Vivendi: Class of 2004

UGO has launched a “Vivendi: Class of 2004” feature in which they detail several titles the company will be publishing this year, including InXile’s The Bard’s Tale. Here’s a taste:

While the humor really helps the story move along, the game seems to have a pretty complex RPG model running behind the scenes. As the Bard levels up, he’ll be able to summon new and powerful creatures, like electric spiders, to do his dirty work. Fans of Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance will be happy to know that the game’s engine makes an appearance here, utilizing the same isometric view with 3D environments and characters (along with some pretty awesome spell effects). The Bard’s Tale looks like it’s the kind of game with a nice, broad appeal, with something for fans of Diablo, Baldur’s Gate, and, with its humor, is even reminiscent of some of the classic (and hilarious) LucasArts adventure games. Be sure to keep an eye out for it when it hits later this year.