The Bard's Tale
Xbox- Publisher: InXile Entertainment
- Release Date: Oct 26, 2004
- Also On: PlayStation 2
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It's not as epic as "KOTOR" and your karma-building decisions aren't as crucial to the gameplay, but this game packs in more humor and charm than anything I can remember.
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Some of the subject matter might be a little risqué for the younger audience, but for those who are of age, this title is a solid adventure with a great sense of humor.
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The game is hilarious and even the cliché aspects are still fun. The Bard's Tale is an addictive and enjoyable game that RPG fans would be wise to add to their Christmas list.
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The bard is such an unlikely hero (not to mention a total smartass) that just the thought of seeing what will happen to him next compels you to play.
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A solid RPG that doesn't take itself too seriously, but is still seriously entertaining.
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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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One of the best role playing experiences for the Xbox console in 2004.
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Okay, so maybe it's not the best RPG of the year. But it brings a good laugh to anyone who plays it.
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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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A puppy…that's right, you have a puppy that will follow you around. He is pretty good at getting his ass handed to him, but in time you will learn to love your puppy.
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They play upon an RPGers Pavlovian response toward barrel-bashing and rat-hunting, manifest one of the genre's most unforgettable anti-heroes, dutifully employ intelligent scriptwriting, and make it all a very enjoyable chord.
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TotalGames.netA refreshingly original take on a notoriously starchy genre; tongue in cheek, sword in hand and pants around ankles. Hail to the king.
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Xbox Nation MagazineIts self-concious metacomedy helps elevate what is already a solid game into a sing-songily fine game. [Jan 2005, p.98]
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If the actual gameplay had shown more innovation and been as solid as the story script, this could have been a truly great game. As it is, it must settle for simply good.
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Has its rough edges but I probably spent more time than was necessary playing it because I was enjoying it!
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RPG fans that are interested in a good laugh at their favorite genre's expense will probably dig this title, flaws and all.
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A game that has a refreshing story, a wonderfully unique leading man, great voice acting, good graphics, good music, and a mediocre combat system.
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A genuinely hilarious spoof of a genre long overdue for it.
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While the melee fighting is undoubtedly excellent the magic element is the combats greatest strength.
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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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One of the funniest and most entertaining games to have hit the market in quite a while. If you like Monty Python, if you just love to laugh, or if you follow role-playing games in general, then you should definitely take a look.
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The Bard's Tale is the (Monty Python's) Holy Grail of action-RPGs.
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Makes up for the lack of personality in titles like "Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance" and "D&D Heroes" by having enough for the three of them, resulting in quite possibly the most amusing game on the Xbox to date.
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A sluggish and repetitive combat system and overly simplistic RPG elements leave The Bard's Tale wondering exactly what type of game it is. It does have plenty of hilarious moments, but ironically many of the aspects that the game pokes fun at in relation to other RPGs, it suffers from as well.
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Official Xbox MagazineThough no aspect of it truly screams triple-A, the entire effort is one that patient players who can endure the early hours will surely enjoy. [Holiday 2004, p.84]
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Like a really good comedy film, probably best suited as a rental.
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netjakIt reminds me of that old report card comment- the game has a lot going for it, but it isn't working to its full potential.
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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.
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Just why multiplayer was left out really will be never known, but it is a mistake that Brian Fargo, a reknowned game developer, should not have made.
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One of the few games that is downright funny, and there were honest laugh-out-loud moments sprinkled throughout it that kept me playing.
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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]
Awards & Rankings
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66
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52
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#52 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2004
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User score distribution:
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Positive: 4 out of 6
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Mixed: 1 out of 6
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Negative: 1 out of 6
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RickMar 2, 2006
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BlueFalconAug 26, 2005