Xbox Gaming in South Africa

EA has lifted the lid on the previously codenamed "Project Mercury", announcing upcoming open-world RPG Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, a strictly single-player affair set in "a magical world, filled with strange landscapes, exotic cities, colorful characters and terrifying creatures".

The story is being penned by renowned author R.A. Salvatore (Forgotten Realms series), with Spawn creator Todd McFarlane bringing the world to life. In charge of game development is Big Huge Games, a subsidiary of 38 Studios, with Elder Scrolls veteran Ken Rolston filling in as lead designer.

"In Reckoning, we started with Bob and Todd's exceptional Kingdoms of Amalur game setting and imagery," said lead designer at Big Huge Games, Ken Rolston. "On that foundation we built the open-world exploration, vast narrative and character customization fans expect from the best RPGs. And we've added something new that we've always wanted from the genre -- a fast-paced, graphically stimulating action combat experience with fluid control and immersive, discoverable gameplay fans haven't seen before in other fantasy RPGs."

More details are expected to come out of Comic-Con in San Diego this week, along with a "cinematic debut" on 22 July.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is set for release sometime in Spring 2011.