A well crafted adventure that let's you focus on the fun.
The game throws you right into the middle of the story, and of the action from the very start of the game. It wastes no time in getting things going, which I appreciated.
You quickly learn that it has some solid controls. The developers took out a lot of redundancy to make sure you can focus on the fun. If you run up to a ledge that you'll need to get on, Jade will automatically jump. When you start a fight, your inventory automatically switches to a health power up. The context sensitive buttons are also well used. Everything seemed design to make sure you're note wasting time managing inventory items, or preparing your character to do something that she should know she should be doing anyway. And there lots for you to be doing.
The game-play is a mix of platforming, stealth, reconnaissance, fighting, and switch puzzles, with the odd mini-game thrown here an there. And when you're not in action, there's lots of memorable people to talk to. And that's only while you're on land.
You also get access to a hover-craft to take out on the sea, where you could find yourself in a race, chasing looters, or shooting down flying dragons-like creatures.
As much as there is to do, none of it feels tacked on. It all blends very well, and feels refined. The puzzles are thoughtful but not frustrating, and the Boss battles are fast and furious, but not aggravating.
What's even more impressive is that it all of this takes place in a time period that should take you less than 10 hours to get through. Some felt it was too short, but I feel it was only as long as it needed to be. Better to have a great time for a little while, then a few good times spread out over a long and drawn period filled with tedious tasks.
Even the camera works well, most of the time. Sure it's not perfect, but it works better than many other games out there.
With superb controls, a great story, wonderful characters with voice talent to back them up, and engrossing settings and environments, what could bring this game down?
There were some glitches. Seeing the game freeze up was not uncommon. One issue (which some have come to know as the missing partner glitch) made it impossible for me to progress any further, and required me to start all over. This unfortunately was a serious irritant for me, and was particularly upsetting since it happened so close to the end of the game.
Some may find that it's lacking depth in the combat department, or feel the platforming aspects aren't as challenging as other games.
I feel the game was streamlined to make an accessible experience to be enjoyed by a wide audience. If you can appreciate a well crafted adventure (despite the occasional appearance of poorly crafted programming) you should be able to have a lot of fun with this title.