The Bard's Tale Preview

Gamehelper has put together a five-page preview of The Bard's Tale, based upon a final build of inXile's action RPG they recently received. A snippet, as usual:
Well, it's an RPG folks what did you want? Of course there's leveling kids. But that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun with it can we? The Bard has the usual traits available in the form of strength, vitality and charisma; and a few not so usual such as luck and rhythm which can help to shape our Bard into anything but your usual sword slinging adventurer. Aside from the initial points spent before embarking on our adventure, each level grants two bonus points to spend on your stats while every other level or so offers a chance to earn a new skill.

Some skills are not available at the outset of the game and are revealed in context later such as the ability to train your little pup friend (be sure to look outside the Drunken Rat near the well) to take on the big baddies on your behalf. It's a kick to see your little pooch go from chasing leaves to biting the heels of some of the nastiest creatures you're likely to encounter. Poor little guy takes quite a beating but the developers show some mercy in that he never actually dies. He is your first side-kick after all.