The Bard's Tale is an action role-playing game with a thick veneer of personality delivered mainly through the silver tongued protagonist (The Bard) and the often argumentative and flabbergasted Narrator. For all it's role-playing and adventuring, where The Bard's Tale truly shines is in it's witty and well crafted story and its deep character development. Players looking for an game experience that takes all the trappings of traditional role-playing genre and lampoons them in fine style need look no further than inXile's first game. The game's has a few problems, but not enough to take away from the overall enjoyable experience that has been created.

But let's not put the cart before the horse. At the heart of The Bard's Tale is a traditional hack 'n slash role-playing game similar to games Like Demon Stone and Champions or Norrath, but with a lighter feel. For one thing, players won't have to worry too much about managing inventory - weapons are automatically equipped and unequipped as better weapons (and armor) are procured. For magic the bard relies on bard tunes that can summon a handful of monster and humanoids that the player can rely on for support, and likewise, players can rely on crystals and a special summoning spell to heal when things get too rough (though simply standing still for a bit will do the trick). The player has access to a variety of different weapons including blunt weapons, swords, two handed weapons, bows and a dual wielding system that lets players fight with a dirk in one hand and a sword in another. Armor is pretty scare but there are lots of variations that players can use. Players can do some other things in combat like jump or block blows. Combat and blocking are all about timing, and learning how a particular enemy attacks will help players to be more successful in staying alive.

Combat is an interesting blend of timing and pacing; there's a slight delay in the animation when striking and the fluidity of it all rolls off the controller like a combo. Timing is also important based on how each enemy attacks, because if it attacks you before you attack it it interrupts the process, pushing you back slightly or knocking you completely down flat on the ground. This can be a bit dangerous if you get yourself cornered or surrounded because there's no real way to block attacks coming from three or four different directions. Players can block attacks, but they have to time them right in order for the block to be executed. The combat engine is neither good or bad; if you learn the pacing you'll find it enjoyable, or you can simply attempt to button mash and hope for the best.

One thing that's interesting about combat is that monsters will tend to leave you alone if you stay out of their immediate area or out of their range for ranged attacks. This allows players to utilize a pick off and run style strategy for cutting down the enemy numbers, healing and returning again to kill more until they are gone. This is especially handy for stronger monsters surrounded by lesser monsters, who aren't easy to kill in the first place - because it allows you to take out the surrogates.

The other thing that is different in combat is how players gather their loot. The loot is represented as objects (books, baubles, skins, etc) that are automatically converted to the local currency (silver). Gaining cash isn't all that difficult to acquire, because just about every monster has an object or two to hand out after you've laid them to waist. Players will also find cash in chests and other containers around the land - and there are plenty of side quests and main quests that pay experience and cash..

Finally it is worth noting what you use experience for.. Players have several special stats they can upgrade when they level up including Strength, Dexterity, Luck, Vitality, Charisma and Rhythm. Players can also select some special skills - some focusing on special attacks, others focusing on weapon proficiencies and still others that give bonuses to things like finding treasure. This part of the game is very light and easy to manage even for the most novice RPG. Having the upgrade system light is a good thing because it fits in with the general "ease of use" theme of the game. Players will spend more time adventuring and less time micro-managing - not just in how they tweak out their chracters, but also as it relates to other elements like item management and trading items for cash (since it's instantly handled by the game there's no need).

Travel around the lands is handled by traditional entry points in the civilized and savage regions of the realms - and later on by using a world map. The world map is interesting because your character and enemies move on the map as you head to your destination. Players have a chance of bumping into these random type encounters and getting into a fight if they are not careful. A cowardly bard will steer clear of these hazards, but a braver soul might head right for them and take them to task for being the vile evil creatures that they are. Either way, it's an interesting way to handle things. The world map kind of reminds of the first Summoner game, but without the random and invisible encounters..

Visually The Bard's Tale is a nice looking game. The game was developed using an enhanced version of the Baldur's Gate II game engine, though the perspective is locked down to a top-down view. This is fine, though it makes the game a little less detailed then it could be at times. Beyond that the graphics are very clean and easy on the eyes - and when players interact with NPCs the perspective changes to a close-up view, which is a bit more pleasing then the other perspective. Ultimately there's nothing to complain about in this department - the game's graphical style is pretty solid no matter how you slice it..

Finally and most important of all is The Bard's Tale's overall style and flare. inXile did an extremely wonderful job of creating a storyline, world, dialogue trees and characters that have a lot of flavor. The Bard is a consummate smart aleck who's only looking out for his own hungers and wants - whether that be fame, fortune or a pretty gal to spend the night with. The Bard's Tale also does a great job of having fun at the expense of many of the classic conventions associated with role-playing games and offers plot paths for both snarky and nice attitudes towards many of the quest-giving characters in the game. The puzzles and other conundrums that players face are also peppered with a lot of witty songs and situations that ensure a high level of entertainment value as you play.



inXile's game really walks the line between role-playing and adventure but do so in a way that balances everything out for the betterment of the overall product. Most games don't have half the flavor and atmosphere that the Bard's Tale offers.

Overall The Bard's Tale is a solid game that offers a lot of witty and downright hilarious situations that you will not find in any other games on the market today. 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. If you value good characters, solid plots and large does of smart ass humor, then The Bard's Tale is just what the doctor ordered.