Hi, sorry I’m late! I’m really excited you’re bringing the Bard fantasy to Orbus but I had some thoughts as a long time backer. Making this a separate post as I was a bit late to the feedback thread and I don’t think anyone’s reading. Here we go:
Heya. I’m huge into Bards of all kinds so, first and foremost, thanks for including them in Reborn.
Second, I will say that I don’t find the xylophone that exciting; as an instrument or as a concept. I think the idea of a large, unwieldy percussion instrument a bit too far off from my Bard fantasy (which, I get, may not be your fantasy or someone else’s fantasy). However, I understand why it was chosen. My bard fantasy most certainly revolves around small, mobile string instruments; Lutes, Mandolins, or even guitars.
But I’ll also provide my own concept for how this would work. I’m sure the team has also agonized over this, but I’ll give it a shot. I’m imagining an air guitar of sorts. Depend on handedness, one controller would be used to strum the air, while the other would be used to monitor inputs; trigger, touch, or grip. Alternatively, the position of the left controller relative to the body may indicate which “note” is being played. Think Guitar Hero or Rock Band, but floating in front of you.
Alternatively, this could be used to implement a fiddle or a violin type instrument, wherein the positioning is a bit different, but largely features the same style of play; one hand works the bow, and the other moves up and down a series of notes. Maintaining a consistent strumming rhythm could yield bonuses.
Anyway, very excited for a Bard, regardless. Worst case, I’m hoping the xylophone approach is just the beginning of their design.