The Bard's Tale Preview

Any self-respecting RPG veteran should be overjoyed at the mere mention of The Bard's Tale. It's basically one of the oldest RPG's out there and a game that has set a cornerstone for many fantasy-themed role-playing games. But before you get that suspicious look on your face, you should know that the developers mean to take every measure to establish a unique RPG setting. Their aim is to create a game that's fresh and different from all those D&D style action-packed hack'n'slashers we're used to playing today. Reviving the Bard's Tale franchise is none other than Brian Fargo himself, the creator of the celebrated original. Brian has been in the biz for quite a while and spent most of his time working closely with Interplay on various projects. Throughout the years he was devoted to bringing a variety of top-notch titles to life, such as Neuromancer, Fallout and Wasteland. In due time, Mr. Fargo left Interplay, eventually founding his own company which is now called InXile Entertainment. According to this talented game designer, The Bard's Tale was one of his favorites and doing a remake was something he longed to do for many years. VU Games seized the opportunity to support the resurrection of this popular RPG franchise; and lo, the Bard's Tale had been reborn.

And you mean to tell me that's not a boob job?

Goddamn Miller Lite commercials in games!

One of the main things I admire about this one is the developers' effort to go beyond some of the irksome confines of modern-day gaming. Old hand gamers will jump at the chance to play an RPG that steers clear of corny concepts, childish plots and weak gameplay mechanics.

The general spirit of the game should be amusing to any gamer. Basically, you're put in the shoes of an arrogant antihero, whose charm and attitude measure up to the likes of characters like Han Solo (I just have to digress here for a sec; Han Solo still stands as one of Harrison's best roles, one that emphasizes overconfidence, character and charisma, through unrivaled personality. It's good to know that some people still appreciate that.) Anyhoo, in this game, players take part in adventures of a self-seeking bard, who appreciates only three things: money, dames, and, of course, singing. Unfortunately, the bard has a very scanty repertoire at the beginning; he can only hum a single tune that allows him to summon a rat. In time, this became his favorite hobby - summoning rats in taverns and inns and scaring the living daylights out of patrons.

After all the tedious and lame character profiles I've had to endure through numerous RPG's, I have to say this one really comes as nice and welcomed novelty (provided you have the right sense of humor to appreciate its merit :)). By the way, the bard is pretty much sick to death of playing RPG's himself, so he mocks at any classic or hackneyed gameplay moment you come across. Apart from witty comments, he also rolls his eyes whenever something lame happens. You may not know this, but this game falls back on ideas and stories from the old folklore and tradition of Orkney Islands which are actually a mix of Scottish and Celtic legends (head over to the following site to learn more about Orkney Islands - http://www.orkneyjar.com/). Most of the characters and monsters in the game have been derived from actual stories and myths of the said folklore. Oh and just so you know, it was also said that Tolkien's Middle-earth and the numerous D&D settings we all know today emanate from the depths of this exhaustive mythology.

The story unfolds via the detailed and fully voiced character conversations and banters. There are no customary pop-up screens and dialogue boxes. Every step of the way, your character mostly responds to orders with sarcastic remarks. Each time he reacts in a different tone or by using a specific emotion to express anger or frustration due to a dreary task that lies ahead. (Forgive me for saying this, VADAR, but the bard seems like a whining little bitch. - Ed) The design team is fitting in over 40,000 dialogue lines, all of which are professionally voiced in order to spice the atmosphere up a wee bit and to amplify the sense of drama.

Although the whole idea, basically, goes for a laidback half-mocking attitude towards well-worn gameplay standards, The Bard's Tale is still an RPG at heart, and therefore possesses features you'd normally expect with this sort of game. (So they mock the very concepts they plan to include in the game? Interesting... - Ed) The main character collects experience points and can advance a typical selection of attributes, like Strength, Vitality, Charisma and Dexterity. But there's one particular attribute we're really keen on - the so-called rhythm skill. In due time, and with lots and lots of practice, the bard can distribute exp. points to the rhythm skill, consequentially improving his ability to sing (and for God's sake let there be no hip-hop!). By leveling this particular skill, the bard will then be able to use his songs more effectively.

Stop, I need to smell your feet!

Behold the mace that shall cleanse you of your ugliness!

The Bard's Tale also brings forth some interesting changes to the standard inventory system to avoid the dreaded "I can't carry all this stuff" remark. When it comes to storing items and selling them later on, you'll most probably appreciate what the developers have come up with. The game automatically changes the character's weapon should he come across one more powerful than he's carrying. The stronger item is consequently placed in the hands of the character, while the discarded one is literarily converted into gold so you won't have to bother with additional trading. In addition to that, an onscreen pop-up menu allows players to intuitively switch between different weapons, spells, or abilities, as opposed to going through clogged tree-style options and sub-options.

Your wacky character will mostly be fighting and venturing through various lands on his own. Still, for what it's worth, there are several NPC's to be encountered along the way, some of which can keep you company along the way... if you ask nicely that is. In some cases, it all depends on how well the NPC's are treated. If you're polite, they just might join you on your quest. Mocking and bad manners, on the other hand, will get you nowhere, so don't expect any help if you start behaving like a jerk. This open-ended approach to the gameplay should make for some serious replayability. At any rate, you shouldn't worry about feeling lonely, seeing as there'll be plenty creatures to summon including fire elementals, gigantic monsters that can hurl boulders, and so on. (Now that's what I call great conversation companions! - Ed)