10 video games that would make great TV shows
By Daniel Roman
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning has been delayed slightly, but will also be getting a new DLC expansion almost a decade after its first release. https://t.co/IlvjCbQRvr pic.twitter.com/OlE76BjGWl
— IGN (@IGN) July 7, 2020
7. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
It wouldn’t be surprising if you’ve never heard of Kingdoms of Amalur. Despite being an incredible game, mainstream success was never quite in the cards for this action-RPG romp. But over the years it’s gradually grown a passionate cult following. The demand for this game has stayed steady enough since its release eight years ago that it’s actually even getting a remastered release this September.
Released in 2012, Amalur was the product of a collaboration between author R.A. Salvatore, Spawn creator Todd McFarlane, and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion creator Ken Rolston. The result is a game set in an expansive world where Fae folk called the Sidhe are split into two factions, one that wants peace and one that wants war. Gnomes toil away in their desert metropolis, battles rage outside an imposing swamp fortress, and one hero changes the face of destiny.
Kingdoms of Amalur has a stylish, unique world that could translate really well to film. There are lots of very cool creatures, sure, but most of the humanoid races would be relatively easy to portray on screen.
Amalur begins with the main character’s death. When they’re brought back to life by a gnomish machine, they stumble from the catacombs and come across a Fateweaver — kind of a cross between a warrior and a tarot reader. The Fateweaver tells the hero that they have no destiny — that they are, in essence, a blank slate…and able to change the destiny of those they come into contact with.
Obviously, that’s a very gamey-game mechanic sort of a thing, but it’s not like Hollywood hasn’t figured out ways put a twist on the whole “Chosen One” thing before. The cool thing about Amalur’s take on it is that the main character actually has a surprising amount of baggage once you get into the thick of the plot.
Kingdoms of Amalur might be the kind of high fantasy show that would work well on a streaming platform. It could also benefit from a bit of camp, even as some of its heavier plot moments punch viewers right in the feels.