Jade Empire Review, Preview, and Impressions
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If you look at Jade Empire as Bioware's next RPG, you'll be disappointed, as it is really a step back from Bioware's previous endeavors. However, when looked at as more of an action title, Jade Empire is much more palatable because the game really does play like an action title with RPG elements, as opposed to the other way around. Even still, Jade Empire is really not the best example of either Bioware's capability as a development studio or as a representative of the Xbox's admittedly small RPG library. As an action game, though, Jade Empire seems much more at home with the way the gameplay seems to be geared. If you are absolutely craving an RPG set in ancient China, Jade Empire will tickle your fancy, but anyone else should probably get in a little playtime to see if it meets their RPG needs before committing to a purchase.
The preview is at RPGamer:
What would a martial arts game be without some form of spectacular inner feat? Magic schools allow the character to develop his or her innate Chi and focus it into raw magical power. While expending Chi energy the player will be able to let loose a fury of long range magic attacks. It is also possible to transform into special forms by capturing the spirit of a defeated monster. Once triggered, the player will actually morph into the form of the chosen monster during combat. There are various different spells the character may learn during his or her quest, some of the basics being Dire Flame, Ice Shard and Tempest. As the game progresses, more advanced techniques will become available.
And the initial impressions are at Xbox Advanced:
In the end, we're really digging what Jade Empire has dished out thus far. The game controls good enough (the camera is a whole other story, however.), the combat is smooth as silk and runs very fluid, the level of interaction that you'll be able to do with other characters within the game world is simply staggering (not to mention hilarious and downright cruel sometimes), and you get to wail on some drunks! But seriously, the game so far has been pretty enjoyable. While it hasn't "floored" me, the game is looking pretty promising. Now go away and shut up you old goats!
