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| | Title:
Jade Empire
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System:
Xbox
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Genre:
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Publisher:
3D Realms Entertainment
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Developer:
2015
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Release:
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Online:
No
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ESRB:
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Creating a new franchise is a risky move in the videogame industry. Money, time, and effort are poured into an inspiration, world, and experience that could very easily fall short. It’s even riskier when the company has established themselves with other admired titles, which deserve sequels. Enter the world of Bioware the company behind the real-time action RPG Jade Empire.
Jade Empire is the latest title from the masters of the RPG genre Bioware. Bioware is responsible for the incredibly popular Neverwinter Nights for the PC and the legendary Knights Of The Old Republic for the Xbox. Jade Empire was a change for Bioware. They had never attempted to produce an action RPG, much less one centered on a unique world and narrative. The amount of effort put into this title is high. Luckily for Bioware and us the hard work shows; Jade Empire is a wonderful RPG experience that can stand on its own two legs among the hall of champions.
A Grand Epic
An amazing story in an RPG is the most significant component. Without it even the best combat, graphics, and sound will seem petty. Jade Empire produces a marvelous epic the writers of Bioware are branded for creating. The player takes the role of a kind old master’s most gifted student. Unlike KOTOR, Jade Empire does not begin off right in the action. The beginning is serene, gorgeous, and leisurely paced. Some may find this boring but for Jade Empire’s setting it works beautifully. Don’t worry though as the story swiftly takes off. Players will find themselves roaming from swamps, ghost caves, waterfront towns, and the Imperial Palace in order to make matters right. Speaking of the world, it is a totally original Chinese setting. Think of it as if medieval China magic, spirits, and sophisticated technology existed. By choosing a locale both recognizable and foreign to the player Bioware created an immersive experience. Take a moment to enjoy the world because to produce something this meticulous and to pull it off is quite an achievement.
That’s It?!
There are only two minor (emphasis on minor) quibbles about Jade Empire’s story that should be addressed. Those looking for the KOTOR moment where everything in the game is thrown for a loop will have trouble finding one in Jade Empire. Some could dispute there is one, but it is such a cliché that its power is diminished. The other problem with Jade Empire is the endings are not satisfying. People who spend close to thirty hours with a videogame want a great ending. They just aren’t there in Jade Empire. Bioware should take a lesson from Square Enix looking especially at Final Fantasy 8.
Honest Patron or Jerk
Jade Empire offers again moral choices as the game progresses. There are two paths to choose from but three endings (more of this later). The first path could be considered the “good” path known as Way of the Open Palm. In this path the player is concerned with helping others for the greater good. The “evil” path is known as the Way of the Closed Fist. Here the player cares only for himself and despises the weak. There are bonus for following either path in the form of path-specific fighting styles and gems. Realize though that one path is truly not evil or good like in KOTOR. Think of these more as ways of approaching a situation. In an added help feature Bioware has made the main character’s expression change based on what phrase is selected. A slight smile is following a good path while a snaring expression is the evil. It should be mentioned that the evil path of the game in much more rewarding in terms of character interaction and drawing emotions out of the person playing. As I did my evil deeds (especially near the end) I felt sickened by how vile of a person I had made my character. The evil path is by far one of the worst experienced, in contrast though the good ending feels shallow and quick.
Kung-Fu Master
Jade Empire takes a new approach to combat; action based. Direct control is now given to the player to move his or her character across the screen and fight. There are four basic moves used in combat; attack, block (or when pressed at the same time with the left joystick; dodge), magic, and entering focus mode. These four commands are universal for all fighting styles. Fighting styles are the way the character fights. Each is unique and gives the character certain advantages and disadvantages. Weapon fighting styles deal more damage but every hit drains focus and ghosts are immune. Magic fighting styles drain chi and allow the player to attack from afar but don’t do that much damage. Martial arts fighting styles don’t drain chi or focus and can be used against ghosts but are general slower and weaker. It’s a perfect balance of pitting a certain fighting style against a specific enemy. The only drawback to the combat is there is no incentive to upgrade more than one martial art or weapon style. They grow to be too powerful. Add in the ease of dodging and the game becomes too easy even on normal. Players looking for a genuine challenge will have to bump up to hard.
Storybook Visuals
In terms of visuals Jade Empire has no problems. Unlike KOTOR the character models all look exceptionally well done and each one warrants trying out. Also many will remember the rather ridiculous running animations in KOTOR. No need to agonize; those have been fixed in Jade Empire. The world of Jade Empire is what truly stands out as the graphical achievement; everything looks like it was ripped out of folklore China and smacked on the screen. Each area looks unique too. The worn down suffering Tien’s Landing appears entirely different from the grand and majestic Imperial City. The game is amazing; just leave it at that.
The Mumbling of Other Videogame Characters
Complimenting the amazing visuals is the sound. Dialogue is spoken clearly even with subtitles off, although some phrases are too complicated to be understood. The occasional character also mumbles leading to some confusion as to what to do. The only real problem with the dialogue is the use of more than one actor in a certain role. It doesn’t take an eagle ear to hear the same person twice and it severely halts the experience. Also some of the voice actors have been featured in other high profile games and this works against Jade Empire (lets just say I had Liquid Snake and Campbell in my party no matter how hard they masked their voices.) The soundtrack is fitting but not incredible. This is no Halo 2 or Final Fantasy game. The music just works for the world for which it is meant.
Short but in a good way
Role playing titles are known for the being the lengthiest of games, averaging at a minimum of forty hours. Jade Empire goes against this rule and finishes with many of the side-quests completed just over twenty hours. Bioware claims this is purposeful, saying they wanted people to be able to complete the game in a quick enough manner. Honestly, the twenty-hour time limit does not hinder the game experience. Anymore of the Jade Empire experience would have been overkill and ruined the story. Don’t think though that because Jade Empire is shorter that it does not have a lot of replay value. First and foremost there is a multitude of side-quests at each location visited. It is almost comical how many people need assistance in this game. Be warned though that once a player leaves a major area in the game it can never be returned too, so do those side-quests when the chance is given. In addition to the side-quests players can also play through the game once more to receive the evil, neutral or good endings. This coupled with the option of attempting different fighting styles; a lot of replay value is to be found in this game.
End of the Road
Jade Empire is an achievement by Bioware. They risked creating a new franchise and pulled it off in spades. Anyone who is a fan or RPGs or just a good game should purchase Jade Empire. Sure the combat is easy, and it’s more fun to be evil than good but it’s the story that counts and this is where Jade Empire shines. A 9.3 out of 10.
| The Core Score |
Overall
9.3 |
| Fun |
|
9 |
| Gameplay |
|
8 |
| Graphics |
|
10 |
| Audio |
|
8 |
| Replay |
|
9 |
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