Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

Screenwise Verdict

This is a perfectly serviceable action RPG that does one thing really right: it's not trying to nickel-and-dime you. No battle passes, no loot boxes, no "surprise mechanics"—just a complete game you buy once. That's genuinely refreshing in 2020.

But let's be real: this is a remaster of a game that was considered good-but-not-great even in 2012. The combat is fun enough, the world is sprawling, and if your teen is deep into fantasy RPGs, they'll probably enjoy it. The creative pedigree is legitimate (Salvatore, McFarlane, Rolston), and the world-building shows.

The violence is standard fantasy fare—swords, magic, monsters—nothing gratuitous but constant. It's likely why the original earned a Teen rating. The bigger question is whether a teen in 2025 will find a 2012 game design compelling when they could be playing Elden Ring, Breath of the Wild, or other modern RPGs that have raised the bar.

The 69/100 rating tells the story: it's fine. It's not broken, not offensive, not predatory—just fine. If your kid is RPG-obsessed and has already played the heavy hitters, this is a decent B-tier option. But if they're new to the genre, start them somewhere more polished.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13+ who already enjoy action RPGs and can handle fantasy violence. Younger kids might find the combat intensity and complex systems overwhelming, while older teens might find it a bit generic compared to more modern RPGs.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

58

Fantasy RPG with combat violence typical of the genre. While not gratuitously dark, it features battles against monsters and humanoid enemies with weapon-based combat. The remaster maintains the original's tone—heroic fantasy adventure without excessive cruelty or mature themes, but the constant fighting and some darker story elements keep it from being particularly wholesome. Models traditional hero's journey themes but through violent conflict resolution.

Imaginative

72

Created by R.A. Salvatore (fantasy author), Todd McFarlane (Spawn creator), and Ken Rolston (Elder Scrolls IV lead designer)—a legitimately imaginative pedigree. Features a sprawling fantasy world with extensive customization options and RPG systems. Players can craft their own playstyle and explore diverse environments. However, it's ultimately a fairly traditional fantasy RPG without groundbreaking innovation—the remaster polishes the 2012 original rather than reimagining it. Strong world-building but somewhat derivative of standard fantasy tropes.

Safe

75

Users can interact online but no online chat, no in-game purchases, no loot boxes—excellent monetization safety for a modern game. The violence is fantasy-based (swords, magic) rather than realistic, though likely includes blood effects typical of action RPGs. Without official content ratings provided, estimating this would typically earn a Teen rating (ESRB) for fantasy violence and mild blood. No sexual content or profanity expected. The main safety concern is combat intensity and potentially scary fantasy creatures/situations.

Enriching

64

Offers deep RPG systems requiring strategic thinking, character build planning, and resource management. The narrative (penned by acclaimed fantasy author Salvatore) provides story engagement and reading comprehension opportunities. Players make choices about character development and combat approach. However, it's primarily entertainment-focused hack-and-slash gameplay rather than meaningful ethical dilemmas or real-world skill building. The cognitive challenge is moderate—more about reflexes and build optimization than complex problem-solving.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Zero predatory monetization—no microtransactions, loot boxes, or pay-to-win mechanics in a modern game (genuinely rare!)
Deep character customization lets kids experiment with different playstyles and strategic builds
Created by legitimate fantasy/gaming legends, offering a well-crafted world with extensive lore for teens who love immersive RPGs
Single-player focused experience without social pressure or toxic online interactions

⚠

What to Watch For

Constant fantasy combat with weapons and magic—enemies include monsters and humanoid foes, likely with blood effects
It's a remaster of a 2012 game, so despite updated graphics, the gameplay loop and design philosophy feel dated compared to modern RPGs
Time investment is significant—RPGs like this can easily consume 40+ hours, so consider whether that's how you want gaming time spent
The middling 69/100 user rating suggests it's fine but not exceptional—there are better RPGs out there

Conversation Starters

"What kind of character build did you choose? Are you going for magic, melee weapons, or a mix?"
"The story was written by R.A. Salvatore who created Drizzt Do'Urden—have you read any of his books? Interested in fantasy novels?"
"How do you decide which quests to do and which to skip? What makes a side quest feel worth your time?"
"Do you think games with no microtransactions feel different to play? Does it change how you approach decisions in the game?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Kingdoms Of Amalur Re Reckoning? Put this WISE score on your site