Remaking the Bard's Tale 1-3
Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 10:47 pm
I know when people talk about reviving the series (Which I know is unlikely to happen...), I've usually seen Bard's Tale 4 discussions. But, let's say someone decides to redo the first 3 games. Given that these games are 20-25 years ago, I'm not sure a remake with just better graphics and sound would go over well. Some things probably would need altered to make it in-line with other modern games.
A few of my ideas:
1. Streamline the games: A no-brainer for me. What was in one of the games needs to be present in all of the games. Such as:
- Distance combat
- The thief can backstab
- The Destiny Knight keeps the Destiny Wand and his powers when he returns to Skara Brae.
- Items don't get lost between the games
- One can save anywhere in all games
Probably several other things can be done also. Essentally, the improvements that the sequels had now need to be in the earlier games.
2. Better character balance (in relates to fighters): I don't think this is that bad in the first Bard's Tale. In the Bard's Tale 2, it starts to lean towards the Hunter or whomever has a one-hit-kill weapon, though it becomes moot by the Maze of Dread because nobody can hit anybody by that point. But it's real bad in Bard's Tale 3. The Hunter is the best fighter by far. The Monk gets a boost and can kind of keep pace. But it's pretty apparent the only purpose of a Warrior and Paladin at that point is to protect the Mages until they can become a Geomancer.
In other words, make it so it's not so obvious that the Warrior/Paladin needs switch, and that the Warrior or Paladin isn't the obviously class left out when making a party.
3. Character customization: When advancing, characters - depending on class - acquire certain skills/boosts that the player can choose from. A warrior can choose from say, an extra attack, increased strength, or a chance of a critical hit. Mages could go for an extra spell point boost, extra spell power, or maybe even some melee combat ability. etc, etc
4. The plot: I think this should largely stay the same, but some plot holes can be filled (why is Kylearan just sitting in his tower, why doesn't Lagoth just fry the party after the 4th snare, exactly how does Tarjan come back, etc). And some character development can be added to. A few minor changes to the overall story could be done also.
I can think of more, but this is enough for now. Any thoughts?
A few of my ideas:
1. Streamline the games: A no-brainer for me. What was in one of the games needs to be present in all of the games. Such as:
- Distance combat
- The thief can backstab
- The Destiny Knight keeps the Destiny Wand and his powers when he returns to Skara Brae.
- Items don't get lost between the games
- One can save anywhere in all games
Probably several other things can be done also. Essentally, the improvements that the sequels had now need to be in the earlier games.
2. Better character balance (in relates to fighters): I don't think this is that bad in the first Bard's Tale. In the Bard's Tale 2, it starts to lean towards the Hunter or whomever has a one-hit-kill weapon, though it becomes moot by the Maze of Dread because nobody can hit anybody by that point. But it's real bad in Bard's Tale 3. The Hunter is the best fighter by far. The Monk gets a boost and can kind of keep pace. But it's pretty apparent the only purpose of a Warrior and Paladin at that point is to protect the Mages until they can become a Geomancer.
In other words, make it so it's not so obvious that the Warrior/Paladin needs switch, and that the Warrior or Paladin isn't the obviously class left out when making a party.
3. Character customization: When advancing, characters - depending on class - acquire certain skills/boosts that the player can choose from. A warrior can choose from say, an extra attack, increased strength, or a chance of a critical hit. Mages could go for an extra spell point boost, extra spell power, or maybe even some melee combat ability. etc, etc
4. The plot: I think this should largely stay the same, but some plot holes can be filled (why is Kylearan just sitting in his tower, why doesn't Lagoth just fry the party after the 4th snare, exactly how does Tarjan come back, etc). And some character development can be added to. A few minor changes to the overall story could be done also.
I can think of more, but this is enough for now. Any thoughts?