Tales of the Unknown: Volume I - The Bard's Tale vs The Age of Decadence

Tales of the Unknown: Volume I, better known as The Bard's Tale, is a pioneering role‑playing game released in 1985 by Interplay Productions and published by Electronic Arts. It introduced early 3D graphics and animated character portraits, delivering a deep fantasy adventure on the Apple II and later on many other platforms. The game follows a band of young warriors, magic users, bards, and rogues as they battle the evil wizard Mangar, who has cast an Eternal Winter over the town of Skara Brae. Players explore labyrinthine dungeons, solve puzzles, and upgrade equipment to gain experience and defeat Mangar’s minions.

The Age of Decadence is a pseudo‑isometric 3D turn‑based role‑playing game set in a grim, low‑magic world inspired by the fall of the Roman Empire. Players navigate a shattered landscape of rival factions, ancient mysteries, and brutal politics, shaping the story through deep dialogue trees and consequential actions.\n\nDesigned by Iron Tower Studio, the game emphasizes strategic combat, extensive skill customization, and multiple solutions to quests, offering seven distinct endings and a world that reacts dynamically to the player’s decisions.

• Groundbreaking 3D graphics for its era
• Deep party and equipment customization
• Engaging puzzle and combat mix
• Rich fantasy storyline

• Deep, consequence‑rich dialogue system
• Robust skill and class customization
• Multiple quest solutions encourage replayability
• Rich, immersive world inspired by historical collapse

• Limited save system compared to modern standards
• Graphics appear dated on current hardware
• Steep learning curve for new players

• Steep learning curve for new players
• Limited visual polish compared to modern titles
• Sparse tutorial leaves some mechanics unclear