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We have both good and bad news to share this morning, as inXile entertainment have given an update on both The Bard's Tale IV: Barrows Deep and The Bard's Tale Trilogy.

In their most recent Kickstarter update, inXile have said that progress on the massive Director’s Cut update for Barrows Deep is going really well. They said Microsoft has been a "truly amazing partner" giving them extra resources allowing them to take their time. As for the release, they're now saying it will be in "late summer" which will include the long-delayed Linux version. Hopefully those who backed it will enjoy it but it must be annoying waiting almost a year since the release for official Linux support.

As for The Bard's Tale Trilogy which was developed separately by Krome Studios, they said this:

We also have some news regarding The Bard’s Tale Trilogy for Mac gamers. Since launch, we’ve seen that Linux users have been able to play the game with minimal fuss, using methods like Steam’s Proton service. On the other hand, Mac users have not been able to play the game, so we are pleased to announce that we have made the additional investment to develop a Mac version. Krome is currently working on some additional updates for The Bard’s Tale Trilogy, and will begin work on the Mac version later this summer. All of you, Windows, Mac, and Linux, will be getting these additional Bard’s Tale Trilogy enhancement updates free of charge. 

Clarifying it in the comments of the post, they confirmed "There won't be a native Linux version". It's a shame to see Linux support isn't coming for The Bard's Tale Trilogy but at least it had a "Platinum" rating on ProtonDB.

If you want to follow it along, the Linux build of The Bard's Tale IV: Barrows Deep will be up on Humble Store, GOG and Steam.

Hat tip to Faugn.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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scaine Jun 8, 2019
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Easy choice for the developer to make, I suppose, but since that means no support, it's an easy choice for me as a consumer. No sale, and their decision swerves me away from the native product too, cos I'm petty that way. A little bit petty anyway. I might still buy the native game, it does look good.
abelthorne Jun 8, 2019
Out of curiosity, did they have plans for a native Linux version of the trilogy and changed their mind?
Liam Dawe Jun 8, 2019
Quoting: abelthorneOut of curiosity, did they have plans for a native Linux version of the trilogy and changed their mind?
I honestly don't remember them ever saying the Trilogy would be on Linux, but I may be wrong. We've never covered it either, which leads me to believe it wasn't.
Ehvis Jun 8, 2019
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Colour me extremely confused.

Liam Dawe Jun 8, 2019
Quoting: EhvisColour me extremely confused.

The Bard's Tale and The Bard's Tale Trilogy are two different things.
Ehvis Jun 8, 2019
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Quoting: liamdaweThe Bard's Tale and The Bard's Tale Trilogy are two different things.

So this is about the original 80s stuff? I didn't even know those existed. :D Then it's even weirder because that should all be dosbox/emulator stuff.
rustybroomhandle Jun 8, 2019
Quoting: Ehvis
Quoting: liamdaweThe Bard's Tale and The Bard's Tale Trilogy are two different things.

So this is about the original 80s stuff? I didn't even know those existed. :D Then it's even weirder because that should all be dosbox/emulator stuff.

They were remastered/recreated with fancy new graphics and sound.
Ehvis Jun 8, 2019
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Quoting: rustybroomhandle
Quoting: Ehvis
Quoting: liamdaweThe Bard's Tale and The Bard's Tale Trilogy are two different things.

So this is about the original 80s stuff? I didn't even know those existed. :D Then it's even weirder because that should all be dosbox/emulator stuff.

They were remastered/recreated with fancy new graphics and sound.

The thing is. It's available in the Humble Trove where it's listed including the trilogy. But apparently the Linux build only contains the 3D version and exits when you try to select one of the older games.

Edit:
Downloaded the Windows version. The originals are just zips (password protected :| ) with Apple IIGS disk images and what looks like the KEGS emulator. Which is available for all OSes.


Last edited by Ehvis on 8 June 2019 at 9:57 am UTC
rustybroomhandle Jun 8, 2019
Quoting: Ehvis
Quoting: rustybroomhandle
Quoting: Ehvis
Quoting: liamdaweThe Bard's Tale and The Bard's Tale Trilogy are two different things.

So this is about the original 80s stuff? I didn't even know those existed. :D Then it's even weirder because that should all be dosbox/emulator stuff.

They were remastered/recreated with fancy new graphics and sound.

The thing is. It's available in the Humble Trove where it's listed including the trilogy. But apparently the Linux build only contains the 3D version and exits when you try to select one of the older games.

Edit:
Downloaded the Windows version. The originals are just zips (password protected :| ) with Apple IIGS disk images and what looks like the KEGS emulator. Which is available for all OSes.

You're still confused. :)

The three games that are sold on Steam as "Bard's Tale Trilogy" are not emulated... they are completely built from the ground up remakes of the three from the 80s. The trilogy that comes with the goofy comedy Bard's Tale are just as you say, the originals with an emulator.
Avehicle7887 Jun 8, 2019
So they're willing to make a Trilogy native port for Mac because they 'feel sorry for them', but not for Linux because it runs well on Steamplay. That's more than enough reason for me to stay far far away from buying it and besides, I don't see Steamplay on GOG now do I?

As for the Bard's Tale 4, I'll be happy to buy it when it's done.


Last edited by Avehicle7887 on 8 June 2019 at 10:21 am UTC
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