Publisher: Vivendi Universal
Ages: Teens
Parental
Advisory:
Violence
Noteworthy because it resurrects a popular eighties roleplay game and bears the same name, Vivendi Universal's The Bard's Tale offers an edgy roleplay experience that features a worldly main character. It's not groundbreaking, but it's fun.
In the game, players take on the role of the Bard – a sardonic and opportunistic musician and adventurer who is driven more by carnal rather than noble or heroic pursuits. The wise-cracking main character is snide and sometimes funny. On the other hand, some may grow tired of his mean-spirited comments. This aspect largely separates the title from a host of roleplay games on the market.
Players choose the Bard's responses towards other characters with either "snarky" or "nice" dialogue, which changes the course of events in the game. Players make their choices and live with them. The action takes place in medieval times in a land based on the Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland.
With the exception of the wise-cracking main character, the game offers a mostly conventional role-play experience that is non-linear and results in different outcomes. As you would expect, there's lots of combat against a variety of creatures. The title simplifies inventory so there isn't much to track, and the Bard, being a musician, can play songs to influence others. The game lacks multi-player activities.
The graphics are impressive. The game does a splendid job of creating living and breathing worlds with interactive townsfolk, original music (with singing), birds, animals, rustling trees, waving grass and trickling water.
Players who enjoy action roleplay games may find The Bard's Tale different and refreshing. At its core, it's not the finest roleplay experience out there, but a competent one for roleplay fans.
12/10/04 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
