Gorgeous game with a brilliant and truly surprising story.

User Rating: 8.7 | Jade Empire: Hisui no Teikoku XBOX
This game had a truly brilliant story that really surprised me. The game was so cinematic and rendered so beautifully. I enjoyed almost every lush moment.

The only problems stem from this feeling really more like interactive media than a real RPG. It was a bit linear and didn't really let you get out and explore the world around you. It would have been nice to break out. When you do, the payoff isn't so great, because once you master the combat system, it seems like most of the junk you find is kind of lame. I just didn't care WHAT I found by the end. Almost everything is useless or more trouble to use over your tried and true system.

The combat system didn't blow me away. I think I would have just preferred something more traditional. It was interesting and all, it just didn't feel that deep. There were tons of options and play styles and charms and stuff, all of which I basically ignored.

Don't play it for any of that. Play it for the wicked story. Play it for how beautiful it is. A few days renting this is probably all you'll need to really enjoy this game.