Forget chivalry. Never mind saving the world. Just say "no" to noblesse oblige. Players enter 2004's The Bard's Tale with refreshingly simple motivations that the often underrepresented everyman adventurer can really relate to -- "coins and cleavage." In the role of the opportunistic, smart-mouthed, somewhat pompously disaffected Bard himself, players embark on a humorous, action-oriented misadventure through a classic medieval fantasy realm, based on the fondly remembered 1985 home computer game of the same title. Like the landmark original, this latter-day Bard's Tale was produced by RPG luminary Brian Fargo, and it is the first release from his inXile Entertainment studio.

The 3D game world is viewed from a top-down perspective, reminiscent of NeverWinter Nights, Dungeon Siege, or in particular, Snowblind Studios' Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest; Bard's Tale was built on the Champions of Norrath engine. Players guide the Bard through the large world, exploring new areas and always on the lookout for a free meal or a "soft place to rest his head." While he is skilled enough with his sword, the Bard's true talent is in his voice. He can learn to use his special musical powers to summon a variety of able-bodied creatures that will follow along and help him in combat.

In spite of all the hacking and slashing that ensues, there is a considerable amount of real role-playing in The Bard's Tale -- not just stat-maxing and attribute improvements, but truly player-directed character development that influences the story being told. The game features a "Snarky/Nice" conversation system that allows players to choose the tone the Bard takes when speaking to different NPCs. Obviously, this can have a significant effect on their responses. Because the plot offers so many choices, with so many possible results, players will have to adventure through the game multiple times to unlock all its secrets and see everything it has to offer.

Features
Quirky and offbeat epic adventure based on the 1985 home computer classic
Affect the game's outcome by having a snarky or nice attitude
Use weapons, artificats, and summon creatures to defeat your adversaries

A QUEST FOR COIN AND CLEAVAGE

You are the Bard, a selfish rogue weary of pointless sub-quests and rat-infested cellars. Through magical song you summon characters to join you in battle-waging attacks, healing your party and taking damage on your behalf. Ready your weapon as you embark on a quest for coin and cleavage.

Summon up to 16 creatures to fight, heal, block and get crushed by traps.

Less A, More I
Smarter foes, fiercer battles.

Advanced Attitude System
Your snarky or nice decisions change the course of the game.

• Third person perspective.
• 3D graphics
• Cartoon graphics
• Medieval Fantasy & Humour themes.

Left Analog Stick move bard
D-Pad group commands
Right Analog Stick camera control
X Button (tap) attack
X Button (hold) alt attack
Circle Button defend
Triangle Button jump
Square Button use
R3 Button toggle map
L1 Button select melee weapon
L2 Button selected ranged weapon, alternate melee weapon
R1 Button open tune selection menu
R2 Button open artifact selection menu
Start Button pause game, game menu
Select Button character sheet

Enter these codes while in game. Hold L1 and R1 when entering.
up, down, up, down, left, right, left, right Damage x100
left, right, left, right, up, down, up, down Enemy attacks pass through Bard
left, left, right, right, up, down, up, down Full health and mana
right, left, right, left, up, down, up, down God mode
right, right, left, left, up, down, up, down Levels Unlocked
up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right Silver pieces and adderstones

Infinite Health
201C4A18 E4800068

9999 Adderstones
105FDA3A 0000270F

9999 Silver
105FD98C 0000270F

Debug Menu (Press L3)
D063F9C2 0000FFFD
205FDF60 00000001