If you talk to anyone who grew up playing role playing games on PC, chances are there are a few words that'll make their hair stand on end. Forgotten Realms. Back in 1998, before BioWare decided they'd rather take their adventures to outer space, Forgotten Realms was the Dungeons and Dragons universe that provided the backdrop for many of the greatest games in the golden age of role playing, from Baldur's Gate and its sequel, to Icewind Dale, Neverwinter Nights, and even Pool of Radiance. Each an isometric RPG with an emphasis on story, character, and freedom, these were games that plied their craft on creating a fantasy world packed with characters you'll love and hate, and tricky decisions to be made, whether you're delving into some mines accompanied by man mountain Minsc and his miniature giant space hamster Boo, taking on some baddies accompanied by your gnome friend Jan Jansen, whose battle cry usually goes along the lines of "YOUR KNEECAPS ARE MINE!", or simply gathering your party before venturing forth.
Hopefully there'll be magic missiles and all
So, it was with great excitement that we first learnt about Sword Coast Legends, a game designed to rekindle fond memories of the golden age of RPGs - and introduce a whole new generation to the world of Forgotten Realms. Ticking almost every box you could ever hope for, the game's press release read like a wish list from our 11 year old self, promising a huge emphasis on story, a gorgeous isometric viewpoint, a range of playable races and character classes, plenty of non-player characters to drag along for an adventure (or simply have an argument with), a soundtrack by Dragon Age/Baldur's Gate composer Inon Zur, and, perhaps most importantly, four player co-op, so you can share the fun with your friends. Unfortunately, initially announced only for PC, the game remained but a substantial PC upgrade away - until today. Now, Sword Coast Legends is officially coming to PS4 and Xbox One - and we can board the hype train proper.
While we have no idea whether the co-op will be of the same console variety (which would be awesome) or of the online only flavour (which would still be appreciated, if less easily accessible), Sword Coast Legends has shot straight onto our most wanted list. Finally, a resurgence in original, inventive, daring games. One in the eye for the boring remaster crowd - if this turns out half as good as it looks, we'll be in for a treat. With this, Fallout 4, Divinity: Original Sin, and Magicka 2 all out either this year, or soon, there's never been a better time to be a role playing fan. Check out the expansive E3 trailer below:
