The Bard is a cynical, opportunistic musician who travels the country for sensual delights. However, this impatient and self-centered individual is driven to accept the most important task of his life: to rescue princess Caleigh from a demonic sect that has kidnapped her. The unusual hero must now go around the land in quest of the princess, accompanied by the omnipresent Narrator, who despises the Bard and utilizes every opportunity to comment on his activities sarcastically. Furthermore, Fionnaoch, the mysterious abductor of the princess, does everything in his power to thwart the Bard, dispatching minions to pursue him.
The Bard’s Tale, a self-described “quest for coin and cleavage,” is an action RPG that is more of a whimsical twist on role-playing games than a remake of the classic series. As the Bard, players can use a blade and bow to fend off swarms of opponents and recruit comrades using magical Bard Songs. Leveling up allows the player to improve the character’s significant traits and invest specialized points in the weapons he can employ. Magical allies must be sought out and summoned during combat. After being called, they behave similarly to AI-controlled party members; some specialize in physical attacks and offensive spells, while others can heal the hero.
During dialogues, the player can respond to the protagonist with “nice” or “snarky” comments. While most of these comments are intended to be amusing, some of them may have an impact on later events. The Dark Alliance engine is used, and the camera and control mechanism are comparable.
