One of the Greatest RPGs of All Time Deserved a Sequel, and We Still Don’t Have One

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While games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 often grab all the attention, there are other role-playing games that players cherish for years, even if they never became huge successes. These games stand out with their engaging combat, immersive worlds, and systems that encourage you to try different things. They might not win every award or launch a major franchise, but they’re still deeply loved by those who play them. For me, Kingdoms of Amalur is one of those games – a personal favorite that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.

I’ve lost countless hours exploring the vast and immersive world of this fantasy RPG, getting caught up in both the main story and the lives of its characters. The combat is engaging, with tons of ways to customize your character and approach each fight. Originally released in 2012, this critically acclaimed game was praised for its smooth gameplay and detailed world, but despite hinting at a sequel, one never came – and even a recent remake hasn’t changed that. Fans are still hoping for a continuation of the story.

Kingdoms of Amalur Is Too Good Not to Have a Sequel

Released in 2012, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is a fantasy action role-playing game known for its quick, fluid combat and the freedom it gives players to build their characters. It was created by 38 Studios and Big Huge Games, and published by Electronic Arts. The game received a lot of positive feedback for its fighting style, beautiful visuals, and unique character classes. When I played it, I found the gameplay to be fast-paced and the story very captivating.

As a huge fan, one of the things I always loved about this game was how it handled combat. It wasn’t like other RPGs where you’re stuck with one specific class. Instead, it had this awesome system, similar to what Destiny does, where you could really customize your character on the fly using skill points. The best part? I could switch between fighting up close, using magic, or being sneaky without having to start all over! That made trying out different playstyles so much fun and kept things exciting. Honestly, even now when I play other action RPGs, I really notice how refreshing that flexibility was – so many others punish you for experimenting or force you to begin again if you mess up.

The game’s world felt incredibly rich and detailed. It was built with help from renowned fantasy author R.A. Salvatore, famous for his Dungeons & Dragons work and the character Drizzt Do’Urden. His expertise really elevated the game’s story and factions, creating a believable and immersive world. Even if you didn’t read every conversation, you could sense the depth and history behind everything, which is a major reason why I enjoy Kingdoms of Amalur so much, especially as someone who loves story-focused RPGs.

The Remake Improved a Great Game, but It Isn’t Enough

The game was brought back in 2020 as Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning, a remastered edition created by Kaiko and published by THQ Nordic. This new version featured updated graphics, refined gameplay, and compatibility with current gaming systems. It allowed both new and old players to experience the game on modern hardware, and I happily purchased it – I’ve spent just as much time playing the remake as I did the original!

The remastered version received positive reviews, confirming what fans have known for years: the game’s fundamental design is still strong. The combat is as smooth and engaging as ever, and players are still encouraged to experiment with different builds. Exploring the world feels worthwhile, and the story remains captivating. In essence, the remaster demonstrates that the original game was remarkably forward-thinking. It absolutely deserves to be mentioned among RPGs that have stood the test of time.

While the updated version looks and plays better, it’s not the same as a brand new story. Polished graphics and gameplay tweaks can’t satisfy fans who’ve been hoping for a continuation of the original game. Returning players enjoyed the familiar experience, but were also reminded that the world and story still felt incomplete. This remake actually made the lack of a sequel even more disappointing, leaving many fans frustrated that a follow-up hasn’t been announced.

The Canceled Sequel and What Could Have Been

A sequel to Kingdoms of Amalur was planned, but it never materialized. The studio behind the game, 38 Studios, faced legal and financial difficulties and ultimately closed down shortly after the original game’s release. Their plan for a follow-up, an online multiplayer game called Project Copernicus set in the Kingdom of Amalur universe, was cancelled along with the studio, leaving fans like me hoping for nothing more than another playthrough of the first game.

Reports at the time showed the studio was struggling financially and had stopped working on new games. This led to the franchise being put on hold right when it was gaining momentum. It’s a rare case in the world of role-playing games where a successful title didn’t get a follow-up because the company collapsed, not due to a lack of interest from players or a poor game. When THQ Nordic later bought the rights to the game and released a remastered version, fans hoped a proper sequel would finally be made.

Despite the remake selling well, THQ Nordic hasn’t announced a full sequel to Kingdoms of Amalur. This is unusual, considering how much praise the game receives for its combat and systems, the involvement of a well-known fantasy author, and the success of the remake. Fans are definitely noticing the lack of news about a continuation. Having played many RPG series over the years, it’s rare to find a single game world that feels so ripe for further development and expansion, but Amalur definitely feels that way.

The best role-playing games encourage players to experiment and refine their strategies, and Kingdoms of Amalur did just that. It offered exciting combat, allowed for diverse character development, and featured a well-crafted fantasy world. The game was well-received when it first launched and proved its lasting appeal with a recent remake. The fact that a sequel never materialized is a major disappointment for many RPG fans, and hopefully, we’ll find out what could have been one day.

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2026-02-08 22:14