Jade Empire - PC version

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Starwars

Mildly Dipped
Did anyone get this? I'm playing through it, and I'm actually surprised at how much I'm enjoying it.

It's a pretty standard Bioware game, but it feels a bit more...smooth than say, the KotOR games. It's not very deep or anything, but simple fun. The good and evil paths are pretty 'obvious' as usual, but the philosophies between the two schools (open palm and closed fist) feel less, well, good and evil than the light side/dark side of KotOR and Star Wars.

The fighting system is kinda fun for a while, but gets to repetitive. I'm not a big fan of twitch combat in RPGs, but this was a pretty nice idea, though it could've been done much better.

One of the worst flaws for me, is that the writing feels to western. Even though it's a fictional world, it's obviously inspired by China. So having western expressions in the dialogue, and also, heavy western voices feels really out of place in some situations.
There are also a few horrible minigame sequences. Thankfully you can skip them most of the time, but there are times where you must play through it.

But yeah, I'm rather enjoying it despite its faults. It's good, simple fun. Worth a try if you're not playing any other games at the moment.
 
Yea i agree. Its not the best game ever but definitely some fun for the moment. especially now when there haven't been many good games for a while.

The fighting system is kinda fun for a while, but gets to repetitive.
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I think they should have made the "styles" more complex. Each Style only have 3 differen attacks. Should have been like 10 or more. You could start with 3 and then when you get to higher levels you unlock more moves. Would be something like a Street Fighther RPG :)
 
It's enough to tide me over until CnC3, STALKER & BioShock come out. Atleast, that and the magnitude of TV shows I watch every week inbetween the drinking, smoking and generaly havoc-causing.
 
If it's at least 4/5's as good as KotOR and I hear it is then I will get it now that it's out for the PC. Thanks for reminding me.

Sincerely,
The Vault Dweller
 
Think 'Action-RPG,' if you haven't by this point. I found it above average, and personally enjoyed it, but a number of mechanics are ultimately shallow.

Keyser Soeze is correct in the limitation of the styles. In my opinion, the developers would have been better served to create fewer styles and flesh each one out more. At least the styles are different enough from each other that there are distinct pros and cons. There is a tiny bit of strategy in the systems, as many enemies are immune to certain types of damage, and different attacks use up Chi or Focus, which are non-regenerative. While the system becomes dull in time, there is enough there that it doesn't become mind-numbing.

If you played KoTOR, you know how the RPG sections work out. Same hub/dungeon mechanics, similar quests, even similar follower plot-lines. The Open Palm/Closed Fist isn't much different that the Light/Dark side system of KoTOR, the exception being that your character can better justify his actions with the Closed Fist philosophy (people have to fight for themselves to become strong, and so forth). There is even the same stupid choice at the very end, where you can choose the good or bad ending, regardless of previous character development.

Or course, the real reason I bought the game was John Cleese's role as Sir Roderick Ponce von Fontlebottom the Magnificent Bastard.
Sir Roderick Ponce von Fontlebottom the Magnificent Bastard said:
I've heard a distinct lack of couplets and quatrains, to say nothing of pentameters. Is it any wonder that you people live as you do?
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I just finished this, and I must say that I am pleased with the purchase. One thing that I really found tedious is how combat-heavy it became after leaving the Imperial City. To bad, but it didn't put me off completely (like in NWN2 for example).

I agree that it would've been nice to have less styles, and more depth to them instead.

The main twist (won't spoil anything here) was not hard to predict, but it was rather well-done I think.

I think I prefer this game to the KotOR games. I'd say the only thing I like more is the setting in KotOR (surprise, surprise). But Jade Empires world is also pretty fascinating, and a nice change of pace.

I also liked how the cutscenes were done. I don't know the tech-y stuff, but they seemed to be done in a way so that it didn't clash with the actual gameplay in terms of looks. Kinda like a mix of ingame and movies, pretty cool.

Overall, I really enjoyed this game a lot more than I thought I would, but I doubt I will replay it anytime soon.
 
Starwars said:
I also liked how the cutscenes were done. I don't know the tech-y stuff, but they seemed to be done in a way so that it didn't clash with the actual gameplay in terms of looks. Kinda like a mix of ingame and movies, pretty cool.
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I believe they simply used the game engine for most of them. They usually used movies when they wanted to use non-standard poses or special effects that they didn't want to code into the engine. Only a few movies were CGI, mostly for the take-offs and landings.
 
Be warned that it is a small, though not minuscule, part. I thought that Sir Roderick would have to be a follower, a shame he is not. A more interesting character than some who are forced upon you.
Sir Roderick Ponce von Fontlebottom the Magnificent Bastard said:
I call attention to the arrogance of your empire, you simply assume that all lands outside your borders are the domain of barbarians and monsters. How can you truly know they are uncivilized until you have proven it by conquest? Crush them beneath your heel.
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How different is this to the original "ecks-bocks" version? I am considering getting it, but if there are no real differences, what is the point?
 
From what I know, there aren't any big differences at all. Some shinier graphics, a new enemy (or a few new, don't know), and a few new fighting styles. I don't think there are any additions to the story.

Don't think it'd be worth buying it for PC if you already have the Xbox version.
 
Some boring person has documented all the changes, and there is nothing major. Personally, I bought it because I don't own a XBox, as I'm sure many other people have similiar reasons.

Anyway, here is the detailed list of changes. You can find the original list here, but I've made this one mainly spoiler-free.

Aesthetic/Interface/System Changes:
-Tweaked Bloom lighting
-Focus mode in town now has transparent copies of yourself following you, further accenting the "speed" illusion.
-New blur effect for all focus modes
-When using Dire Flame or Ice Shard, Fire or Ice will appear on the character's body. This also allows for quick identification of what styles your enemies are using.
-The entire interface can now be used with the mouse, allowing for quicker access
-Up to ten styles can be assigned to the numbers, as opposed to the Xbox's four on the D-Pad
-Saves the last 100 autosaves, as opposed to the Xbox's 5
-Ability to play the game in High-Res (up to 1600x1200), and with filtering
-A reverberation effect for certain rooms
-A new world map interface - although, this amounts to little, as you should have no reason to go back to Tien's landing once you've reached the Imperial City.
-Monk Zheng selectable for everyone, even those without the preorder.
-Removal of the Monk Staff "Tien's Justace"
-Removal of the bonus audio played during the credits, along with the "punch a mountain in space" line by Master Li. Perhaps these are unlocked by beating the game on Jade Master mode.
-Jade Master Mode - a type of "New Game+" option, allowing the player to start a new game, keeping all the styles, points put into them, techniques, and stat points. The character's alignment is reset to zero, the level is reset to one, and all essence gems are removed. The game's difficulty is also much higher as well, being locked on "Jade Master" mode, and the minigame difficulty being set on "Grand Master". To unlock Jade Master mode, beat the game on any difficulty, and then at the character creation screen, click "Master" and choose the Master Save.

New Enemies:
-Rhino Demon
-Ghost Lord

New Styles:
-Viper
-Iron Palm

Additional Weapon Styles:
-Demon Staff
-Demon Sword

Balance Changes:
-Human ghosts are now immune to support styles.
-Lost Spirits "green" shots now home in less than they used to.
-Enemies are now a bit smarter, and will block more.
-Placement of an "Ultimate Scholar Gem" in the Pilgrim's Rest Inn - gives a hefty +12.
 
Yeah, not worth it, I realise now. I wish they had a free roaming type of thing in this game, instead of just travelling from one city to another. But I played Jade Empire through a few times on the Xbox, and found it to be enjoyable.
 
John Uskglass, I would have guessed that you would be more interested in the ménage à trois romance option.

I doubt it, decapitations with accompanying blood-fountains are dandy, but an on-screen homosexual kiss?
 
Tannhauser said:
I doubt it, decapitations with accompanying blood-fountains are dandy, but an on-screen homosexual kiss?
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How about a homosexual kiss whilst a decapitation of the subjects occurs...?
 
Tannhauser said:
John Uskglass, I would have guessed that you would be more interested in the ménage à trois romance option.
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God knows I am, but expecting them to show my PC making out with two girls at once is a little much. Girl-girl is the hottest I can expect I think.
 
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