"Pure Beauty Forged into a Game"

Jade Empire

I honestly think this is a magnificent game. Mainly for the concept that you can be good or evil and choose your actions, but also for many other aspects like the beautiful scenery, the soothing music, and the combat system. In many ways this game is similar to Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, which is another great game, but there are certain things about this game that make it its own.

The basic story is that you are a martial arts student in a school in a town called Two Rivers. And apparently you have some great, secret destiny which you must discover. The way the plot evolves is really interesting and how you achieve your destiny will depend on whether you choose to follow the Way of the Closed Fist (Evil) or the Way of the Open Palm (Good).

Game Play 10

The game play is really good. I'll start with the combat. Unlike KOTOR, this isn't a turn based type combat. Instead, you actually control what moves you do and it is even possible you'll strike quick enough that your opponent won't get to attack at all. There are different fighting styles which provide different effects during your fights, but they all only have one basic attack and one powered attack. It would have been a little cooler if there was a variation in moves, but even without that it is still a much better combat system that makes things more enjoyable. Although it may get a little tiresome in a long, drawn out fight, but these minor inconveniences don't weigh down the general aspect at all.

There's a main storyline you must follow in order to advance through the game, but there are also a good number of side quests to do. These side quests provide a nice little extra dose of entertainment and give you more experience and can allow you to gain more points in the Ways of the Closed Fist or Open Palm. Normally they are either just to go do some menial tasks like save some old lady's teahouse or to fetch a certain item, but there are more interesting ones as well like fighting in the Arena or trying to convince a certain rude Outlander to leave.

One thing I like is how you can choose what you want to say in a conversation. When someone is speaking to you and it's your turn to respond you will receive a set of options on what to say. Depending on what you say can determine certain things like giving you more information, or saying something really mean.

In most games you're a hero embarking on some mystical quest or possibly some gangster type character, but rarely do you get the chance to be an evil bastard. That's something I find quite enjoyable because I prefer to be villainous. That's another great thing about the game and one of the main reasons I like about. Of course you can also be the good guy who helps people which seems to be the preferred way among people.

Graphics 10

The graphics are simply beautiful. The game is set in a Chinese type setting and the buildings, the scenery, the clothing of the people, the little monkeys that run around, all very enjoyable to see. I don't see graphics as the most important thing in a game, but it is really nice when a game has good graphics and this game indeed has spectacular graphics. Sometimes a character's beard or little pieces of clothing that hang off their body may appear to go through them, but that's really no big deal. There was not one time in the game where I did not enjoy the setting. There are even times when you might just want to stop moving and enjoy the scenery of the area you are in. There is also a small deal of blood in this game. The blood doesn't really make a difference though. It's not excessive, but for some reason it's cool to see someone bleed. Especially when you've just killed someone and their head is cut off and blood sprays out of them.

Sound 10

The sound and music in this game is excellent. While running around or talking to people, the music in the background is really soothing and relaxing and enjoyable to listen to. And if you ever stop to enjoy the setting then the sound makes it even more beautiful. The voices aren't that bad either. There aren't any people that should cause you to twitch when they speak, however there are some conversations that may get a little boring and you may just press A to get through them faster.

Replayability 8

The replayability is good, but it's not so great. Sure, after you beat the game as the good guy you may want to replay and be evil or maybe a few other times to experience a different romance with one of the characters or play as a different character model. This game is relatively short, but I think it's an appropriate length. But still it is an RPG and replaying may be a little tiresome especially when you have just done everything. However, it is still good for maybe two more plays after your first time.

Overall 10

To sum everything up, this is a beautifully done game which is well worth your time and money. The combat, the role playing, the graphics, the sound, the monkeys, the playing how you want to play, the good or evil aspect, they are all done superbly. Even if you don't have an Xbox you should purchase this game and stare in awe at the brilliance of the disc itself with only the knowledge that this is probably one of the greatest games you will ever play.

I give this game a 10/10, but if I could I'd give it an 11/10 because in my opinion this game goes above and beyond.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/25/05