Suffice to say, most RPGs have been based in the middle ages in Europe. Which is all fine and good, but ever wonder what's happening to the West? Jade Empire answers that question, in spades.
You play a young apprentice to Master Li, a grand fighter and powerful at that. After tragedy strikes your village, you set out on a quest to learn more about your heritage, your friends' pasts, and all future of the Empire.
Made from the creators of the big hit KOTOR, Jade Empire is nothing like it. It has it's own set of rules. You can select from a number of fighting styles, choosing them in the heat of battle. Fighting is crisp and quick, and easy to manage once you get the speed of things. However, fighting is too easy. (A) attacks, (X) power attacks, (B) blocks, and (Y) puts you into focus mode. Too simple, but styles are really what you'll be concerning yourself with, and even then they can fault in diffculty.
Unlike most RPGs, you wont be buying much. Sure you'll buy the occasional weapon, but any weapon you buy replaces an old style and you can't even bring it out to impress the townsfolk. You don't buy armor, only styles and weapons. Nothing more. Oh, and gems. Gems power you with such simple upgrades and downgrades that it makes finding a good combination all too easy. You wont be buying or selling food, either. Trading is one of the great things of RPGs and Jade Empire is highly lacking in this catagory.
Camera moves fine, though it can get irrtating when surronded by thugs and against a wall. Graphics are beautiful, and really give you a sense of the beauty of ancient China. Sound is great, with soothing music and great voice acting.
Like most up and coming RPGs, you choose a path of light (Open Palm) or dark (Closed Fist). Unlike most RPGs, choosing either path really changes the story, but this only takes form towards the end of the game.
There are plenty of side quests, but don't be fooled, they arn't long, hard, or even as plentiful as you may have heard. It has less quests than KOTOR, a much better predicessor.
This game was fun, but a disappointment. I expected more, but should have expected not to trust some critques of the game. Story is great, but some parts were too predictable.
If you must have a Bioware RPG, go for the KOTOR games, and then maybe glance towards Jade Empire.
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