Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 466 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 331 out of 466
  2. Mixed: 89 out of 466
  3. Negative: 46 out of 466
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  1. T00lzy
    Feb 7, 2012
    8
    Skyrim fan boys and fan boys of this game are going to collide. This game is not as good as Skyrim, but its not the mediocre garbage Skyrim kids think it is. This game is a solid experience, and is a lot of fun, but people cant stand when their favorite game has competition.
  2. Isocyanide
    Feb 9, 2012
    8
    At 25 hrs into the game I'd say it is a solid 8-8.5. People giving this game a 10 or very low scores are either blind fan boys or jaded crybabies. I've been playing RPGs for 20 years and would say I have an open and fair attitude toward each game I play.

    KoA doesn't bring anything really new to the RPG field per se, but manages to take elements from great games and mash into one    At 25 hrs into the game I'd say it is a solid 8-8.5. People giving this game a 10 or very low scores are either blind fan boys or jaded crybabies. I've been playing RPGs for 20 years and would say I have an open and fair attitude toward each game I play.

    KoA doesn't bring anything really new to the RPG field per se, but manages to take elements from great games and mash into one package. Combat is KoA's strong suit and it puts most games to shame in this category (Skyrim...). My only gripe is that I haven't encountered any opponents that require any real strategy to defeat, which is disappointing. Basically if you are somewhat competent player shouldn't ever die in this game (other than at the intro scene). I've been playing as a Shadowcaster (mage/rogue hybrid) and it's a blast. Switching between weapons and magic is smooth and fast. KoA has some of the best animations for stealth kills I've seen in any type of game. There's something beautiful about crawling up the back of a big Jottun, slitting his throat and watching the blood spray out.

    The main story and quests are on par with current popular wRPGs, nothing terribly impressive or highly engrossing but interesting enough that I'm curious in how it plays out. Main characters lack any real personalities which in turn causes you to be less drawn into the world. I find this to be a growing trend in field (played 160 hrs in Skyrim and I don't think there's a single memorable character in the game, same with my 7 NG+ playthroughs of Dark Souls).

    The world is quite large, but it's really not an open world like a Bethesda game. It's more along the lines of a MMO with interconnecting zones. Quests do a good job of moving you around the zones as does self exploration.

    The crafting systems are so-so. It would have been nice to actually have some type of leveling associated to them instead of the skill point system that's a direct pull from Dragon Age Origins. The talent trees are pretty solid and are reminiscent of WoW's talent trees. All the talents are useful and can cater to how you want to play the game.

    I've encountered a couple very minor glitches so far nothing really major though like Skyrim or Fallout:NV. The biggest issue I've had is with wonky camera angles. One time the camera went into the ground after I killed a guy and I couldn't see the other one I was fighting for 10 seconds or so when the camera righted itself.

    I installed the game on my Xbox HD and load times are generally pretty short.

    Conclusion:
    If you're looking for a fun RPG to waste some time on KoA: Reckoning is definitely worth your time and money. Just don't go in expecting the next best thing in the RPG realm.    … Expand
  3. dragonbillz
    Feb 15, 2012
    8
    I think that Reckoning has a great story and character development that can't be matched. The graphics are very detailed and the levels are huge. I feel like the difficulty is a little unforegiving, but I hope this changes as I get further in the game. This is simply a huge adventure that shouldn't be missed. I give it an 8 for some control issues at some times and the graphics are not theI think that Reckoning has a great story and character development that can't be matched. The graphics are very detailed and the levels are huge. I feel like the difficulty is a little unforegiving, but I hope this changes as I get further in the game. This is simply a huge adventure that shouldn't be missed. I give it an 8 for some control issues at some times and the graphics are not the best that I have seen, but still make a beautiful world.… Expand
  4. greenbean57
    Feb 18, 2012
    8
    First game in a long while I decided to plop 60 dollars on. Former WOW player who gave up on it due to time constraints. This single player game is perfect for me, since I can go at my own pace. Don't have to rely on 40 other people to take hours to assemble a team to do a raid. The game is a tad easy, but I'm sure they'll rectify that. I'm 61hrs in. Where else can you get that muchFirst game in a long while I decided to plop 60 dollars on. Former WOW player who gave up on it due to time constraints. This single player game is perfect for me, since I can go at my own pace. Don't have to rely on 40 other people to take hours to assemble a team to do a raid. The game is a tad easy, but I'm sure they'll rectify that. I'm 61hrs in. Where else can you get that much entertainment for that price.… Expand
  5. megaepiclp
    Feb 25, 2012
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Kingdom Of Amalur: Reckoning My name is Fang of MegaEpicLP and I have recently completed Kingdom of Amalur: Reckoning. I have played it for well over 100 hours and these are my opinions of the game. This is my first review. Reckoning is a great game to play as it incorporates a very stylish and easy to use combat system. Being very easy to use means the game allows you to have a more enjoyable time instead of making you stressed too easily. The combat is not at all difficult but for people that want a challenge, I suggest they take on tougher enemies at lower levels. This is when it can become quite difficult.
    The added feature of â    … Expand
  6. Spinger
    Feb 26, 2012
    8
    I am pleasantly surprised at how much I am enjoying this game! More than anything I was intrigued at the idea of getting some Mass Effect 3 swag just by playing a demo, but after trying it out decided I would give it a go. I definitely do not regret my choice, I'm 20 hours in and loving it! Unlike a lot of people, I enjoy the more 'cartoony' style with the bright colours, a nice changeI am pleasantly surprised at how much I am enjoying this game! More than anything I was intrigued at the idea of getting some Mass Effect 3 swag just by playing a demo, but after trying it out decided I would give it a go. I definitely do not regret my choice, I'm 20 hours in and loving it! Unlike a lot of people, I enjoy the more 'cartoony' style with the bright colours, a nice change of pace from most current gen games. The combat looks and feels good and is easy to pick up, though certainly not the most complex compared to a lot of action games. The fast travel system is handy, and contrary to some other commenters, I actually find the world map very helpful and easy to navigate. The camera is a bit annoying at times, but far from game-breaking, you do have control of it, after all. The story hasn't pulled me in the way some other games have, but I'm still interested to see where it goes. I'm not really into RPG's that much, a lot of commenters are comparing it to Skyrim (which I haven't tried) and Fallout (which I'm sorry to say bored me to tears), so I maybe don't have the same perspective, but I think KoA is just plain fun. Really glad I took a chance on this one, and I hope it does well, congrats to 38 and Big Huge!… Expand
  7. mike21
    Apr 3, 2012
    8
    While it's not perfect, this game was realy fun to play. The combat system is great. The story and character interaction are avarage, but overall this game is worth it for the fun factor alone. I enjoyed it.
  8. JingoJango
    Mar 28, 2012
    8
    Good solid game. Great looking combat. Huge amount of content. Nice character retraining options. Lacked a little variety. Could have had more believable NPCs.
  9. megadude510
    Mar 24, 2012
    8
    A game that has its technical flaws (namely a camera, to be precise), but nonetheless acts as a refresher for the out-done RPG genre. Kingdoms of Amalur offers an expansive world with more than enough content to be worth the cost, and an art style that stands out from most other RPGs, which are now all going for a much more "realistic" tone. The combat and many mechanics are reminiscent ofA game that has its technical flaws (namely a camera, to be precise), but nonetheless acts as a refresher for the out-done RPG genre. Kingdoms of Amalur offers an expansive world with more than enough content to be worth the cost, and an art style that stands out from most other RPGs, which are now all going for a much more "realistic" tone. The combat and many mechanics are reminiscent of both The Elder Scrolls and Fable, but KoA: R manages to put a new spin on them to keep one entertained. Worth renting, if not anything else, makes for a good game if you can't decide on a few.… Expand
  10. bhop123
    Apr 14, 2012
    8
    If you like fun, brutal combat, pretty fantasy graphics, and a long game, reckoning is for you. Its not dark, and gloomy like hardcore rpgs, like skyrim, or the witcher. The world reminds me of a fable mixed in with world of warcraft. Its pretty to look at, as well as the creative monsters it has. i dont want to go into to much detail. But if your interested in something different, in aIf you like fun, brutal combat, pretty fantasy graphics, and a long game, reckoning is for you. Its not dark, and gloomy like hardcore rpgs, like skyrim, or the witcher. The world reminds me of a fable mixed in with world of warcraft. Its pretty to look at, as well as the creative monsters it has. i dont want to go into to much detail. But if your interested in something different, in a creative way, reckoning is your game.… Expand
  11. KOkreTeGamERx
    May 22, 2012
    8
    Awesome game! I love the cartoon graphics. Sick combat moves and great combos. Very good action/rpg. Im only 11hours and have only completed 2 main quest missions, but i have been killing the side missions. To me this game is like Zelda, & Elder Scrolls wrapped up in one, with HUGE bosses.
  12. AfricanRituals
    May 28, 2012
    8
    KoA felt like it should be classified as more of an action RPG. The combat is super deep and well polished, and the main story is great, but the side quests, something that most RPGs put a lot of time into today, all felt the same, and they don't suck you into the story like the main one does. The graphics are hit or miss, the environments looked gorgeous, but the NPC faces all looked likeKoA felt like it should be classified as more of an action RPG. The combat is super deep and well polished, and the main story is great, but the side quests, something that most RPGs put a lot of time into today, all felt the same, and they don't suck you into the story like the main one does. The graphics are hit or miss, the environments looked gorgeous, but the NPC faces all looked like plastic. I really enjoyed KoA, and with hours and hours of gameplay, you should too.… Expand
  13. XboxGamerGuy
    Nov 14, 2012
    8
    Shame the company is gone, was a great game. Had heaps of fun playing it and despite some minor problems this was a great game! Find a game and play it now!
  14. Boogsbay
    Feb 8, 2013
    8
    This game is pretty good. There's a lot of quests in each area, you can create weapons and give them special properties, travel in large areas filled with monsters you fight, and many more. The combat is good but feels repetitive unless you use combos and try other weapons. The story is good but it feels like it could have been better and more engrossing. Overall though this is a great game.
  15. WyattTheAwesome
    May 30, 2013
    8
    The gameplay is good, the graphics are bright and colorful and there is a lot to do in this game. I like the combat a lot, but I personally detest the way it uses its shields and the bows were lacking for me. Definitely worth checking out.
  16. M9ki
    Jul 11, 2013
    8
    I loved this game it was so entertaining and loveable the graphics where so nice as well.This is a good game [worth a try] I'm sad that there company field bankruptcy I could see them making good games for next gen if they where still here
  17. Deusex
    Mar 2, 2014
    8
    Is a single play open world, in a fantasy setting, with levelling up system etc
    Pros:
    Solid main story Average voice acting but good enough Nice colourful artistic graphics Diverse combat, ( dodge, time parries) Great levelling system Able to re spec at anytime Rewarding Cons: Guild missions needed more story Repetitive Boring soundtrack I've put about 50 hrs and that's    Is a single play open world, in a fantasy setting, with levelling up system etc
    Pros:
    Solid main story
    Average voice acting but good enough
    Nice colourful artistic graphics
    Diverse combat, ( dodge, time parries)
    Great levelling system
    Able to re spec at anytime
    Rewarding

    Cons:
    Guild missions needed more story
    Repetitive
    Boring soundtrack

    I've put about 50 hrs and that's all I want to put.    … Expand
  18. Termin8ter
    Dec 8, 2016
    8
    Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, by one of the lead designers of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, one of my favourite ES games to play. Is Reckoning better than Skyrim or Oblivion? No. But does that make it a bad game? Of course not. Reckoning actually has the best combat system I've utilized in an RPG. It feels like a hack'n'slash game type of combat system, which is a good thing. TheKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, by one of the lead designers of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, one of my favourite ES games to play. Is Reckoning better than Skyrim or Oblivion? No. But does that make it a bad game? Of course not. Reckoning actually has the best combat system I've utilized in an RPG. It feels like a hack'n'slash game type of combat system, which is a good thing. The problem lies at the quests. Most of the quests build up tension really effectively, but the payoff is so disappointing. That is really bad, especially for an RPG. Also, you never feel very important to the world as you do in The Elder Scrolls, Mass Effect, and other great RPG's. You just feel very unimportant in this universe. Though Reckoning has flaws, It's still a solid RPG that you should play eventually.… Expand
  19. Dalaron
    Jun 13, 2015
    8
    It is one of my favorite games, with gorgeous, colorful, and varied environments of a world rich in Celtic mythology and lore!
    It has great game feel with your character being well responsive and having solid gameplay, as well as a good deal of options for customization when it comes to both play style and appearance.
    It's not a perfect game of course, if you are as big of a collector as    It is one of my favorite games, with gorgeous, colorful, and varied environments of a world rich in Celtic mythology and lore!
    It has great game feel with your character being well responsive and having solid gameplay, as well as a good deal of options for customization when it comes to both play style and appearance.
    It's not a perfect game of course, if you are as big of a collector as me, be prepared to be frustrated and aggravated at the fact that there is limited storage space. It also suffers from having the illness that is PLC. Where the DLC is worth it in my opinion, giving variation to the lore and setting, there is an unpleasant bit of tomfoolery with a certain area in the main game. Personally, it left a bad taste in my mouth and hurt this game dearly.

    Nonetheless, the world is large, the combat is fun and satisfying, the visuals are pleasant and the environments are gorgeous, the voice acting is solid and fun, and the where some might not like the plot, the world is rich with lore and quests to make it alone worth the play through.

    If it wasn't for the PLC issue and a few designer choices that weren't for the best, this game would be a 9 or a 10, mainly coming from my love for Celtic Irish folklore and mythology and how well they integrated it into the world of Amalur.

    Final Verdict: 8.3/10
    Highly Recommended!    … Expand
  20. Samanosuke0
    Feb 22, 2016
    8
    Firstly Kingdoms of Amalur is one of the most complete games that i've played and get to be a really unique RPG.

    This game is too big to be described in a simple review, so i will focus em two positive points and two negative points. Kingdoms of Amalur has a gameplay incredible fun, intuitive and easy to master, is necessary only some minutes to know all commands of the games. There    Firstly Kingdoms of Amalur is one of the most complete games that i've played and get to be a really unique RPG.

    This game is too big to be described in a simple review, so i will focus em two positive points and two negative points.

    Kingdoms of Amalur has a gameplay incredible fun, intuitive and easy to master, is necessary only some minutes to know all commands of the games. There is a class system based in skills, but it doesn't restrinct the weapons thatt you can use in the game. Although you can't use some weapon abilities, wich is especific for each class. Freedom is the word in this game. The animations of the skills, magics, and the "reckoning" are amazing!

    The quests is very variated with own unique history. Exemple:

    There is a quest where a man was transformed in a werewolf by the sprites, so you need to investigate and discover what happenned and what to do to revert the situation.

    The second exemple are the "Faction Quests", great quest independent of the main quest with stories full of plot twist and consequences that affects the world of the game.

    The negatvie point is the quantity of quests. This factor can get you to the max level (40) very before the end of game, and when this happens the game loses her fun completely. So don't get making all in your way, but choose the most interesting quests. At the max level the character is too much overpower (especially if you are a magic user), and it's very boring.

    The variety and quality of the side quests obfuscate the main story, wich you can lose the interest too soon if you are a completionist, so be advice!

    The DLCs are very good, but if you can buy only one so get the Legend of Dead Keel, is the best.

    I STRONGLY recommend kingdoms of Amalur. Maybe it's isn't a great RPG, but ate least is a nice, fun and a good one.    … Expand
  21. BrettSiebenhaar
    Aug 13, 2018
    8
    This was an amazing RPG. Very Fable esque! It was just a bummer that this game did not get good advertising which led to very low sales and the company had to close down. The story was great, the gameplay was great, and the graphics, like I said above, very Fable like which I loved. This was actually a non-buggy game which was refreshing, especially from a new developer company. ManyThis was an amazing RPG. Very Fable esque! It was just a bummer that this game did not get good advertising which led to very low sales and the company had to close down. The story was great, the gameplay was great, and the graphics, like I said above, very Fable like which I loved. This was actually a non-buggy game which was refreshing, especially from a new developer company. Many hours spent in this game, but again, the company went broke and had to close, so no DLC or further installments.… Expand
  22. Sceptic
    Feb 8, 2012
    7
    A decidedly average RPG with not an original idea in sight.The story,touted as the work of Bob Salvatore,is bland.Some gameplay elements such as stealth and crafting are decent,but nothing you haven't done before.The good news is that the game is quite lengthy and the combat system is deep.However,tech issues not withstanding,compared to the truly great RPGs of this generation,namelyA decidedly average RPG with not an original idea in sight.The story,touted as the work of Bob Salvatore,is bland.Some gameplay elements such as stealth and crafting are decent,but nothing you haven't done before.The good news is that the game is quite lengthy and the combat system is deep.However,tech issues not withstanding,compared to the truly great RPGs of this generation,namely Skyrim,Dark Souls,Fallout 3 and Mass Effect,KOA:R is just a bit meh.… Expand
  23. krabboss
    Feb 7, 2012
    7
    Plays out too much like an MMO. The zones feel like they were ripped out of any given fantasy MMO - just by their layout and content. There are a fair few fetch quests in the game and a lot of simple excuses to just have you clear out a dungeon. The combat is fine, but even on hard the game is very easy. I found it generally took one or two spells to kill most enemies, which is unfortunatePlays out too much like an MMO. The zones feel like they were ripped out of any given fantasy MMO - just by their layout and content. There are a fair few fetch quests in the game and a lot of simple excuses to just have you clear out a dungeon. The combat is fine, but even on hard the game is very easy. I found it generally took one or two spells to kill most enemies, which is unfortunate given the decent combo system in the game. The crafting systems in the game are some of the best I've seen, at least.… Expand
  24. InformedGamer
    Mar 6, 2012
    7
    This is defintely an MMORPG about to happen. It feels like, looks like and plays like World of Warcraft on XBOX without the multiplayer aspect. It doesn't feel like a traditional RPG much, alot of cutscenes and VERY fast paced combat. Feels like Mortal Kombat with some RPG elements thrown in. It's not a bad game, I just wouldn't call it a "real" RPG. This game will just be tweaked andThis is defintely an MMORPG about to happen. It feels like, looks like and plays like World of Warcraft on XBOX without the multiplayer aspect. It doesn't feel like a traditional RPG much, alot of cutscenes and VERY fast paced combat. Feels like Mortal Kombat with some RPG elements thrown in. It's not a bad game, I just wouldn't call it a "real" RPG. This game will just be tweaked and released as an MMO one day. The story was a little lackluster as well. Worth a try but not at $60.… Expand
  25. Watermelon789
    Apr 1, 2012
    7
    I was expecting a lot more, KOAR didn't drowned like many forgettable games out there but it's not a impressive game . With visuals like the Fable series, combat similar to Fable and and an interesting world may convince RPG fans. I'm not that person, but I'm fine that I played KOAR. The begining has its hits and miss and the conversations are hilarious , the facial animations of the mainI was expecting a lot more, KOAR didn't drowned like many forgettable games out there but it's not a impressive game . With visuals like the Fable series, combat similar to Fable and and an interesting world may convince RPG fans. I'm not that person, but I'm fine that I played KOAR. The begining has its hits and miss and the conversations are hilarious , the facial animations of the main characters is lifeless and the same description it's the same for the person talking to your avatar. Cartoonish violence filled with gory scenes it's a little bit out of contrast by the reason that everything is cute and out of place. However , if you're eager to try KoA and you want to play something fresh , the game delivers , while not the " perfect " recommendable game, you wont feel "stolen" or disappointed .… Expand
  26. QuiterRaga
    Mar 8, 2012
    7
    A game that has potential to do a lot more, seems like they just took every big name producer and hoped for a smash hit.I look forward for the sequels in the series and hopefully better leveling mechanics.
  27. SkipperPenguin
    Feb 26, 2012
    7
    This is a good game, like some movies are meant to be popcorn films, this is a popcorn game. It is enjoyable, but I have not yet discovered the wealth of choice and change that I had hoped for. Quite the opposite, the story feels pretty directed as if I really have no control over the overall story...I could be wrong, but at this stage (10 hours in) I have not felt in control of the storyline.
  28. GuruJoeyy
    Dec 19, 2012
    7
    All in all, I liked the game a ton, I felt that is brought a lot to the table in terms of ways you could play your character. But I'm afraid the replay value just wasn't there for me, I know I could create another class to play and such, but I just didn't feel it. This game would do well to make it feel more open world, and less like the main story is drawing you in. I only drifted fromAll in all, I liked the game a ton, I felt that is brought a lot to the table in terms of ways you could play your character. But I'm afraid the replay value just wasn't there for me, I know I could create another class to play and such, but I just didn't feel it. This game would do well to make it feel more open world, and less like the main story is drawing you in. I only drifted from the main story twice, mostly cause I didn't feel like the side quests were even interesting. It does well to drag you into the main story line but I feel like it did a fairly bad job at making you interested in the world overall. The story to me was relatively short and the ending very dissatisfying unless they plan a sequel. Which if they don't do a sequel then this game might as well just be tossed away cause you learned nothing of what you truly are. Apparently you are a protector of destiny or something but it doesn't really delve into it too much, I loved the overall story IDEA but the background behind it was relatively dissatisfying. I felt this game shouldn't taken a more God of War/Dante's Inferno approach to combat. The final boss was extremely awesome looking but the mechanics weren't all that revolutionary or fun, but the boss itself was cool. Overall a sequel I'd definitely rent it, but I don't think I'd buy it, not that no one else should but I think you should rent it for a few days before you decide whether to buy it.… Expand
  29. Acquiredempire
    Feb 18, 2012
    7
    Decent start to a new RPG game series. Lacking in the story department and ending is lackluster but the combat was fun throughout. Worth the play through but do your self a favor and get it used in a few months.
  30. Sasquatch
    Mar 18, 2012
    7
    This game is awesome. Has a fantastic combat system and an interesting world. But the game gets a bit boring after you beat it. There's so much loot in the game that you can't use because you didn't level it correctly. So it leaves me only caring if it's a certain type of loot with better stats. If not I sell it and move on. It feels like it's missing something, but is well worth buyingThis game is awesome. Has a fantastic combat system and an interesting world. But the game gets a bit boring after you beat it. There's so much loot in the game that you can't use because you didn't level it correctly. So it leaves me only caring if it's a certain type of loot with better stats. If not I sell it and move on. It feels like it's missing something, but is well worth buying it. I see myself returning to it some day soon, but not too soon.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2012
14
#14 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2012
22
#22 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 71 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 71
  3. Negative: 0 out of 71
  1. GamesBeat
    Apr 11, 2012
    67
    Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is not all bad, it's just very bland. For a game that was in development for roughly seven years, the different gameplay systems don't seem all that well-thought-out. And perhaps the lengthy development also explains why Amalur brings absolutely nothing fresh to the table. It simply lacks its own identity.
    Read full review
  2. Xbox World Australia
    Apr 2, 2012
    86
    In terms of laying the groundwork for future iterations, Reckoning does an incredible job of establishing the lore as well as the world of Amalur itself. On the other hand, it fails to dish up a compelling single-player narrative, as the main plotline lacks substance and culminates in an almost cliché boss encounter by today's standards.
    Read full review
  3. D+PAD Magazine
    Mar 22, 2012
    90
    Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is a hoot to play. It feels like Fable done right, like a third person Skyrim edited to a workable size.
    Read full review
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