Bard's Tale
Ages: Teen - Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes

If you are tired of quest games with champions out to save the world -- again, this one is for you. It is a spoof on these types of games with an utterly disreputable money seeking, thieving, womanizer. Could you ask for more?

The Bard comes with the special skill of being able to summon various magical creatures with his song. As he wanders through the land, he picks up new songs and instruments that summon even more creatures. Creatures that can help him in battles, provide healing, even reverse time.

While the Bard begins with minimal weapons, as the game progresses he can upgrade to more substantial ones -- two handed sword, bow and flail. The enemies he meets are not all human and the women he pursues are always one up on him.

Dialogue is one of the more unique concepts here. You can decide that the Bard will be nice or snarky. Those choices will determine the direction of the game. The humor is ribald and there is plenty of sexual innuendo but not so much that it can still keep its Teen rating. A funny fun game. Humor is a rare thing and in games even rarer, so, appreciate it.

Reviewed by: Editor - 12/04