Release Date:
August 27th, 2019
Genre: RPGPrice: $39.99 USD
Player(s): 1
Format: Digital/Physical
Developer: inXile Entertainment
Publisher: inXile Entertainment (Physical release: U&i Entertainment)
Size: ~29 GB
FAQ
What is The Bard's Tale?
"The Bard's Tale IV: Director's Cut is the triumphant return of one of the most iconic RPG series of all-time. Delve into a tactically rich combat system that rewards creativity, solve puzzles to gain treasure and advantages, and discover a beautifully crafted world."
How does it play?
You traverse maze-like areas from a first person perspective, fighting monsters in turned based battled and solving puzzles in order to progress and grow your party.
Do I need to play the previous games?
No, but if you wish to play them the original trilogy remaster is included in the The Bard's Tale IV for the first week of release on Steam.The games are also on Xbox One and PC through Game Pass as well.
Xbox One X and PS4 Pro Support?
It's listed as an Xbox One X Enhanced title, but we're still waiting on specifics and confirmation of PS4 Pro support.
What's different in the Director's Cut re-release?
At a high level: "The Director's Cut brings more character customization options, new items, new enemies, revised UI, and a free expansion dungeon".
Detailed breakdown is available here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/inxile/the-bards-tale-iv/posts/2418144
I own the original version of the The Bard's Tale IV. Do I get this?
Yes, this is a free upgrade for existing owners of the game.
Game Pass?
Yes, you can play the game on either PC or Xbox One if you are a member of either Game Pass service or are a Game Pass Ultimate member.
Play Anywhere?
Yes. Buying the game digitally on the Windows 10 store gets you the game on Xbox One and vice versa. Saves and achievements can also be shared between the two platforms.
Media
Reviews
Metacritic (PC)
Darkstation 4/5
Anyone who did not pick up The Bard's Tale IV: Barrows Deep when it was released in 2018 missed an amusing and well-crafted RPG, a definite high point in a storied and popular franchise. With some minor interface and gameplay tweaks and the addition of some new quests and significant additional areas to explore, the Director's Cut makes a good case for itself and the game includes some nostalgic bonus content and some behind-the-scenes features as well.
Links
Playstation
GOG
Xbox/Windows