Dwarf Fortress vs Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Dwarf Fortress
Dwarf Fortress is one of the most unique and massive fantasy game ever made using only ASCII characters and colors. The game is completely open world in the sense that you are given the freedom to play as an adventurer and set off alone or with other adventurers on an exciting journey above or below ground (or both) to seek glory, fame and riches, or to settle down and help develop your very own dwarven outpost where you can then build a fortress, establish a barony, and in general, order your dwarven subjects around. Aside from the obviously different "art style" used, the freedom of choice, and the amazing amount of details in its gameplay, the game is also unique in its world building. The virtual world created is not only randomly generated with distinct civilizations with detailed histories, hundred of points of interests like towns and caves, as well as a flourishing nature, which includes both flora and fauna.With so many amazing features packaged into a simple-looking game, it is no wonder why Dwarf Fortress is a game that has inspired a wide variety of other modern games, both indie and big triple-A ones, until today. Due to its size, you might feel daunted to dive into a game like this, but once you've learned the basics, you will find yourself fully immersed in this completely open world of symbols and colors.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is an amazing action-based RPG which we frankly think was one of those RPG gems that were somehow overlooked. Even with its age in mind, the game still does well to cater to fans of RPGs today, giving them a memorable storyline based on a universe created by none other than the legend in fantasy novels, R.A. Salvatore; a host of interesting characters to interact with, and a massive open world to explore. Character customization is pretty extensive here, allowing you to change your character's class, skills and abilities to fit your play style. You can change your character's equipment as well.The amazing part about this game, aside from its immersive storyline and world, is how seemlessly it has managed to integrate magic-wielding with swordplay (it doesn't exactly have to be swords though) in its exhilarting action combat. It does make you feel like you are in the shoes of your character.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning may not be a "Skyrim"-sort of game, but it's incredibly in-depth, able to offer you hundreds of hours of play time at the very least, especially if you are determined to complete every side quest and explore every corner of the beautiful world. It's definitely worth every cent you spent on it!