GB: Since they use the same engine, can you briefly explain some of the similarities and differences between Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance, Champions of Norrath, and The Bard's Tale?

Eric: As far as similarities go, of course the perspectives of the games are all very similar along with the emphasis on action oriented gameplay. That is pretty much where most of the similarities end however as we decided to do quite a few things different in our game. While most other games using this engine have tried to concentrate on providing a solid multi-player experience we opted to take the other route and provide a narrative heavy single player experience. We always wanted to provide a lot of character in our game and somewhere early in development “character” turned into outright comedy, so the tone of our game is quite different from what you’d find in almost any other RPG out there.


GB: Can you detail how character creation and advancement will be handled? Additionally, in Bard's Tale tradition, will there be a "review board" that will need to be visited in order to advance a character?

Eric: When the game begins the player is allowed to allocate a certain number of points to the Bards’ attributes which are Strength, Vitality, Dexterity, Luck, Rhythm, and Charisma. The player is also able to select one talent at the beginning. Talents are abilities such as new combat moves, weapon proficiencies, and other things like giving your canine companion attack dog training. Although there is no review board, whenever the player gains a level they will be able to assign two more points into their stats as well as choosing another talent at every other level.