Step into the pixelated boots of a bard on a perilous quest in Bard's Gold, a challenging action roguelike platformer developed and published by Pixel Lantern. This indie gem draws heavy inspiration from beloved 90s classics like Rainbow Island, Rick Dangerous, and Alex Kidd, offering a deliberately slower pace than modern platformers but with an equally demanding level of difficulty.

Overview

Bard's Gold plunges players into eerie worlds where a mischievous goblin has made off with your hard-earned gold. Your mission is to navigate treacherous dungeons, overcome a myriad of dangerous traps and enemies, and ultimately reclaim what's yours. The core gameplay loop involves exploring procedurally generated levels, collecting treasures, and using them to upgrade your bard's abilities, purchase new weapons, and acquire essential gear. Be warned: instant death awaits any misstep, as enemies, traps, and projectiles offer no second chances.

Highlights

  • Classic Platforming Reimagined: Experience a challenging platformer inspired by 90s classics, featuring deliberate pacing and demanding gameplay.
  • Roguelite Progression: Each playthrough offers a fresh dungeon layout, encouraging replayability as you use collected treasures to permanently improve your character.
  • Indie Development: Created by Pixel Lantern, this title brings a unique indie perspective to the action roguelike genre.

Who It's For

Bard's Gold is perfect for players who appreciate a true test of skill and enjoy the strategic depth of roguelite mechanics. If you have a fondness for retro-inspired pixel graphics and the unforgiving yet rewarding nature of classic platformers, this game is sure to capture your attention. Those seeking a fast-paced, casual experience might find the deliberate challenge a bit much, but for the dedicated platformer enthusiast, it's a gem.

Game Info

Developed and published by Pixel Lantern, Bard's Gold was released on August 14, 2015. It features multi-player support, Steam Achievements, and Steam Trading Cards. The game is available in English and German. Its pixel graphics and challenging action roguelike gameplay have earned it a 'Very Positive' reception from Steam users.