The Bard’s Tale: Tales of the Unknown: Volume I
The small country town Skara Brae was enjoying a peaceful life, until an evil
wizard known as Mangar the Dark appeared. Monsters have invaded the town,
terrorizing its inhabitants. Mangar cast the spell of Eternal Winter on the
surroundings, isolating Skara Brae from any possible help. Guards that were
entrusted with the task of protecting the town have disappeared within one
night. Only a party of brave adventurers can save Skara Brae and defeat
Mangar.
The Bard’s Tale is a fantasy role-playing game similar to Wizardry games,
with first-person exploration of pseudo-3D maze-like environments, and turn-
based combat against randomly appearing enemies. Unlike early Wizardry
installments, the town can be explored physically, and parts of the overworld
are accessible as well. Several dungeons must be explored before the player
can tackle the final quest.
Six character classes are available when the player is prompted to create a
party of six adventurers in the beginning of the game: Bard, Hunter, Monk,
Paladin, Rogue, Warrior, Magician, and Conjurer. The last two can be promoted
when specific conditions are met during gameplay. The bard class plays a
special role, possessing magical songs that improves the party’s performance
in combat and are required to solve some of the game’s puzzles.
The Bard’s Tale: Tales of the Unknown: Volume I