is nice, even if it does feel VERY WoWish. And the technical quality of the art is sub par in a lot of places, I've found some posts and stuff with smoothing problems, and the foliage seems to be quite low res. I'm really just nitpicking about the graphics though, and for all I know these are things that might be fixed in the final release.

I don't like that they've basically ripped off/the lead designer has brought over the lockpick system from Bethesda's games and basically removed what little skill there was involved, so it's a pointless numbers game. And I really don't like that it doesn't seem to matter if you can be seen or not when committing a crime, if your stats aren't high enough the guards seem to immediately come find you.

So yeah, what are everybody's thoughts on this?

 

[Joey D]

It looks like a TES knock off, but I'm curious to see what it's all about. I'll wait for a Steam sale though, seems to be how I buy about 90% of my games anymore.

 

[BloodyMaryFirst]

I've played the demo it's surprisingly fun ^-^ and the story is interesting I might pick it up once the price goes down.

 

[alexleighton]

So I've played it for a couple of days now, and it's really not bad. It sort of feels like playing an MMO without all the real people, which I actually really like. Certainly not a "if you can only play one game this year, play this one" title, but it's worth a buy nonetheless.

 

[dan0543]

well, its out, a freind has it but I dont intend to yet. will do soon though, as ive finally got a job, lol. although the vita is my first thing on my radar, this will be soon after.
i thought the demo was a little monster-hunter-esque, but without weapons like the lance. the combat isn't anywhere near as good, but i wont have a fiddly camera to worry about.
if youre wondering why im referring to this game, its because it's about the most similar thing ive played (not played skyrim or WOW) and ive sunk a lot of hours into it.
first impressions on the demo were great, its just the type of game im looking for at the moment.

 

[mcfizzle]

I really enjoyed the demo and may consider picking it up, just not any time too soon with Vita coming in a week and a half and I just started playing Skyrim again now that the patch came out. Only level 21 there. The art style reminded me of Fable 3 from what I played and I thought the combat felt like a cross between button masher and action rpg. Seemed like the game had good potential.

 

[Vaxxtx]

Played for maybe an bit last night. Not far into the game yet at all, so this is a quick overview, and of course all my opinion.

Initial impressions...

Pros:

Upgraded WoW-like graphics (not a bad thing just different).

Very fun combat. Hack in Slash a bit...but also some nice strategy involved. Not like DA Origins, but seeper than DA 2, and not as dull as Skyrim, if that makes sense.

Voice acting good so far. Nothing that makes you cringe.

Animations are awesome, of your character, and the baddies.

Not dull areas so far. Unlike Skyrim something is always going on.

Skill tree/fates are pretty dang good and deep.

Cool little hidden items in the world.

Cons:

Camera angle I dont like. Might just be me.

Crate/Box smashing. God I hate that....so bad.

Mini-map is too forgiving. Like a radar showing everything. Too much hand-held.

The thing that bugs me the most. Different animations for blocking with a shield and swinging with a sword. You dont have both in each and. So you swing with a 1h sword, and no shield. Then you hit block, and your sword goes away and you holding a shield. Silly imo. I like the bow strapped to your back, shield in left and and sword in on your side. Then again might just be me.

All in all seems like it will be a fun ride.

well, its out, a freind has it but I dont intend to yet. will do soon though, as ive finally got a job, lol. although the vita is my first thing on my radar, this will be soon after.
i thought the demo was a little monster-hunter-esque, but without weapons like the lance. the combat isn't anywhere near as good, but i wont have a fiddly camera to worry about.
if youre wondering why im referring to this game, its because it's about the most similar thing ive played (not played skyrim or WOW) and ive sunk a lot of hours into it.
first impressions on the demo were great, its just the type of game im looking for at the moment.

I found it to be nothing like MH. I am a MH lover, bad. My favorite series of games. The combat seems more like DA2 but deeper. I think I love MH's combat strat too much to compare it to anything....becuase nothing can compete with it. Well Demon/Dark Souls gets close, but still.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

I have played a lot of RPGS lately (Skyrim, Mass Effect 3, Fable 3, The Witcher 2) and I cant believe how fun KOA is!!! Currently I have about 8 hours into KOA. If you like Skyrim and Fable you should check out KOA. Very colorful and fun graphics like Fable yet a lot of the deep rpg features from Skyrim. There are some really awesome weapons and powers in this game too. The demo is available if you want to check it out but hardly scratches the surface of how fun this game is. Once you play through the linear dungeon in the demo it gets very colorful and becomes a fully open world sandbox style game. I unlocked an earthquake power last night that shoots large rock spikes from the ground. I have also been using the Chakrams. They are like a boomerang frisbee with blades and fire. You can do some sick moves with these things. The controls are very fluid too and the more you play, the more moves you unlock. You can also get a house and have it upgraded similar to what Fallout 3 did in their game. You can even create armor, create weapons, alchemy and so much more.

The scenery and enemies seem to vary quite a bit which keeps exploration and combat refreshing with each battle. Plus this game has a sprint button and fast travel unlike TW2. Also if you are in a house looking for your objective, it will show a circle and if the objective is above you, the circle has an arrow above it pointing up on the mini map indicating its above you. They did an excellent job with this game.

KOA is just a laid back, enjoyable, colorful RPG that doesnt take itself too serious. But has the RPG depth of Skyrim. Really enjoying this game a lot. I have actually been enjoying this more than The Witcher 2.

 

[TigJackson]

You can even create armor, create weapons, alchemy and so much more

I created several weapons, but only one armor piece before I finished up the original game with a Level 40 character and a Platinum Trophy. I bought the Legend of Dead Kel DLC shortly after it came out. I played through that DLC, and once you complete a certain quest, you gain access to an envoy that can trade with three distant lands. Sending her to one particular trade area will result in her bringing back Flawless Support Components* (along with some useless building materials). Among the best (and rarest and completely over-powered) of these are Flawless Damaging Bindings, Grips, and Rivets, and Everlasting Lining, String, and Trim.
*The components she brings back may be of less than Flawless quality, depending on the character level at which you first start playing the DLC. I never got less than Flawless components since I started the DLC at the maximum level of 40. I do not know the cut off level at which the loot changes from Master to Flawless, however.

Here is a screenshot showing the Highest Damage dealt while wearing the items that I created with Flawless Components that I obtained through my envoy, and which are listed below the photo:

Might/Finesse Build on PS3 (just to see how much extra damage I could cause with Battle Frenzy, which ended up being about 12.5 million):
Positive Effects: Battle Frenzy, Blade Honing, 6 Ysa Shrines, 10 Master Offensive Potions

Rogue Gear: Hood, Gloves, Leggings, Boots, and Buckler, each with +60%Damage and 7% Chance to Crit Hit. Chest Armor has +45%Damage.

Daggers: 35 Physical Damage, 35 Piercing Damage, +67%Damage, +15%Damage with Physical, +20%Damage vs.Humanoids
Chakrams: 41 Physical Damage, 41 Fire Damage, 84 Burning Damage over 3 Seconds, 30 Ice Damage, 18 Freezing Damage over 6 Seconds, +67%Damage, 7%Chance to Critical Hit

Accessories: (These are all Purple, or Unique, in my game)

1. Coral Necklace: +20% Damage
2. Peacemaker (Ring): +30% Damage + 90 Health +2.5 Health Regen per Sec
3. Loop of Meditation (Ring): +15% Chance to Critical Hit +15% Chance Critical Hit Damage

Highest Damage: 39,585,876 (Back stab on grey Red Legion Bandit)

No wonder some players say that this game is too easy, even on 'Hard' mode. With this gear on a Finesse/Sorcery character, I can kill a Level 40+ Niskaru Tyrant or Prismere Troll with one poison blink....no weapons or offensive magic needed.

I also had these three accessories, which are, Blue, or rare in my game, and based on their description they would seem to be able to cause more damage than the ones that I equipped. I did not try these with a Might/Finesse character, but they did not add any extra damage to the Finesse/Sorcery character that I actually used for my play through. I am convinced that the do not work as advertised on a Finesse/Sorcery character. I'll eventually get around to trying them on a Might/Finesse character.

1. Necklace of the Warlord: +30% Damage and +8% Chance to Critical Hit
2. Signet of the Warlord (Ring : +30% Damage and +8% Chance to Critical Hit
3. Band of the Warlord (Ring): +30% Damage and +8% Chance to Critical Hit

 

[trangurismo]

38 Studios lays off entire staff, sells Big Huge Games

"The 38 Studios disaster continues to unfold today, as the troubled studio laid off its entire staff and may be selling off its Big Huge Games division in Boston. Boston's Fox 25 News speculates that the studio may close by this weekend.

38 Studios CM Charles Dane confirmed being laid off on Twitter: "Now on the market. I had an awesome run with 38 Studios, but this dream is now ending."

Word is that the company is also selling its subsidiary, Big Huge Games. Big Huge Games is the maker of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, 38 Studios' single-player prequel to its Copernicus MMO. This would not be the first time that Big Huge Games was sold by its parent company, as the studio experienced the same event back in 2009."

 

[HKS racer]

Even if it's sad to see developers struggling economically, you as gamers shouldn't be fooled by this kind of stuff since it has NOTHING to do with the quality of the game. I have to tell you I'm having a BLAST with Kingdom Of Amalur the Reckoning, what a gem. Ok, I usually don't prise games but this one really deserve my attention.

The map is as wide as Skyrim but the combat system is closer to pure action hack n slash games than what you usually find in RPGs, which mean way more engaging gameplay. And it looks good, really good expecially on combats they never gets boring.

The wide range of beasts, monsters, trolls, spiders, humans, elfs (called fae) ensure variety. An immense fantsy epic world that can hook you to the screen for months. Tons of weapons, armors, potions, stuff to discover...

If I have to describe this game in a few words I can say it is a sort of Skyrim in 3rd persion view set in a World of Warcraft / Lord of The Rings world with a well done hack n slash combat system that kind of remind God Of War but with tons of good looking magical effects and of course an RPG level up system. You can also transofrm your character from warrior to mage or thief or create hybrids if you want to. It's a gameplay and visual experience.

Oh and to all the people saying it's too easy just don't use the uber ultra armors, keep it fair and you'll have a run for your money.

Cheap on PSN until January 22th. If you like Diablo III you'll love this.

 

[HKS racer]

Ok really,

I can confirm this is Officially the "Most Underestimated Game Ever Made in the whole Videogames History".
So glad I discovered this.

 

[Tyger]

Pretty sure this was a freebie either on PS+ or Xbox Live Gold recently, but missed it, might have to dig in my pockets as seems it could be a hidden gem.

 

[HKS racer]

Pretty sure this was a freebie either on PS+ or Xbox Live Gold recently, but missed it, might have to dig in my pockets as seems it could be a hidden gem.

If you like to:
- smash enemies with magic, lightning, ice, fire, poison in a great combat system
- smash enemies with brute force in a great combat system
- epic fairy-tale atmosphere
- vivid colors, nice and different landscapes progressing the game
- long plot story telling by elfs and other magic creatures
- collect new potions, weapons, armors, gems etc
- create new potions, weapons, armors, gems etc
- test combinations of weapons / abilities / potions and see what works best for you
- free roaming the world looking for new places and stuff
- steal stuff
- buy/sell stuff to merchants or fences
- apply to a gigaton of side missions
- follow main story when you need a break from side missions LOL
- reset your character abilities when you want to change them
- buy and expand houses
- going around with no goal, suddenly be attacked by enemies and/or discover new stuff for main or side missions

Then yes this is truly a hidden gem.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

This is such an excellent underrated game. Nice to see more people giving it a chance. It was overshadowed by The Witcher 2. I personally enjoyed this game MUCH more than The Witcher 2.

 

[Tyger]

Is it very "statty" with a lot of levelling and such? Are the battles in real time? I prefer the likes of Skyrim over FF any day, but even then I find the levelling of everything something of a drag.

 

[HKS racer]

Is it very "statty" with a lot of levelling and such?

See benath.

Are the battles in real time?

Of course, this is not a "boring RPG" battles are something in between God of War, Devil My Cry and powerful magic tricks mixed up. You can stealth too. You can use magic with ice, fire, poison and stuff. You can have chakrams, fae blades, sceptres, swords, arches, hammers... basically a gigaton of weapons and armors.

I prefer the likes of Skyrim over FF any day, but even then I find the levelling of everything something of a drag.

There's a lot of levelling but doesn't feel like drag, you rarely feel underpowered because of the high number of weapons and armors available while progressing the game, just don't go too far on the global map when you are on early missions.
You can be a Warrior, a Thief, a Wizard or a mixed class, if you want to you can reset your abilities and reassign them with a "Weaver" (you'll understand while playing).

EDIT: this site has plenty of gameplay images so you can (more or less) understand what to expect.
http://forum.everyeye.it/invision/i...=4611686018438888178#entry4611686018438888178

Please note, the first 2 hours of gameplay are basically an interactive intro + some early missions in the initial place, you start realizing the magnitude of this game after 10 / 15 hours of gameplay at least. And the demo is misleading.

 

[TJisA1337NOOB]

This game is one of the games on sale in Steam's weekend deal. $5.99 for the main game. $11.99 for the collection (includes the DLC).

 

[ell470]

I abolutely LOVE this game! I hope there will be a sequel one of these days. Haven't heard but, I don't think anyone picked up the IP when the Amalur devs went bust

One can only hope! Thankfully we'll soon have The Stick of Truth

 

[HKS racer]

I abolutely LOVE this game! I hope there will be a sequel one of these days. Haven't heard but, I don't think anyone picked up the IP when the Amalur devs went bust

One can only hope! Thankfully we'll soon have The Stick of Truth

It has been a month and my PS3 gameplay was only about Kingdom of Amalur, that's a sort of record for me.
I have a level 24 mage/rouge girl. She is deadly and beauty.

 

[ell470]

It has been a month and my PS3 gameplay was only about Kingdom of Amalur, that's a sort of record for me.
I have a level 24 mage/rouge girl. She is deadly and beauty.

Sweet! I had my copy pre-ordered and did about ~100 hours before I took a pause

My guy "Lucifer" is a level 74 warrior. I'm going to plow through "The teeth of Naros" dlc next I think

Amalur has so much sidequests that one can easily put in ~150hours of adventuring before completing the game.

 

[HKS racer]

Sweet! I had my copy pre-ordered and did about ~100 hours before I took a pause

My guy "Lucifer" is a level 74 warrior. I'm going to plow through "The teeth of Naros" dlc next I think

Amalur has so much sidequests that one can easily put in ~150hours of adventuring before completing the game.

Indeed, sidequest are fun. How many levels can you reach? Maybe PC version is different. I have PS3 digital version and I've heard in some forum max level is 40.

 

[ell470]

Indeed, sidequest are fun. How many levels can you reach? Maybe PC version is different. I have PS3 digital version and I've heard in some forum max level is 40.

Strange, according to a binch of posts on the net the cap is indeed 40. I have to check my save when I get home, as I recall I am well above level 40. I recently did "Legend of dead Kel" & fought every single monster I encountered, if I am at 40 and capped I don't see why I would do that :/

I can be very wrong of course! Talk about brainfart if that's the case

Anyway, I get off work in ~2 hours, will be home and can check my save then

 

[HKS racer]

Strange, according to a binch of posts on the net the cap is indeed 40. I have to check my save when I get home, as I recall I am well above level 40. I recently did "Legend of dead Kel" & fought every single monster I encountered, if I am at 40 and capped I don't see why I would do that :/

I can be very wrong of course! Talk about brainfart if that's the case

Anyway, I get off work in ~2 hours, will be home and can check my save then

I'm not saying you are wrong, just saying pc and console version could be different. Also seems like DLC and digital version doesn't blend together. I might by a disc version later.. for the DLC. Entertaining game.

The early days after playing KOA I was like "ok let's see if there are other game like this" unfortunately not. KOA is unique because it has an AAA combat system in a huge open world fantasy RPG. In a few words KOA is the only true "fantasy GTA".

 

[ell470]

I'm not saying you are wrong, just saying pc and console version could be different. Also seems like DLC and digital version doesn't blend together. I might by a disc version later.. for the DLC. Entertaining game.

The early days after playing KOA I was like "ok let's see if there are other game like this" unfortunately not. KOA is unique because it has an AAA combat system in a huge open world fantasy RPG. In a few words KOA is the only true "fantasy GTA".

All forums indicate I'm wrong, I'll check my save as soon as I get home

Maybe I got it mixed up with some other game? (Been plowing through a lot of games lately anticipating the arrival of a PS4)

I have both disc version & digital through PS+. DLC won't work with digital version? :/

Might as well remove that from my hdd then :/

I agree with you, KoA was THE rpg experience I wanted all along on PS3. I bought my first ps3 four months after launch I think.

I still hope they make a sequel! Not there isn't any other great games out there, I just totally loved KoA

 

[HKS racer]

All forums indicate I'm wrong, I'll check my save as soon as I get home

Maybe I got it mixed up with some other game? (Been plowing through a lot of games lately anticipating the arrival of a PS4)

I have both disc version & digital through PS+. DLC won't work with digital version? :/

Might as well remove that from my hdd then :/

I agree with you, KoA was THE rpg experience I wanted all along on PS3. I bought my first ps3 four months after launch I think.

I still hope they make a sequel! Not there isn't any other great games out there, I just totally loved KoA

The thing with RPG is pre-KOA RPG were just... well.. RPG.

No fancy moves, no fancy combat no fancy chackrams, fae blades, fire-ice-lighting "in your face" magic. If you want SOME of that you have to buy God Of War, Devil My Cry, Dante's Inferno and that's pretty much it.

BUT you don't have the RPG part! Of course you only have the hack n slash part, which I still think it's better in KOA, because you know, God of War is pure button smashing all the way until the end and I can't be bothered.
Now I hope all next gen RPG can learn from KOA.

 

[ell470]

You are indeed correct about the level cap Sir! And what is worse is I seem to have been talking out of my ass about my playtime as well!

I'm trying to figure out what game I am confusing it with...? Dragon Age 2? Any of the Final Fantasies?

Anyway! This is correct, just took the pic!

Best of all, I still have the Teeth of Naros to play through

The thing with RPG is pre-KOA RPG were just... well.. RPG.

No fancy moves, no fancy combat no fancy chackrams, fae blades, fire-ice-lighting "in your face" magic. If you want SOME of that you have to buy God Of War, Devil My Cry, Dante's Inferno and that's pretty much it.

BUT you don't have the RPG part! Of course you only have the hack n slash part, which I still think it's better in KOA, because you know, God of War is pure button smashing all the way until the end and I can't be bothered.
Now I hope all next gen RPG can learn from KOA.

You and me are very alike when it comes to games

 

[TomBrady]

This game > Skyrim

 

[ell470]

This game > Skyrim

Judging from Oblivion, I Agree!!

I haven't started Skyrim yet, bought the "legendary edition" or something... You know the one with all the dlc.

Early indications of buggy gameplay & problems put me off Skyrim 'til I found this edition for 20$