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The Return Of The Bard's Tale Confirmed

Posted by simoniker on from the thorin-still-singing-about-gold dept.

Thanks to GameSpy for their article officially revealing the return of classic RPG series The Bard's Tale, following recent rumors that a new title was in the works. However, screenshots of the title, from former Interplay boss Brian Fargo's new company, inXile Entertainment, reveal a radically different top-down view, as the game, due out at the end of 2004, "is being developed primarily for the PS2", and "is using an improved version of the Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance engine." There are also noticeable similarities to the classic original series, as: "The plan calls for the game to start near the original town of Skara Brae, an ancient ruin in the Orkney Islands on the northern tip of Scotland." Update: 10/01 22:34 GMT by S : There's now an interview with Brian Fargo about the new Bard's Tale title, also courtesy GameSpy.

3 of 37 comments (clear)

  1. Skara Brae by SoundGuy666 · · Score: 1, Interesting

    is one of the towns in Ultima.

    I always find it interesting finding out little tidbits about what inspired designers in your favourite games. Ultima Online was a good one, with each of its game servers named after something local to where it is located - they even wrote a wee summary of the story behind the name.

    --
    Why can't we all just get along?
  2. The real sequel by Txurlo · · Score: 5, Interesting

    As much as I wet my pants when I saw this newspost, I can't really say I'm excited.
    The Bard's Tale series was absolutely HUGE for me, specially the third installment. I even made my own BTIV with the Bard's Tale Construction Set!
    Anyway, if you want a sequel which is more than spiritually linked to the originals, go for Devil Whiskey. It's still in demo, but also quite impressive!

    --
    Txurlo
    1. Re:The real sequel by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      I remember hex editing Bard's Tale II on the Apple II GS. Create new pictures, crazy party members. One of the best was I had a super monster I made as a party member, gave him some crazy background and the ninja picture.
      So I walk around, go into one of the last dungeons and have to solve some pain in the ass riddle. I go into this trap room and save, whoops. The whoops is, before I can solve the puzzle to get out, something in the room makes the monster I made go crazy and kill my whole party in, like, one round.
      I don't know, for some reason that always makes me laugh.