Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning has arrived.
The RPG comes from EA, 38 Studios and Big Huge Games. It also comes with a fine pedigree, being spawned by such luminaries as Ken Rolston, R.A. Salvatore, Todd McFarlane and Curt Schilling.
In truth, I have just started playing Kingdoms. So far, I am quite impressed. A full review will be coming soon.
The one thing I can say is that the game and its mechanics seem much more accessible then many RPGs I have played.
Kingdoms is available for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

In other news:

• 2K Games reports that The Darkness II now is available in North America for the PC, PS3 and 360. The game continues the exploits of crime boss Jackie Estacado, who wields supernatural forces.


• The 2D brawler Shank 2 from EA is available on the PlayStation Network and for the PC. Soon, the game also can be found on Xbox Live Arcade.


• Reverb Publishing partnered up with Coffee Stain Studios to publish the PC, Xbox Live and PlayStation Network version of Sanctum 2. The game is a follow-up to Sanctum, which meshed elements of the first-person shooter with tower defense.


• On a lighter note, PopCap Games will launch Solitaire Blitz, a social game, on the Facebook platform. Look for beta testing to start in March.


• Rise of Dragonian Era, a free-to-play MMORPG from Mgame USA, will host its second and final closed beta Feb. 11-12. In the game, players pledge allegiance to a dragon lord and join the battle against the forces of chaos.


• Birthright, the latest expansion for the real-time strategy MMO Terra Militaris will arrive in March, the free-to-play portal www.gPotato.eu announced. Included will be a new friend system, new dungeon, new items and a premium Nobility feature.


• Set for release in the second half of 2012 is Sleeping Dogs from Square Enix. The game follows the exploits of an undercover cop taking on Hong Kong's feared Triads.


• Cannon Fodder 3 (screenshot below) will be coming this month from Codemasters. Players will face down a terrorist threat around the world and in space.