In this review we go to see what Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning looks like after receiving its biggest expansion, the Fatesworn DLC
No matter how long it takes – some titles never hint of dying. The reasons can be varied, and they are not always a positive factor for the game. For example, we can find ourselves in front of works still alive due to a “Therapeutic persistence” on the part of the fans, unable to let go even when it no longer seems to keep up with modern headlines. Or in other cases, we have some “aged well” video games, which may still turn out to be like creations with innovative connotations, which have not yet been surpassed by the recent ones.
We can think, for example, of the incredible depth of Planescape Torment: work rarely touched even by the most detailed RPGs. Or the identifiable quality discrepancies between Baldur’s Gate 2 and its successor Baldur’s Gate 3 released over a year ago. In fact, the sequel did not break the hearts of fans, due to a less profound plot and characters resized compared to the previous chapters. Another category that arises is that of titles that are repeated continuously from the gaming house itself, without making significant changes (hello, Todd Howard).
When it was released nearly a decade ago, Kingdoms of Amalur promised a lot of things, and while it wasn’t as groundbreaking as one would expect, it has, over time, found itself well positioned among the best RPGs out there. However, shadowed by the arrival of Skyrim, the opera did not achieve the desired success from the development team, leading to a rather merciless end to game support and the studio itself. This failure by 38 Studio then found a turning point, perhaps due to some machination shaped in destiny.
In 2012, the studio Kaiko and the publisher THQ Nordic decided to release a “remaster” version, and it is still supported with several expansions and additional content, giving the title a new dawn and allowing gamers to rediscover this little-considered gem. Kaiko then wanted to create for Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning one of the most ambitious DLCs in the game, Fatesworn, and for this reason we will see in our review what to expect, and how it goes to enhance the game.
The re-re-return to Amalur
If, as in the case of whoever is doing this review, you are veterans of a few years of absence From Kingdoms of Amalur, picking up Re-Reckoning to play Fatesworn will be an experience that will renew any feeling of dormant nostalgia, which you can relive while diving back into the title. Having played the original for the first time on PS3, and then replaying it on PC in an updated version, in hindsight you get to appreciate its features even more: the writing with which it is structured, the enormous and complex lore that details the entire universe in which Amalur is set, the variety of characters and enemies.
And again, the vivid world of colors and environments detailed in detail and the shades of the scenarios they transmit a decidedly fairytale-like aura. Its action combat, which allows you to show off all kinds of moves at levels of impressive spectacle. These are some of the elements that we will mainly be able to observe again in Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning, and that with Fatesworn can make us remember that atmosphere of the game that can bewitch us again.
Let’s be clear, in the remaster there are still some aspects that show a not too radical evolution compared to the original title, such as the impossibility of automatically descending from the uneven surfaces, and the graphics have been updated, but still reaches a rather discreet level of definition, always due to the fact of being a work released on PS3 and Xbox 360 Be that as it may, being able to live as your own character without destiny will be an undoubtedly satisfying experience for both old and new fans.
Furthermore, since the arrival of the remaster it had been known as also those who have already played the title in its original version they would have had different incentives in re-entering this adventure in which to redefine one’s fate. This is not only for the general improvements, but also for the expansions included within the remaster of the Kaiko studio, which go to donate new stories, weapons and settings to the world of Amalur.
Furthermore, there is not only talk of the first two DLCs, The Legend of Dead Kel and Teeth of Naros, released as promotional content and for those who had pre-ordered the original title. In fact, while they are already directly accessible with Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning, in addition to the announcement of the remaster, the arrival of the paid expansion Fatesworn was also presented.
Every choice has a consequence – Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning: Fatesworn review
In any case, Kaiko and the publisher THQ Nordic wanted to give a Christmas gift to the loyal fans of the series, thus deciding to anticipate the release of the Fatesworn DLC and launch it on December 14, 2021, instead of next year as originally planned. We will be able to access the DLC once the story of Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning is over, but in this review we will avoid spoiling too much the events that characterized the main plot, just to avoid unpleasant inconveniences for players who have not yet had the opportunity to complete it.
Also, it won’t be necessary to have finished the other two additional questlines as well, so we won’t have to worry if we just reached the end of the story. The expansion will add a new maximum level for our character, who will now be able to reach rank 50. After finishing the main campaign, a further threat will begin to linger on the fate of the inhabitants of Faelandia, and it seems that this will be caused precisely because of the our origins of Without Destiny. Apparently, due to the actions we have taken throughout history, the plot of fate will be in a state of unraveling, and this could mean a new danger for the whole world.
A chaotic deity, Telogrus, was able to cross the veil by making his appearance in the world of mortals, appropriating the body of a young blacksmith and becoming a real guide figure, promising them liberation from the fate that compels them. The followers of this God thus take the name of Predestined, starting to follow a life guided by cruel, forbidden and criminal acts, kidnapping people, doing gruesome rituals and terrorizing all the settlers who will make their way to the mountainous areas of Mithros, the new region. inserted in the map. It will therefore be our task to reverse the process of alteration that we have unwittingly initiated, trying to stop the aspirations of this God.
A chaotic world – Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning: Fatesworn review
We now introduce in our review also the various additions of this Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning DLC: with Fatesworn you will be able to observe the inclusion of new content that extends history, along with further secondary missions, different pieces of equipment never seen before, a good variety of accessories such as rings and amulets, new powerful enemies and among other things also procedural dungeons, which can be visited during the end-game. In the description of the DLC there is talk of an expansion that will bring at least six hours of actual campaign play, but they could easily increase to a dozen, in case we want to get lost for a while inside this setting with a rich lore and a brand new story.
Among the other innovations given by the expansion, the one provided by the so-called Kingdom of Chaos it will be a totally new mechanic, which will also affect the gameplay of the title. This element will involve different aspects of the game, coming to alter not only the weapons, but also the enemies and the way in which they will have to be faced. The chaotic Niskaru will be able to enter the mortal world through so-called “Cracks” of Chaos, that we will necessarily have to seal to stop the incursion in progress. Clearly, this will only be possible after eliminating all surrounding enemies. In addition, the possibility of enter the Kingdom of Chaos through Portals, thus launching into the exploration of disturbing procedurally generated undergrounds.
In these dungeons we will have to deal with beings who will be completely impossible to scratch using the usual methods, and for this reason during the history of the DLC we will be allowed to obtain weapons of Chaos, with which we can also reap even these particularly annoying entities. With the mechanics of Chaos there will also be a new dedicated skill set, rather important especially for being able to identify the new portals in the game map. It will be possible to unlock new Alterations of Fate that can give us new passive bonuses, including some always related to our interaction with the world of Chaos.
Mountain Trip – Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning Fatesworn Review
In the early stages of the review of this new Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning DLC we have already introduced what will be the new setting inserted by Fatesworn. Mithros, land that will appear on the left side at the top of the map, will show itself as a novelty also for the population of Faelandia. This is because of his unprecedented snow-capped mountains and the creatures residing in it able to surprise the most unwary travelers, including mythical and feared nocturnal beasts never seen before. Passing through this new area, the inhabitants of Amalur will seek refuge from the lands ravaged by war and the plagues brought with it.
Despite the dangers, they will try to reach what, at least according to the rumors scattered throughout the lands, can be compared to a kind of promised land, an oasis in an arid desert, or an El Dorado where you can rebuild your life. On our journey we will be able to visit perilous frozen peaks, ghostly mountain passes, quiet mountain villages and an ancient lakeside town. New elements have also been introduced in the sound field of the game, with the inclusion of some new songs that will accompany our new adventures. It is about more than fifteen minutes of music by Grant Kirkhope, author of a large number of videogame soundtracks, as well as the soundtrack of the original game itself.
A well-received fate
Working on this Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning Fatesworn DLC review led to the realization of a fact: titles like this, you don’t see them that often anymore. The game is composed of a complex lore, detailed in every aspect and set within a universe well founded in each element present. Despite its characteristics indicating some sort of …