It’s been 31 years ago – or as little as two weeks depending on which version you refer to – since The Bard’s Tale III released, is the follow-up, the aptly named The Bard’s Tale IV: Barrows Deep on Xbox One and PS4.
Continuing the first-person view, this dungeon crawler continues the story and party-based gameplay. Returning to Skara Brae, players must once again form a team of adventurers and navigate through all manner of dungeons with a bard in tow, to then regale your journey to any would be passer-by in the tavern that night.
This version of The Bard’s Tale IV which is launching on console is the Director’s Cut and features over 40 hours of gameplay. This is the first time the game has launched on consoles but features numerous bug fixes and tweaks over the games initial launch on PC.
New features also include a new combat-focused dungeon called the Royal Necropolis of Haernhold that features new enemy types and “very challenging” bosses, both mini and main. As well as this, there are new items and weapons for use against these new enemies – and the old ones – more character customisation options, and a newly designed UI along with updated controller support to make console gamers feel right at home.
If you prefer your games physically, there is a version incoming but unfortunately you will have to wait a bit longer. This launches on 6th September but does include some additional goodies including a map, and some in-game items.
For those who like digital, you will be pleased to know that The Bard’s Tale IV is available as part of your Xbox Game Pass subscription from right now, launch day! All versions include the in-game item, Fire Horn, in a throwback to the very first game.
If you are not an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, The Bard’s Tale IV is available priced at £32.99 from the Xbox Store for Xbox One, or over at the PlayStation Store for PS4 gamers. Will you be picking up the digital version, the physical one, or are content to just download it through Game Pass? Let us know in the comments below – and make sure you keep an eye out for a full review too.
Game description:
Hidden in the shadows, an evil has waited patiently. Until now. Who will face the darkness if not you? A heroic adventure featuring 50+ hours of gameplay, 350 speaking parts, a Legacy Mode for returning fans, and over 100 pieces of incredible music! Customize How You Play Define the way you play, using sliders on numerous options such as saving (including “save anywhere”), the mini-map, waypoint markers and many more. Whether you seek a hardcore challenge, a lighter experience, or something in-between, the choice is yours. Create the Hero You Want To Be Play as Bard, Fighter, Practitioner, and Rogue, each featuring 60-70 skills and collectively unlocking 21 unique classes. Build an array of characters to make every playthrough a unique experience. Craft your Party, Your Way Start your party with a single character, recruiting or creating new heroes to bolster your ranks. Build a party that suits your play style! An Adventure Around Every Corner Explore towns full of quest givers, fight your way through dark and deadly dungeons, and navigate beautiful rolling hills, dense forests, ancient tombs, and icy wastes. Outsmart Evil Battle your enemies in dynamic, intuitive turn-based tactical combat,that rewards clever thinking. Use superior strategies, thoughtful positioning, and deadly combos to bring down your foes! Unlock the Secrets of the Past Unravel challenging mysteries. If your enemies don’t get you, the devious riddles and dangerous traps just might. Elven Puzzle Weapons The sense of discovery and mystery doesn’t stop with the environment. Gain ancient Elven weapons containing hidden powerful skills which you’ll need to uncover by carefully examining them.
