Calling the Commodore 64 version wondrous, "Compute!'s Gazette" in 1986 stated that while the game's plot and gameplay did not vary from the norm, "its depth of concept and brilliance of execution" did. Praising the complex magic system, the magazine concluded that "the greatest danger is not Mangar—it's the likelihood that you'll never be able to tear yourself away from this masterpiece of a game". "Compute!" in 1987 called the Apple IIGS version "unquestionably the most graphically stunning product I have seen on any Apple computer". The ZX Spectrum version of "The Bard's Tale", released in 1988, was favorably received. "CRASH" said that "the Skara Brae environment is so complex and involves so many different factors that it's hard not to get completely enthralled in your quest" and rated it at 86%. "Sinclair User" rated it at 89%, but noted that it would not appeal to general gameplayers, saying that ""The Bard's Tale" will enthrall diehard pixie fans [...] but there's too much text, and not enough graphics and animation, to convert the uncommitted." "Your Sinclair" were similarly positive about the game, rating it 9/10.