Initial Impressions of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

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Hello everybody!  At the end of episode 15 of Conversations with IrishPride, I said I would have my initial impressions of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning after I had a chance to play it.  Well, after putting seven hours into the game, I'm ready to give you my very quick impressions of the game.
 
The reason this is going to be a very short article is because Assimilator will be posting a full fledged review shortly.  But, I said I would provide you all with my initial impressions and I am here to deliver that.
 
Fun is to be had in Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning!!!I was right about KoAR, it is simply a fun game to play.  The story is intruging enough to make the bland questing not feel monotonous.  All the characters are voice acted, except for you, and they do a pretty good job keeping you engaged.  It's no Mass Effect voiced dialogue, but for the sheer content of this game, the voice acting is good.  Where KoAR really shines above other open world RPG's is the combat system.  Combat is fast, fluid and the animations are spot on.  It is super easy to be striking an opponent with your primary weapon, then add your secondary weapon, followed by a lightning spell.  I'm actively looking for something to kill when I'm exploring the lands because the combat is that much fun!
 
That's all I'm going to say about KoAR since Assimilator will have a kick ass review shortly.  But, if you're impatient and don't want to wait for the review and you are wondering if this game is any fun, I will say emphatically, YES!  It is a lot of fun and I cannot wait to get back into the game.  My rogue character is itching to kill some more bandits.  Stay tuned for Assimilator's review!

Conversations with IrishPride Episode 15

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It's All About the Gameplay Baby!

 

Herro everybody and welcome to episode 15 of Conversations with IrishPride!  While our podcast section is close to the mammoth benchmark of 100 episodes, I'm pleased that I've reached 15, that's good for me *air high five*!  Okay, I'm done patting myself on the back.  Today I'm going to be talking about Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.Can't wait to get started!
 
It's been awhile since I've bought a new game on release day, this whole trying to buy a house thing really puts a damper on my game purchases!  Anyhow, I've been keeping an eye on KoAR and decided to buy myself a birthday present and get it.  I haven't gotten a chance to play it yet due to work, but I have it installed and ready to go on Steam when I get home from house shopping. 
 
I've played the demo and must say, it is a blast to play.  Sometimes as gamers we forget why we play games.  Or there are some gamers out there, specifically in the MMO world, where they take games way to seriously.  I don't know about you all, but I play games because they are fun.  They are a form of entertainment that I use to forget about daily stresses and not have to worry about bills, work and life in general.  KoAR seems to have struck a fantastic balance for me in the 'just plain fun' department.
 
When playing a new game, a lot of gamers want to know how it looks.  If the graphics are top notch.  Others want to know about the story.  Is the game worth my time.  One of the biggest criteria I look for in a game is the gameplay.  When you're potentially going to be sinking multiple hours into a game, especially an RPG, I need to know I will enjoy my time and to me, flawed gameplay is not enjoyable. 
 
Knowing very little of the story, I essentially bought KoAR simply for the flawless gameplay.  The combat in Reckoning is an absolute blast to play.  I'm a fan of RPG's and am a bigger fan of level progression, loot and action paced combat RPG's and KoAR seemed to be right up my alley.  I'm eagerly waiting to sink my teeth into this game to see if it was worth a day one purchase.  Check back soon and I'll have my initial impressions of the game.
 
This is IrishPride signing off and until next time, go ninja go ninja go!
 
~IrishPride

The Gameslave Podcast - Episode 97

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Welcome to Episode 97 of The Gameslave Podcast. This week we have a lot more games then we normally end up talking about, and then we end on a Zelda rant. Really need to learn how to stay on topic.

Notes can be found on the podcast page.