Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is like the high school reunion you never knew you needed. Almost a decade after its initial debut back in 2012 as Reckoning, the game has returned for another chance to shine-now armed with a shiny new coat of paint and a marketing strategy that's like a charmingly awkward silver-tongued cousin trying to sell you on their 'better with age' beard oil. Spoiler alert: It's still got some rough edges. Let's dive into the Faelands and see if nostalgia is enough to cover the flaws or if you're just better off binge-watching cat videos instead.
At its core, Re-Reckoning is an action RPG where you - the Fateless One (great name, by the way) - traverse the sprawling Faelands to stop evil forces, learn about your cool backstory, and accumulate loot like a magpie with a credit card. You have multiple character classes named after tarot cards (probably to confuse your grandparents) and skill trees that feel more like an impressive library of skill sets that still misses the 'actually being useful' section. There are quests aplenty-some main, some side, and some that leave you scratching your head wondering if a developer was really having a rough day when they designed them.
The graphics, bless their heart, are akin to your uncle trying to dress stylishly at his retirement party-stirring but a bit outdated. If you've ever looked at an old family photo and thought, 'Wow, I thought I looked cooler then,' you're on the right track. Beautiful landscapes alongside characters that seem to belong in a different game...and sometimes era. It's colorful, vibrant, and reminiscent of the fantastical lands you've traversed in numerous RPGs before-just with a few more wrinkles. Imagine visiting the magical land of Amalur and finding out half of it is still stuck in 2012.
Re-Reckoning is a bit like revisiting an old favorite band that hasn't put out new music in a while. It's comforting, yet you can't help but notice that they've lost a bit of their edge. This adventure is sure to entertain if you're looking for some nostalgic fun or are a fan of the genre. Just remember to temper your expectations. This isn't going to be the game to change your life, but at least it'll keep you entertained until the next big thing in gaming arrives-or until your mom finds out you haven't cleaned your room in weeks.