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In the ancient, mysterious world of the Jade Empire, you train under your master's watchful eye and learn powerful martial arts and mystical powers. When danger threatens, you travel across the world, from the harsh mountains of the Land of Howling Spirits to the lush gardens of the Imperial City. In your adventures you face powerful human and supernatural foes, learn exotic and magical martial arts, and discover the darkest secrets of the world. Only by mastering the greatest fighting styles and defeating the most powerful enemies will you earn your place as a master of martial arts in the world of Jade Empire. [BioWare]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
GameSpy
By combining stunning visuals, an entertaining (and challenging) combat system, and one of the best stories in recent memory, the folks at BioWare have somehow managed to create yet another brilliant game.
 100
Yahoo! Games
Enthralling and beautiful, Jade Empire melds adrenaline-inducing combat with a compelling RPG structure perfectly. Here's an RPG that anyone can enjoy -- Jade Empire is sheer pleasure.
100
Stuff
The first time we laid down a "Harmonic Combo" and watched as the body parts of our enemies literally rained down from the sky, we were hopelessly, head-over-heels in love.
100
Cheat Code Central
Jade Empire plays like an epic Chinese movie. Kung Fu is blended with ancient Chinese legends for a game that is unpredictable and captivating. It's just as amazing to watch as it is to play.
100
Detroit Free Press
Enemies can be vulnerable or immune to different attacks, which causes you to often evaluate your styles. And I love that you can change the difficulty even in the middle of missions. Whew!
100
VideoGamesLife
With a subtle, yet engrossing mix of comedy, intrigue, conspiracy, betrayal, mythology, magic, sadness, rage, joy and excitement wrapped up in a wonderfully charming oriental package, there are considerably worse ways of investing the 20-25 hours it’ll take you to play through first time around.
99
IGN
One of the greatest action RPG's of all-time. Combat is easy to learn but immeasurably deep.
98
GamingTrend
As a martial artist I can’t express how much I’m enjoying this game. The styles are spot-on, the conversation is professional quality, the graphics are fantastic, and the storyline is everything you could hope for.
98
GameZone
A fantastic RPG game that not only lives up to its hype, but also far surpasses it by featuring some incredible gameplay, an engrossing storyline, and a huge amount of polish.
98
WHAM! Gaming
Jade Empire is THE Role Playing Game to own on the Xbox, the best game on the Xbox period, and probably one of the best games released in the last 5 years. Are you sufficiently hyped yet?
98
Next Level Gaming
This is the type of game that will simply suck days out of your life while you're playing it, and forgetting about the rest of the world around you.
98
XboxAddict
Everything is done well from the tip of your top knot to the soles of your butt kicking shoes. Some people may be intimidated by the massive amount of reading and conversations that you come upon in this game, but serious RPGers will revel in it.
97
DailyGame
Whether you’re switching between targets with the L and R triggers, rapidly moving from style to style or unloading an area attack to buy some time to regenerate health using Chi, you’ll always feel in total control, and you’ll never grow tired of mixing up the battle tactics.
97
Team Xbox
The key ingredient is its mesmerizing story that complements the outstanding overall art direction. Even the action-oriented gamer should find plenty to like with the game’s real-time combat system.
97
Console Gameworld
No other RPG released this generation could match up to Jade Empire and I am glad Bioware had the balls to go through with the game.
96
Talk Xbox
With extremely high production values, an open-ended story, and just about everything else a good RPG needs, Jade Empire is a brilliant experience.
95
Jolt Online Gaming UK
Jade Empire is a beautiful, resounding triumph, much like the strong, highly polished gemstone the game takes its name from.
95
Game Informer
BioWare has not only made a sweet combat system, but the game's universe itself is a joy. [May 2005, p.118]
95
Deeko
With it’s captivating plot line, intelligent writing, eye popping visuals, haunting soundtrack, and genius battle system Jade Empire is a model for stellar game design.
95
The New York Times
The best sequel [to "KOTOR"] that is not really a sequel that I have ever played.
95
Gamezilla!
Both the graphics and audio seal the deal with stellar performances. From the environments, to the voice-overs, to the cutscenes, Jade Empire creates an entire experience that more then justifies its cost.
94
Gamers' Temple
Jade Empire’s unusual setting and deep, rich story should make it appealing to RPG fans. Other gamers will appreciate the more action-focused combat and shorter game length – about half that of typical RPGs.
94
Official Xbox Magazine
Jade's world is its foremost strength. A fantastical mix of myths and pure fiction, you'll find it hard to put the controller down once you've been sucked in. [Apr 2005, p.40]
93
Electronic Gaming Monthly
What really makes this trek through mythological ancient China stand out from the rest of the RPG pack is indeed the combat. BioWare has freed itself from the shackles of turn-based battles to produce an ingenious real-time fighting system that involves as much strategy as it does quick reflexes.
93
Da Gameboyz
Fans of RPGs will be dying (or killing) to get their hands on this exciting, involving and exceptional game, that may take your ability to speak or interact with other human beings away from you.
93
Gaming Nexus
Like the visuals, the audio is amazing. The score of the game is probably one of the best I’ve heard and really gives you a sense of the epic nature of the game.
93
AtomicGamer
The world is imaginative and beautiful, and the characters are very interesting and present many new options for the player. This one easily lives up to the Bioware name and goes alongside many of their past titles as instant classics.
92
Gaming Horizon
There’s incredible depth, high production values, and a story that starts out rather generic, but turns into a flat-out epic.
92
Kombo
Unfortunately, the main quest is short by RPG standards. Luckily, the game is jam packed with side quests, and experimenting with different characters and your good/evil allignment on multiple playthroughs will last awhile.
91
ActionTrip
If you're expecting "Knights of the Old Republic," or "Baldur's Gate," or "Neverwinter Nights," but with ancient magical Chinese warriors, you've come to the wrong place. This is a very different game. But a very good one.
91
Gaming Age
When you boot up Jade Empire, you'll be on your way to an engaging story, a challenging, rewarding combat experience and an impressive measure of character building.
91
TotalGames.net
The visual splendour of the whole land will undoubtedly entice Xbox owners to the shops - and quite rightly so - but it's the underlying quests that will keep them involved in the game until the bitter end.
91
Gamer's Hell
Although it is more of an action game at heart with RPG elements as second though, BioWare have yet again created a true work of art.
91
Into Liquid Sky
If you enjoy the BioWare style of RPG, then a purchase of this game is a no-brainer.
90
Pelit (Finland)
Blessed with a first-class story and some great dialogue and voice acting. The RPG elements feel a bit too simplistic, but the game is much too interesting to let that bother you. [May 05]
90
Games Radar
A near-masterpiece. Its sumptuous graphics provide enough eye candy to give your pupils diabetes and its combat system will frequently propel you into new areas just to kick the asses of a few more enemies.
90
GameSpot AU
The fantasy world created for the game features plenty of detail, with some of the environments players must traverse looking absolutely fantastic.
90
GameBiz
It may not be the "Morrowind" killer in our eyes, but Jade Empire is a very solid title that will keep you playing right to the very end.
90
eToychest
Sure, Jade Empire isn't "KOTOR" (despite so many similarities), but that’s a rough peak to meet. It's still an easy contender for the title of second-best RPG on the Xbox.
90
DarkStation
Martial arts have always been fascinating. BioWare creates a thoroughly enjoyable game as this RPG features an engaging plot and solid real-time fighting system.
90
PALGN
This is the XBox RPG to own, great combat, a brilliant storyline and fantastic character modelling.
90
Xbox Evolved
With its rich story, inventive surroundings and characters, there is definitely just enough depth to keep you coming at least one or two more times after completing it once.
90
Pelaaja (Finland)
An excellent console action RPG, but Bioware has raised the bar so high with their previous games, that you just can’t help to feel a bit disappointed with the end result. Or maybe that’s just the relatively short length of the game. [May 2005, p 74]
90
Armchair Empire
Great fun, high replayability, good control, attention to detail, interesting story, high production values, and a great gameplay experience – Jade Empire comes recommended.
90
Boomtown
Only one thing stops us from awarding top honours to this game: the lack of a co-op mode, which would have been an obvious inclusion.
90
Sydney Morning Herald
The battle system may initially seem unwieldy, particularly with unhelpful camera angles often obscuring foes, but its subtle sophistication adds terrific depth.
90
Computer and Video Games
The sheer accessible quality of Jade will grab the huge portion of mainstream gamers introduced to the role-playing genre by KOTOR, and drag them kicking and screaming into a sumptuous, surreal world of elephant demons and ancient lore - a considerable achievement for a new franchise. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]
90
Play Magazine
Could be the deepest action-RPG ever in terms of story. Jade is loaded with quests, breathtaking panoramas and tomes of love. [May 2005, p.48]
90
Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
Worth the wait? Hell yeah. It's another stunning RPG from BioWare that, while bringing little new to the genre, is an absolute joy to behold. [Xbox World]
90
Gaming Target
Jade Empire is "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic all over again." It's not the same game. It is, however, a likened journey that'll leave you completing many of the same actions you have in the other game, only this time under a different guise.
90
Extreme Gamer
You will be in vigilantly enthralled until the very end of the epic quest.
90
Total Video Games
The finest combat system we’ve seen so far, coupled with strong moralistic storytelling and enjoyable gameplay, results in a must-have purchase.
90
GamePro
There are just enough rough edges--erratic frame rates, astronomically long load times, and the aforementioned camera problems--to suggest that Jade Empire may have benefited from a few extra months of development polish. But no matter. In the end, the game is still hopelessly engrossing and thoroughly replayable.
90
Game Over Online
As it stands, however, it feels like I'm missing ten hours' worth of gameplay. It's a testament to the strength of the rest of the game that I really want those hours.
90
GamerFeed
If you thought "Fable" and "Knights of the Old Republic" were the best RPGs the Xbox had to offer, you need to think again. Jade Empire is the new king of Xbox RPGs, and it doesn't look like anything will be releasing this year to top it.
89
VGPub
The game truly is well written and a joy to look at, unfortunately the fighting is an underachievement and the character customization is surprisingly lacking.
89
IC-Games
Its main problem lies in the fact that it is a lesser version of two genres – action and RPG. If you want Asian flip around fighting action, Ninja Gaiden was pretty great; you should check it out. If you want a deep RPG set in an exciting new world, Knights of the Old Republic does that job just fine.
88
My Gamer
The lack of an inventory, the streamlined nature of the game (approximately twenty hours of play), and the real-time combat may be off-putting to some.
88
Inside Gamer Online
Despite the somewhat brutal attack against the game's battle system, it really isn't too bad, especially if you up the difficulty from the hand holding-like default setting.
88
Loaded Inc
A fantastic RPG that takes several concepts from various games and genres, simplifies them, and puts them into a neat package. It’s not as deep as "Knights of the Old Republic" and seems to be more of what was promised with "Fable."
85
Xbox World Australia
A brilliant debut title for veteran Bioware’s self-created world, combining solid storytelling with blisteringly fast and brutal martial-arts action.
85
Game Chronicles
Hardcore RPG fans may complain about the relatively short story, or the lack of detailed resource management – but for the everyday gamer like myself, Jade Empire fits the bill just fine.
85
MS Xbox World
It’s a game that will reward those that spend the time with it properly rather than rush through.
85
Worth Playing
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.
85
1UP
A linear, abbreviated experience that, while ambitious and gorgeous to behold, is not Bioware's finest hour.
84
GameSpot
If the setting of Jade Empire appeals to you, along with the promise of a good storyline and some open-ended role playing, then you'll be more than satisfied with BioWare's latest game.
84
Firing Squad
Its lack of depth becomes immediately apparent after finishing the game. There's just no desire to go back and try things a different way, or to do some optional quests. This is mostly because the "different way" is either very petty or senselessly evil, and the optional quests are very rare.
84
Xequted
After all is said and done, Jade Empire is just another linear RPG with a familiar design.
83
Game Revolution
Despite its generally underwhelming fighting system and lack of depth, this is a solid, satisfying action epic.
80
netjak
If you're waiting for the Xbox to get a true RPG, well, you need to keep waiting. This is about as action oriented as it gets.
80
EuroGamer
Action fans will find the combat too simple, while RPG fans will find the inability to customise their character to any major degree frustrating.
80
Warcry
Their only major failing was the combat system.
80
Gamenikki
It won't have the longevity of "KOTOR," and the difficulty factor basically reduces to an enemy health multiplier, but Jade Empire is still an enjoyable romp.
80
games(TM)
BioWare has managed to create a new franchise that will grow to become the cornerstone of the developer’s flourishing portfolio. [June 2005, p.94]
80
AltGaming
Real time combat is simultaneously both Jade Empire’s greatest achievement and its biggest flaw. When it works, it’s more satisfying than any role playing game on the market. This is marred, however, by a dodgy camera and flawed upgrade system.
80
GameShark
Granted, the lack of indepth stat-management or extensive character customization may offset hardcore RPG fans, but those looking for an action game that offers much, much more than simple “action” will definitely want to check this out.
80
AceGamez
I am prepared to overlook the rather predictable storyline in favour of the beautiful landscapes and masterful sound, each capturing the very essence of every science fiction fantasy martial arts film on the planet.
80
G4 TV
Despite the lack of strife, Jade Empire does an excellent job of finding a nice middle ground between action games and RPGs.
80
Adrenaline Vault
After playing this title I personally felt let down. This was an amazingly solid title and is well deserving of a good deal of the surrounding hype, but I might have entered the game knowing too much.
80
Thunderbolt
It has a story done perfectly, and the action is slightly above tolerable, so most of the serious problems can mostly be overlooked. This game comes recommended, whether you like martial arts films or not.
80
NTSC-uk
What will sell Jade Empire (and something it has in spades) is Oriental charm; from the story to the environment, the fighting to the character interaction, it’s all very enjoyable and immersive; which is exactly how an RPG should be.
78
Ferrago
But for me, as a long time RPG fan and proud owner of every BioWare title, the thrill has gone. I fear this great Canadian company is in danger of becoming the EA sports of RPGs.
70
Edge Magazine
Despite its paucity of detail, Jade Empire is still many, many things, some are fine and some poor, but for a game to contain so much is a testament to its breadth, and the reason why it’ll remain a worthwhile expedition for many. [June 2005, p.80]
60
Computer Games Magazine
If they could have made it into the underpinnings of a stronger combat system, perhaps the other areas of the game where they played it safe wouldn't have seemed so grossly rehashed. [July 2005, p.88]
Jacob R. gave it a5: Matt C. gave it a9: Ryencoke gave it a0: IamNlCK gave it a9: GAMERMAN800 gave it a9: Christopher L. gave it a9: Alice B. gave it a4: |
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