Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.rpg (
More info?)
On Wed, 23 Mar 2005 12:56:58 -0800, Vader des Vaderlands
<vader@vaderlands.nl> wrote:
>-spotted it at FilePlanet a few minutes ago.
>
>http://www.fileplanet.com/151519/150000/fileinfo/The-Bard's-Tale-Demo
>
>Mirrors are likely available at your favorite file hosting site.
I found it an average game. The biggest issue is the restricting
camera angle. You are looking down at the world from an almost 90°
perspective. It can be zoomed out only a certain amount.
The basic interface is very simple. You can control most things from
circular menus (each with four options, selectable by W A S D keys).
For example Shift-W brings up combat menu and then you hit W, A, S or
D key to select further actions (like weapons in both hands or
weapon/shield combo). Shift-S brings up the summon menu and then you
can select sub-menus to summon a particular being. The same keys, with
combination of Ctrl key sets commands to your minions.
The gameplay is fast paced but repetitive. Each major weapon class
(sword, axe, bows etc) has its own progression tree and subtrees. So
the game can easily determine if a particular weapon that you just
found is inferior or superior to something you already have or whether
it belongs to a different tree or subtree. If the weapon is a better
copy of some thing you already have (let's going from one handed sword
5 physical, 5 fire to 10 physical, 5 fire damage), the new weapon is
automatically added to inventory (and also equipped, if you were using
its older counterpart before). In all cases unneeded weapons are
automatically converter to gold. It's a interesting gameplay mechanic,
since it does allow you freedom to choose/equip items and yet
minimises the trips back to item vendors for selling the loot.
The character can be moved in few ways, by holding down the mouse
button or by clicking or by toggling the character into walk mode and
then controlling him using mouse movement alone (without any clicks).
Combat is very monotonous. I could see some limited tactics, such as
summoning elementals when the opponents are weak against that
particular element. Or summoning a bowman or a melee fighter to adjust
with your play style.
Dialogues are generally above average. On certain occassions you are
given a choice of how to respond to certain characters, whether you
want the bard to be a nice guy or not.
There are hotkeys to turn auto-map on/off (which is fairly well done)
or to heal the entire party.
Overall, I would have liked the game a lot better if the world could
be viewed from an angle such as that in Diablo2 or the old Crusader
games. However, with its restrictive camera and monotonous combat, I
am not planning to buy it until it hits the bargain bin. Sorry inXile.
My 2¢
--
Noman
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram