A great Action-RPG.
Gameplay
Jade Empire begins as so many RPGs do by letting you select your character’s type, appearance, and attributes. And the character setup is all standard RPG-fare: if you pick a warrior type, your physical attacks are more punishing than your magic attacks, etc. Honestly, what I liked most about the initial character setup was the random name generator. If you play with it long enough you get some wild names like ‘Li the Irate’ or ‘Wu Fan the Considerably More Irate than Li the Irate’ or ‘Mr. Whiskers the Subdued.’
Once you get your character sorted out, you hop right into a beat down. Jade Empire wastes no time in getting players acquainted with the battle system. Before you even see a hint of the story, you go through a tutorial that explains the fighting scheme. Rather than the menu-based combat of KOTOR that has you select an attack and then let the characters’ go light-saber crazy, Jade Empire’s battle system let’s you control every glorious face punch, groin smash, and sword strike. As the game progresses, you even learn different fighting styles that are mapped to the directional-pad. If you engage some enemies and find that your Hamster Style is not up to snuff, you can quickly switch to your Drunken Liza Fury with just a tap off your thumb and unleash hell.
More attentive gamers may actually notice that beyond the joyous thud of heel to groin kicks, there is actually a story that carries the action. You assume the character of an orphan who was raised in a small island village where, through study under Master Li, you became the most skilled warrior in the village. When mysterious visitors arrive who mistakenly assume your island town is ripe for the plundering, the significance of your existence as well as your ties to other characters becomes apparent. You realize this, of course, as all manner of undead ninja mayhem attacks your peaceful village. And the only thing you can do is kick it in the crotch hard. Repeatedly. While trying to pay attention to the story.
As the game continues beyond the opening chapter, players who had previously enjoyed KOTOR will find BioWare instituted the same gameplay mechanics for Jade Empire. Your party travels to various destinations and, based on your interactions with the friendly townsfolk and fellow travelers you meet here and there, you character will drift either closer to goodness – The Way of the Open Palm – or evil – The Way of the Closed Fist. This is the same system from KOTOR which saw players moving towards the light or dark side of the force based on how they handled interactions with other characters and situations throughout the game. Another aspect of Jade Empire’s gameplay that will give players a sense of déjà vu is the quest book system. As with KOTOR, it seems there is no shortage of side quests for you to complete in Jade Empire. The game itself even appears to make light of this fact when one of the secondary characters remarks that it seems wherever you go, you are a magnet for people whose problems are the sort that can be solved by a wandering stranger. The most of annoying of these side quests sees you trying to resolve the differences between a man and a childhood sweetheart. Well, this guy’s sweetie grew up to become a crime lord and has him beaten up on a daily basis when she discovers he is to be married to another woman. You act as mediator and get all the characters together to talk out their problems. Given the Open Palm/Closed Fist dynamic, the way you seek to resolve it will have an impact on your character. Had it not been for Dr. Phil’s influence on this sequence, I might have scored the game higher.
Graphics
Jade Empire’s graphics are truly gorgeous. Do not be surprised if your eyes walk out of your skull, shake your hand, and thank you for playing this game. The environments are so ornate and detailed, it gives the impression you are really looking into this particular era of Chinese history. As a matter of fact, I think all text books should have existing depictions of early Chinese history removed and replaced with screenshots of this game. Seriously, if Jade Empire were a major motion picture, it would win an Oscar for best costume and set design.
Sound
As your eyes are thanking you personally for allowing them to watch this game, your ears will be welling up with tears for having been granted the chance to listen to you play. (Note: some of you might be thinking, ‘But people can’t cry with the ears?’ To which I say, ‘You will when you play this game.’) The music and effects are tremendous. They combine with the graphics to create a uniquely immersive gameplay experience.
Depth
Jade Empire gives you countless hours of face-punching bliss. The main quest alone will keep you occupied for weeks. Throw in the ridiculous number of side quests and you may feel a bit overwhelmed. And that’s not to mention the ability to play through the game again as one of 5 other character types and see each of these types of characters through the whole game as good or bad. Folks, you are going to be plenty busy.
Fun Factor
Some of you might allege that I am so easily amused that had this game not had the beautiful design, score, and story but was instead a series of punches to the face it would have been enough for me. To you I say, ‘You’re probably right.’ But Jade Empire gives you all the bone crushing action you love as well as a whole slew of gameplay features and options that demand the attention of the most fickle minded gamers. This game is darn near everything to everyone. I absolutely loved depth of story, range of control, and shallow glee of combat.
Overall Comment
Please go play this game. I have to believe that in the heart of every gamer beats the desire to kick polygonal bad guys in the groin or face or both. Sometimes simultaneously.