JADE EMPIRE

[Timber Loftis]

Well, I got it. Limited Edition, with the added monk character.

IGN's 9.9 Review and an excerpt from it:

Another Take from Hilary Goldstein It's a strange thing to consider, but I believe David Clayman may have underrated Jade Empire at a 9.9. There is no such thing as the perfect game, but there are a few rare gaming experiences that so transcend any failings, they might as well be considered perfect. KOTOR was easy to love, but it had a lot of faults. The genius of that game so outweighed the annoying issues that it remains a classic for just about every RPG fan. Guess what -- Jade's story is better, its combat system superior and its morality system is more complex than KOTOR. If there's anything to work toward for a sequel, it would be to add far more Wuxia elements. I want fights atop the trees of a bamboo forest and running atop the heads of a villain's minions. The morality system, while more rewarding then KOTOR, is still much more enjoyable as a follower of the Closed Fist. The only thing an Open Palm is good for is a bitch slap. And that's about where my gripes run out. In an industry where story is often secondary, BioWare continues to prove that a great story needs to come first. Yeah, the combat is sweet, the visuals are slick, and the mini-games are a blast, but when people talk about Jade Empire five years from now, they're going to talk about the story. There are so many twists and turns that no one will be able to anticipate all of them. I almost feel like going back and lowering the scores of every other RPG on Xbox. Yes, Jade is that good.

[ 04-14-2005, 01:23 PM: Message edited by: Timber Loftis ]

[Memnoch]

Let me know what it's like TL - it may motivate me to get an XBox.

[Timber Loftis]

Dude, if you need motivation to get an Xbox, and the past games didn't do it, I don't know that this one will. The X2 is so close, why bother?

However, it looks good so far. After about 30 mins of play. Erm... in other words, I've still got lots to see before I rate it.

[Hivetyrant]

Hmm, this game looks great, I may have to buy it instead of wow.....

EDIT:WOW! I just downloaded the 9 minute movie on IGN and this game looks great!! I am definantly getting it nnow

[ 04-14-2005, 05:16 PM: Message edited by: Hivetyrant ]

[Timber Loftis]

The game is great. I'm having a wonderful time playing it so far. All the depth one would expect of BioWare. So far, 2 thumbs up -- way up.

[Hivetyrant]

I was going to get a game today, but I highly doubt it is out here yet
If you guys only just got it, we probably wont get it for a month

[Darkman]

TL, do you think Jade Empire is the type of game you would want to play through more than once? I usually only purchase games that have alot of replay value, seeing how I am poor

[Sir Goulum]

I'm gonna have to trade in some yardwork to my neighbor for a copy of this. I got no money right now. A 9.9 rating sure means something, though!

[Timber Loftis]

Yes, Darkman, I DO see it as having replay value, even though I DID NOT replay KOTOR (except to go back to the unknown planet and do the evil ending from there). {Well, that's kind of a lie, because I have begun another game, but only after a year's hiatus, and I may not finish it.}

Right now, I am playing the Lotus Blossom through as an Open Palm, with sword, and I may romance either Sky (male) or Dawn Star (female). I intend to replay as a male as a Closed Fist, with Monk Spade (only available on the Limited Edition) and romance either Dawn Star or the other available female romance (a princess). At several places along the way, I wanted to see what the "other path" led to.

So, YES, I see replay value.

And it's a frikkin awesome game. To me, it's better than KOTOR. Of course, it still doesn't top BGI or BGII in my mind, but I don't like having only one (JE) or two (KOTOR) companions at a time. I enjoy true party play -- so I'm lusting for Dragon Age.

[Jorath Calar]

Anyone know if it's coming on PC?

or maybe Ps2?

These are the systems in my house and buying a Xbox just for this one game is not really possible [img]smile.gif[/img]