Jade Empire

The short version: The story line is really good with an unexpected plot twist... The fighting is real-time, not turn-based... slightly linear gameplay... This is a great game overall, especially if you're looking 4 something that you can re-play.

This was the first xbox game I ever played, a couple of years ago. (It was also the first game on any platform that I ever actually beat/finished.) Jade Empire was the beginning of my love 4 gaming.

I've read some of the other reviews, & I pretty much agree that the game does have some excessive load times (which I didn't really notice at the time, since I had never really played an xbox game before anyway & thought it was normal) but Jade Empire is engaging enough that it shouldn't stop you from playing it. I actually played it all the way through TWICE, & started a third time but didn't finish (got another game that I was anxious 2 start). You can easily replay this game several times because of the infinite options you have - several characters 2 choose from, & many different choices during game play, with different outcomes.

The Amazon description makes it sound like you CREATE a character, which isn't true - you choose from (I think 6) different pre-existing characters with different looks, fighting styles, abilities, etc.

I would definitely recommend this game 2 anyone with an old-school xbox. (I don't have a 360, so I don't know if you can play it on the 360 or not.)

ok so right off the bat: this is a great game, I loved it. I beat it once & I'm goin in 4 seconds. But I have one major gripe. I am a big fan of being able 2 fully customize your character(Fable is one of the best examples of this), & according 2 the product description above, this is what Jade Empire offers. THIS IS A LIE. False advertising, I say. You get 2 CHOOSE between 5 characters. Yes you have control over their stats & what fighting styles they use, but you can't change their appearance, armor, or their voice(WTF is that about?? why does it say that??). Plus, you end up with damn near all the fighting styles by the end of the game anyway, so that customizable aspect kind of loses it's "umph". Don't get me wrong, I didn't turn this game off 4 a week after a got it, but I was expecting a Kung-Fu Fable, which it is not.

I have 2 give Bioware another round of applause 4 yet another expertly crafted RPG. Jade Empire features a fully immersive world with its own history & culture & great characters that really jump out at you & become memorable. The story is great & of course, features one of Bioware's usual twist endings. I honestly did not want this game 2 end. Some people are saying that the combat is too simple but it works 4 me. I don't think that a rock/paper/scissors type system takes away from any of the difficulty (I played the game on hard). Besides, it feels good having a combat system that is easy 2 use & yet still lets you pull off attacks that look impressive & difficult. Another aspect I truly enjoy is the dialogue option. It's fun playing through the game multple times, choosing new things 2 say & different paths 2 follow. Jade Empire is honestly a very well thought-out, well executed game. The characters are dynamic, the storyline impressive, & the overall gameply is fun & exciting. I would recommend this game 4 any RPG fan.

I bought this game in hopes of killing some time & hopefully having some kind of fun. What I got was an awesome adventure that stayed with me. It's a single player action RPG but it's not like the others I've played.

The fighting is intense. The story is awesome & it makes the combat all the more exiting. I found myself imagining that the people & monsters I was fighting were real. I couldn't help but be immersed in the game & the outcome of the battles.

This game allowed me 2 make choices that changed the course of the story constantly. Weather it was what was said, who I chose the fight, the missions I took & even the lies I told.

The story & side stories unfolded excellently, & the freedom I had 2 shape the story was even better. I was extremely satisfied with this game. I recommend it 2 ANYONE who enjoys single player games.

Simply a great game.....

The combat was never difficult on the hardest difficulty till the end when they put massive reflect damage shields on mobs that would half kill me from 1 combo. I find this cheap since the ai was never good enough 2 hit me practically..
The japan culture was a failure because it was so unrealistic. The idea of open palm & closed fist was a great idea but it seems that they didn't have a single person that so much as read Shogun because none of the dialog options would be anything a self respecting samurai would ever do & the closed fist options were even worse because they were based upon american ideas of evil instead of a different path. Samurai would dishonor themselves by simply even lowering themselves 2 the level that most of the quests put you into. Karma was a big part of the culture but not even properly explained.. or mentioned. I expect immersive true 2 the experiance games from bioware & that's what disgusted me the most from this game. I would even say that its borderline mockery 2 feudal japans culture.

The only 2 things I can say that's positive about this game is that the secondary chars where funny at times & the graphics are ok.

Jade Empire is a new kind of role-playing adventure, set in a mythical, medieval China. You are a young martial artist, studying under your master's watchful eye & developing your mystical powers. When danger threatens from the ruling authorities, you must travel across the world & learn the secret martial styles&techniques. Use them 2 defeat the most powerful enemies & carve a place 4 yourself in the Jade Empire.

After the incredible success & acclaim of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, BioWare knew they had some serious shoes 2 fill. The wait is finally over! From BioWare & the Microsoft Game Studios comes the ambitious & head-turning role playing game, Jade Empire.

The game's designers have crafted an entirely new & unique world inspired by ancient Chinese myths & legends. In the primeval, arcane setting of the Jade Empire, you'll train under your master's watchful gaze & learn the mystical & magical powers of ancient martial arts. You'll travel widely -- from the rugged mountains of the Land of Howling Spirits 2 the luxuriant gardens of the Imperial City--as you make your way on your quest. Powerful human & supernatural foes will stand in your way, but with practice you'll learn 2 overcome your most powerful enemies. And as you venture forth through Jade Empire, you'll be challenged with questions that will ultimately lead you 2 discover the darkest secrets of the world.

The game begins when a series of sinister events disrupt the peaceful harmony of an isolated martial arts school. You'll be forced 2 confront a slew of shady characters, evil warlocks, demonic beasts, & other atrocious villains that protect the Jade Empire's deepest secrets.

Jade Empire offers you the chance 2 become a martial arts master. You'll assume the identity of one of six different characters & begin developing your skills. Each character has a unique appearance, voice, & fighting style. As you progress in the game, you'll decide whether 2 adopt the ways of good or evil, & your choices will affect your reputation.

Jade Empire matches the frenetic pace & fury of Hong Kong cinema. As you progress in the game, you'll upgrade your combat ability & learn new, specially tailored moves 4 your character. Only by mastering your moves & defeating the most powerful enemies will you earn your place as a master in the world of Jade Empire.