- Publisher: InXile Entertainment
- Release Date: Oct 26, 2004
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Doesn't do anything particularly original, but that's not really the point. The point is the content, the script, and the wit, and in these areas it excels. [Nov 2004, p.118]
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Cheat Code CentralThis game is satire in its sharpest form. It's self mocking, self aware attitude is always at the forefront and it makes the adventure, oh so very clever indeed.
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Although The Bard’s Tale doesn’t offer anything new in terms of gameplay, it’s the amazing story, presentation, voice acting, and sense of humor that make it a great game.
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The world is detailed and interesting to be in, with only some annoying graphical issues. The dialog (written and spoken) is amazing to listen to, and funny to boot.
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The content is not too different from that of a PG-13 movie, with innuendo and plenty of adult jokes. The story mocks the genre as a whole, not just one particular group of characters.
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What will immediately stand out for you when playing this game is the humor. The game loves to make fun of other games in its genre and does so in a variety of different ways.
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The 30-40 hours you’ll get from this game are a just plain fun and singular experience that will hopefully see a follow up in the near future.
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A solid RPG that doesn't take itself too seriously, but is still seriously entertaining.
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Game InformerThough sub-par action and cheap deaths are endemic to the Bard's quest, this title made me feel like I was taking part in a real fantasy adventure teh way few others have over the years. [Dec 2004, p.167]
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The use of the Snowblind engine allowed it to effortlessly provide enjoyable hack-and-slash gameplay, while the dialogue and presentation provided the necessary charm to make The Bard’s Tale stand out.
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There is so much humor and such a great sense of wit, I highly recommend The Bard's Tale to anyone who has even the slightest sense of humor...With a more refined combat system -- preferably with more combos or at least less abusive AI -- the next Bard's Tale could become a true classic.
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There is a noticeable delay in pressing the attack button and the attack itself. Battles are in real time, so this delay can create all sorts of havoc.
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It's worth going through the hacking and slashing to get to all the winking and nodding. [Dec 2004, p.154]
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This is the most fun I have had with a role-playing game in a very long time. It drips with an attitude that is wonderfully anarchic and cynical.
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With a solid storyline and pretty good gameplay mechanics, we are given a game that really does help strengthen the PS2's RPG market.
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While there is a certain level of frustration to be had with the gameplay, this tale is worth the twenty hour journey. The amount of humor it has and the ability to be nice or mean adds some replay to the game, enough that it holds its own compared to others in the genre.
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PSM MagazineThis sarcastic, comedic Action RPG's gameplay is fundamental, solid, and almost old-fashioned in its uncluttered-ness. [Holiday 2004, p.96]
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The humor is adult focused, fun and plays out through the entire game. The other gameplay elements aren't perfect but ultimately the game is a lot of fun.
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It’s quite tricky to evaluate this rendition of the Bard’s Tale compared to the older titles in Fargo’s legendary series. This is particularly true when you consider that this Bard would’ve skewered it with his wit.
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What really makes the game shine is its main character. There really hasn't been a protagonist like the Bard.
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While the repetitive combat and dated graphics keep me from awarding it the FFC Gold Star, I got a lot of mileage out of it on my own personal Fun-O-Meter.
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While the melee fighting is undoubtedly excellent the magic element is the combat's greatest strength.
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I couldn't put this game down. I couldn't get the one liners out of my head.
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The Bard is a poor close-in fighter, but he also sucks with ranged weapons. Luckily, he has friends.
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Like a really good comedy film, probably best suited as a rental.
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It's an enjoyable romp, but rather short in duration and rather shallow in story.
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Play MagazineTrue to its unrefined hero, THe Bard's Tale could use a little more class, depth and sophistication. Which certainly doesn't mean they're still not entertaining company to keep. [Nov 2004, p.50]
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A refreshing change from the other RPGs out there. The game's good sense of humor carries the title from start to finish. On the other hand the gameplay isn't all there. It feels like a hack and slash "Diablo"-esque game that you don't actually fight in.
Awards & Rankings
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75
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39
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#39 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004
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User score distribution:
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Positive: 17 out of 25
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Mixed: 5 out of 25
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Negative: 3 out of 25
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AdamT.Mar 30, 2007
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Aug 22, 2023
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May 27, 2023It's a game about bards, witty Scottish humour and a setting in rural Albion, what's more to say? Purchase it on Steam, it oft goes on sale.