Jade Empire

 Xbox
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 144 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 114 out of 144
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 144
  3. Negative: 12 out of 144
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  1. TheQuietGamer
    Mar 17, 2011
    10
    This game is FANTASTIC!!! one of the best games I've ever played, this had fantastic graphics for the time, and the sound is still top notch, the story is fantastic and you really think before making a decision because your choices alter the world around you, and the side quests are AMAZING!!! they are all unique and are just so much fun to play through, and it has some cool things to findThis game is FANTASTIC!!! one of the best games I've ever played, this had fantastic graphics for the time, and the sound is still top notch, the story is fantastic and you really think before making a decision because your choices alter the world around you, and the side quests are AMAZING!!! they are all unique and are just so much fun to play through, and it has some cool things to find out like new fighting techniques, but keep in mind while playing this is really easy (think Fable II & III easy) so you may want to crank up the difficulty, out of all the Bioware RPGs I've played this is so far there best, a must own and it truly earns a perfect 10.… Expand
  2. de5i
    May 3, 2005
    10
    Do not concentrate on the finger, or you will miss all that heavenly glory. Definitely not to be missed, in the case of all that glitters, this is Pure Gold!
  3. Y.M.
    Oct 27, 2005
    9
    Brilliant! I haven't been so addicted to a game since Morrowind. I like that the battle system is still simple, but I get to do a little more than watch the heroes fight (a la KOTOR). The graphics are beautiful, although the camera gets a little nuts at times (i.e. Why am I looking at the crotch and not the face of NPC I'm talking to???). I love the setting as well. I wish Old Brilliant! I haven't been so addicted to a game since Morrowind. I like that the battle system is still simple, but I get to do a little more than watch the heroes fight (a la KOTOR). The graphics are beautiful, although the camera gets a little nuts at times (i.e. Why am I looking at the crotch and not the face of NPC I'm talking to???). I love the setting as well. I wish Old Tongue sounded more like an oriental language and less like gibberish. Interestly, Tanner Fong enlightened me that in Old Tongue "Hey!" and a recitation of one's entire life story consist of the same number of syllables. Anyway, really looking forward to JE2 on PS3!… Expand
  4. R.D.R.
    Oct 4, 2005
    10
    Simply the best game I've played on Xbox to date. Better than either KOTOR, better than Morrowind. I'm waiting on Lost Chapters of Fable before judging it, but that pretty much covers the RPGs. And it's better than Halo. There. I said it.
  5. gh0st
    Apr 15, 2005
    9
    Awesome game. The critics hitting the combat system have some valid points, wuxia kung-fu should have a little more depth and it is rather disapointing that you don't beef up with progression. Those bashing the inventory sys and the like, I think are utterly missing the point. Wong Fei-hung doesn't need an inventory, nor would he ever worry about getting a new hat. He needs his Awesome game. The critics hitting the combat system have some valid points, wuxia kung-fu should have a little more depth and it is rather disapointing that you don't beef up with progression. Those bashing the inventory sys and the like, I think are utterly missing the point. Wong Fei-hung doesn't need an inventory, nor would he ever worry about getting a new hat. He needs his kung-fu and perhaps a good sword. That is the whole piont of the romantic flying swordsman. No inventory, no changing outfits, no purchasing. Just training and kung-fu. Had there been complicated inventory and items, it would have been a huge nail in the coffin of immersion.… Expand
  6. Dakota
    Apr 24, 2005
    10
    One person says he has never heard of it and says the game didn't live up to hype. I find it funny that he never heard about it but heard of the hype? The game is great and shouldn't be compared to Fable like one person has all ready tried to do. On its own merits, one of the best RPGs the past 5 years.
  7. StankeyM.
    Apr 29, 2005
    10
    The games direction and storyline is great, I noticed it may lag on the loading sometimes but all around this game is phenomenal.
  8. MattC.
    Nov 14, 2007
    9
    A quality game with a great plot. I loved KOTOR, and while the environments don't have Star Wars magic, Bioware did an impressive job creating an immersive, fun to explore world. For those who thought it was easy, I doubt they ratcheted up the difficulty to grand master, which provides a good challenge, especially in boss fights. A must have for Xbox RPGers.
  9. BlakeD.
    May 30, 2005
    9
    Amazing story and fluid gameplay. As with most RPGs subquests seem tedius, but this game has a way of making them all seem very interesting so that half the fun of the game is the subquests. Too much reading.
  10. Jimbosim
    May 3, 2005
    9
    Quality. Not as good as Kotor, but only becoz thats the game that dragged me helplessly into hours of rpg gameplay and will always have a place in my heart! But never the less still a worthy game that deserves dedicated gameplaying hours. Its only downfall being its opening, which seems flat and boring.
  11. KayinS.
    May 4, 2005
    10
    This game is the sh.t and has a great system to it. only one down fall to it but its still as perfect as it gets and that is when you have a team, camera angles blow but still come on....can't pass this game up for the world!!!
  12. 187
    May 5, 2005
    9
    Combat system is intense and requires attention to detail. The world itself is beautiful. Over all this is an excellent RPG and rates among the top. I still feel like it lacks a little. It could stand to use a little more freedom as far as the characters ability to roam and explore as well as a more in depth character creation process!
  13. AlexanderB.
    May 7, 2005
    10
    I beat this game within 7-9 hours of non stop playing lol. I give it a 10, i love this game. jus wish it was a bit longer. :P
  14. DillonH.
    Jun 14, 2005
    10
    This is the best game ever.
  15. PimpPlayer
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    This game is a very interesting and rara one the whole chinese style (environment,music,characters) i did have a fun time playing this game i like it because when you pass a mission or fight your charcter get stronger and you get top upgrade his skills i play this game 3 days in a row.and i pass the game like in about 10 hours but is still fun when you continue playing it.
  16. IamNlCK
    Jun 25, 2006
    9
    Great RPG. In the tradition of KOTOR, Jade empire delivers a great story, with plenty of cool characters and Asian mythology. I think it took me around 35 hours to complete it. The only down-side is that the combat engine could have been more evolved. It was disappointingly pretty basic, though an improvement from KoTOR. Also, some of the moral choices they ask you to make may seem kind Great RPG. In the tradition of KOTOR, Jade empire delivers a great story, with plenty of cool characters and Asian mythology. I think it took me around 35 hours to complete it. The only down-side is that the combat engine could have been more evolved. It was disappointingly pretty basic, though an improvement from KoTOR. Also, some of the moral choices they ask you to make may seem kind of questionable...though you go with the one you think the game wants you to pick so you get good or bad points.… Expand
  17. ChristopherL.
    Dec 16, 2005
    9
    Absoulty Brilliant. 4 anyone who has played Zelda, Fable, Dynasty Warrior (Small comparision) this is the game for you, It combines real-time action with magic, wonder and chinese history. Its only let down is that it could have give you a wide variety of magic however the magic you posses is brilliant. When you beat certain enemies (Horse Demon) you will recieve their style enablling you Absoulty Brilliant. 4 anyone who has played Zelda, Fable, Dynasty Warrior (Small comparision) this is the game for you, It combines real-time action with magic, wonder and chinese history. Its only let down is that it could have give you a wide variety of magic however the magic you posses is brilliant. When you beat certain enemies (Horse Demon) you will recieve their style enablling you to transform into them while you Chi depletes. This is an amazing game which I would recommend to anyone.… Expand
  18. Devin
    Apr 11, 2005
    9
    Wow this game is so neato! i really recommend this game for anyone that loves rpg, just super cool.
  19. Bob
    Apr 12, 2005
    10
    This game is the best thing that could happen.
  20. MichaelB.
    Apr 13, 2005
    10
    Best Action/RPG since Zelda SNES, seriously!
  21. JoshB.
    Apr 18, 2005
    10
    Kick ass metal!
  22. MattW.
    Apr 22, 2005
    10
    This game has everything you want in an action RPG. It has one of the best stories ever written, awesome graphics, interesting characters, and awesome gameplay. Game reminds me as a combination of fable and Knights of the Old Republic. Whoever thinks that this game is better than Fable, it isnt. Controls in Fable are a lot more complex and cumbersome than jade empire. It also has no This game has everything you want in an action RPG. It has one of the best stories ever written, awesome graphics, interesting characters, and awesome gameplay. Game reminds me as a combination of fable and Knights of the Old Republic. Whoever thinks that this game is better than Fable, it isnt. Controls in Fable are a lot more complex and cumbersome than jade empire. It also has no combat depth, something that jade empire has. If you have a choice, get the limited edition copy, but if you get the regular one, you wont be dissapointed. Best RPG of 2005… Expand
  23. SteveK.
    Apr 23, 2005
    10
    This is an amazing RPG. It's not quite the level of the first Knights of the Old Republic, because it lacks the emotional punch that KOTOR made you feel. I'm not sure what it is, but it's missing that little intangible that made KOTOR so special-- that made you lose sleep and made you rush home and wake up early just so you could play it and made you gasp aloud when the This is an amazing RPG. It's not quite the level of the first Knights of the Old Republic, because it lacks the emotional punch that KOTOR made you feel. I'm not sure what it is, but it's missing that little intangible that made KOTOR so special-- that made you lose sleep and made you rush home and wake up early just so you could play it and made you gasp aloud when the twists were unveiled. That is not to say that Jade Empire is not a very fine game with an amazing story, immersive world, and smooth and entertaining gameplay. There are definitely layers here, and anyone who gave it a bad score and isn't even close to finishing it really jumped the gun. Give the game a chance, just don't try to compare it too much to KOTOR I.… Expand
  24. BernieT.
    Apr 8, 2005
    10
    Not just the best RPG on the XBox, but one of the best RPGs ever made. Perfect, absolute perfect blend of action and RPG elements.
  25. SeanY.
    May 2, 2005
    10
    One word.. AWESOME !!
  26. NeilV.
    Jul 6, 2005
    10
    One of the finest RPG experiences that I've ever encountered. The only RPGs that truly captivated me like this were FF VII and the Shining Force series. The storyline is immersive and you will be one with your character. Details like the Arena really added to my enjoyment. MUST HAVE if you're an X-Box gamer who loves martial arts!
  27. LazyBonesCouchPotato
    Aug 12, 2005
    9
    Though the actual gameplay puts it above all other rpg's for xbox, including fable, the gameplay is a little confusing. Not enough explanations. What the *bleepers* is a harmonic combo? I have just started though, maybe time will clear things up...
  28. SeanL
    Dec 23, 2009
    10
    An absolutely beautiful game. It's a stunning achievement and my favorite game to come from Bioware.
  29. GAMERMAN800
    Dec 23, 2005
    9
    Everything about this game is perfect, although it is a lot more fun the first time through. If they just made it longer, itwould be the perfect game. the controls were probably the best use of the xbox game controller. A must buy for anyone who loves RPGs.
  30. ChrisL.
    Apr 13, 2005
    10
    Amazing RPG! Jade's world and story will keep you captivated even with multiple play-throughs. The combat is engaging and just plain fun (as long as you keep it on the highest difficulty). Play it and you'll realize that the world is now in balance.
  31. MichaelV.
    May 22, 2005
    10
    This was really fun. I had a good time wiht this one and i'm strongly thinking about going through it with closed fist. I thought the pacing got kinda screwed up at the end though.
  32. BillZ.
    Jun 26, 2005
    10
    Great story, great graphics, great characters. Put that all together in a new, exotic setting instead of the tired, cliche-ridden fantasylands, and guess what? You have a brilliant game.
  33. RobB.
    Aug 17, 2005
    10
    It owns...nothing more, nothing less.
  34. R.T.
    Sep 22, 2005
    9
    One of the greatest RPGs to date. The gameplay is totally addictive and you can switch techniques in a second and the story is amazing. Unfortunately, the game's longevity is short; however, if you manage to love the story you will find one of the greatest RPGs ever created.
  35. Surumbu
    Mar 20, 2011
    9
    I enjoyed this game a lot. I found the story to be engrossing, and the depth to the lore design and graphics were fantastic. The story tends to be linear, but it's such a fun ride I really didn't care by the end. There were also some wonderfully unexpected twists to the story, and by the end of the game I was on the edge of my seat to see how it was going to end.
  36. Ravenous
    Nov 19, 2010
    10
    Amazing story. A fantastic trip from beginning to end. The brilliant dialogue and talented voice-acting make for an unforgettable role-playing experience. Even the real-time combat style and the diversity of character abilities are a lot of fun (the kinds of things that often tend to be weaknesses in RPG's). With Jade Empire, Bioware struck gold.
  37. blackopshatred
    Oct 19, 2011
    10
    sex on a disc sex on a disc sex on a disc sex on a disc sex on a disc sex on a disc sex on a disc sex on a disc sex on a disc sex on a disc sex on a disc sex on a disc sex on a disc sex on a disc sex on a disc
  38. drlowdon
    Jun 8, 2013
    8
    A spiritual follow up to the acclaimed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Bioware have yet again created an epic RPG in their own unique style. Without the Star Wars name to fall back on the developers have taken the best elements from their Xbox classic and built upon them to produce a title that, in gameplay terms at least, is arguably even better.

    Following an option to take on    A spiritual follow up to the acclaimed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Bioware have yet again created an epic RPG in their own unique style. Without the Star Wars name to fall back on the developers have taken the best elements from their Xbox classic and built upon them to produce a title that, in gameplay terms at least, is arguably even better.

    Following an option to take on one of six characters the player is thrown into the world of Jade Empire. Unlike The Old Republic Titles the game this time around is a true action RPG. An excellent control system helps make these battles enjoyable and players are gradually introduced to new elements eventually revealing a deep set of options. Combat includes hand-to-hand fighting as well as the use of weapons and magic and combining them based on the type of enemy you are facing is the key to success.

    This time around Bioware have built their mythology from scratch and the Asian kingdom in which the game takes place is steeped in a history waiting to be discovered by the player with a storyline that, while not perfect, is certainly interesting enough. As the player advances new characters with their own back-stories will join your party. Only one can be taken into battle alongside you but each brings their own strengths and weaknesses adding further depth to proceedings. Despite the immense customisation options the game does its best to remain accessible by removing tedious item and stat management. When enough experience is gained the player has the simple choice of upgrading their body, mind or spirit. Levelling up obviously helps during combat but interestingly also provide extra options during conversations.

    The good/evil system associated with Bioware RPGs is also implemented differently with players instead aligning themselves with different philosophical beliefs. The Path of the Closed Fist dictates that only the strong will survive while The Path of the Open Palm teaches that helping others will eventually lead to rewards. This new two sided morality scale avoids the usual good vs. evil method allowing players to play the game by their own belief.

    For anyone that is a fan of Bioware's work, that includes the three Mass Effect titles, Jade Empire is a must buy RPG that offers well in excess of twenty hours of fantastic gaming.    … Expand
  39. ubergeekzilla
    Dec 1, 2012
    10
    one of the most underrated games ever. a brilliant story with tons of different choices, fantastic graphics for its time, hard hitting gameplay, tons of different styles, upgrades and ways to fight, great characters, hours of gameplay, and a new and original different world. jade empire is a very unappreciated game and more people should play it.
  40. Stealth
    Apr 18, 2005
    8
    I really enjoyed this game, and I'll recommend it, but it did have some problems . The good: I liked the battle system, the story was excellent, graphics are great, sound is great, gameplay is enjoyable. The bad: It was too short, took me 15 hours to complete. Lack of items to collect, weapons, armor, etc. Battles were too easy, even if you crank up the difficulty. Not as much replay I really enjoyed this game, and I'll recommend it, but it did have some problems . The good: I liked the battle system, the story was excellent, graphics are great, sound is great, gameplay is enjoyable. The bad: It was too short, took me 15 hours to complete. Lack of items to collect, weapons, armor, etc. Battles were too easy, even if you crank up the difficulty. Not as much replay as KOTOR.… Expand
  41. ThomasJ.
    Jun 4, 2005
    8
    This game is very good, but if you're a fan of Bioware games like I am, then you may be disappointed. Jade Empire has great visuals, an engaging story, and superb audio--the voice-acting is terrific. Unfortunately, however, Jade Empire lacks solid gameplay: the fighting is monotonous, even with the many combat styles, and it's extremely easy. Straight to the point, Jade Empire This game is very good, but if you're a fan of Bioware games like I am, then you may be disappointed. Jade Empire has great visuals, an engaging story, and superb audio--the voice-acting is terrific. Unfortunately, however, Jade Empire lacks solid gameplay: the fighting is monotonous, even with the many combat styles, and it's extremely easy. Straight to the point, Jade Empire is a great game if you've never played or enjoyed any other Bioware games. But if you've played Neverwinter Nights or Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, then prepare to be disappointed.… Expand
  42. Kuato
    Apr 20, 2005
    8
    I thought it was a solid linear action/rpg On the Graphics side Breathtaking levels and lighting show off the xbox's capabilites quite well, characters look look like improvement from Kotor but arent quite A+ yet, the overall feel is more of a Mystical Fantasy Mortal Kombat China you would find in a D&D Oriental Adventures manual than that of more Historical Crouching tiger Hidden I thought it was a solid linear action/rpg On the Graphics side Breathtaking levels and lighting show off the xbox's capabilites quite well, characters look look like improvement from Kotor but arent quite A+ yet, the overall feel is more of a Mystical Fantasy Mortal Kombat China you would find in a D&D Oriental Adventures manual than that of more Historical Crouching tiger Hidden Dragon China, I guess being more of a martial arts fan I would have been fine with the game focusing soley on the huge world of martial arts than magic, ghosts and monsters The story seems pretty generic and formulated from other Bioware games if you have played other Bioware rpgs you will encounter many of the same subplots and quests with improvements. I think generally there was too much dialogue and the jibberish language sounded like it belonged in the starwars universe not China, plus could it have hurt to give the Player character a voice the dead silence of all your repsonses really takes me out of the game, you will see you character stand and nod silently in just about every conversation. Voice overs were not bad but definutely did not have a hint of sounding Asian either. Thens theres the Kombat if your into hardcore fighting games it may fall drastically short of your expectations and very simplistic yet fun, Although it is an interesting system I think its incomplete two things I wanted to do right from the start were counter moves and throws it is a martial arts game right well ok its an Action/rpg I almost think they put a ton of extra dialogue in the game just to stress that point. well I dont think it deserves a 9.9 or 10 I enjoyed much more than Fable and can recommend playing it.… Expand
  43. JayZ.
    May 17, 2005
    8
    Really, really short game. Beat it on the toughest difficulty and still beat it in under 15 hours. Although the story was very unique, there were several points where I was just like, "the hell have you been smoking, Bioware?" The combat was very original. I liked it, even if it wasn't what I had hoped. Overall a good game, just nothing too amazing.
  44. RShackleford
    Oct 31, 2015
    8
    Without this game there would be no Dragon Age and no Mass Effect, even though it was in the shadow of Kotor, it truly stands out and sets the formula for the rest of Bioware's games in stone. It's a dang good formula as well, when it comes to story-heavy Rpgs, Bioware was and is king.

    The game has aged quite well after ten years, and is certainly still an enjoyable experience in 2015.
  45. Itzkannious
    May 8, 2013
    10
    A beautiful game with endless detail and style, a great story and great visuals. Best Xbox game ever even though it's almost ten years old as I write this review.
  46. AJ_antipop
    Apr 4, 2014
    10
    One of the greatest games I've ever had the pleasure of playing. I can practically find no flaws with this title, as there are very few, if any. The combat is deep but easy to pick up, the graphics are gorgeous for it's time, the controls are incredibly fluid, the music is phenomenally beautiful, and the characters and plot are extremely well-written, making for an unforgettable experienceOne of the greatest games I've ever had the pleasure of playing. I can practically find no flaws with this title, as there are very few, if any. The combat is deep but easy to pick up, the graphics are gorgeous for it's time, the controls are incredibly fluid, the music is phenomenally beautiful, and the characters and plot are extremely well-written, making for an unforgettable experience that's very easy to become fully immersed in. I would recommend this to practically anyone, as there is almost nothing wrong with it. This is the quintessential Bioware title for me. Play it if you haven't already.… Expand
  47. Sietesoles
    Jan 6, 2013
    10
    Just how could anyone not love this inspired and beautiful masterpiece? It's story and the dialogues are well written (like KOTOR) but its game play is much more free and, thus, thrilling. The on rails shooter part is a nice treat for fans of the genre but they can be skipped in case you are not. Overall a great game.
  48. Infielozo
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    I loaded this into the XBOX expecting absolutely nothing from it but, after 30 minutes I was hooked, I've played many gems (SoA, FF4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, Chrono Trigger, Tales of Symphonia etc. to put it in perspective) but this is so far the most AMAZING. This severely underrated RPG (yeah, I said underrated) has many quests that will give you satisfaction or make you feel dirty. When it'sI loaded this into the XBOX expecting absolutely nothing from it but, after 30 minutes I was hooked, I've played many gems (SoA, FF4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, Chrono Trigger, Tales of Symphonia etc. to put it in perspective) but this is so far the most AMAZING. This severely underrated RPG (yeah, I said underrated) has many quests that will give you satisfaction or make you feel dirty. When it's lighthearted it's lighthearted, but when you go dark the game one ups you. The story is simple yet powerful, you chose the next adventure based on your desicions, the game play is also pretty basic but entertaining and the re-playability for this RPG is superb (played again after I just beat it). This one is a heavyweight.… Expand
  49. Bedgypooks
    Jun 25, 2014
    9
    Gameplay: The gameplay for this game is just a third person action game with a decent amount of variation overall. I liked how whoever you choose to accompany you also works well with the type of gameplay choices you are interested in. There are a butt load of different monsters to fight and you have to work in simple. but fun tactics to dispurse them.

    Story: This game has the second    Gameplay: The gameplay for this game is just a third person action game with a decent amount of variation overall. I liked how whoever you choose to accompany you also works well with the type of gameplay choices you are interested in. There are a butt load of different monsters to fight and you have to work in simple. but fun tactics to dispurse them.

    Story: This game has the second best story of any game I've ever played. Everything was original, inspiring from great works of Kurosawa and even traditional Asian lore. I don't want to ruin anything, but you basically have to find your master and figure out why everything is going on in this world. You will go to heaven and hell to find this out and with a crew that is amazing.

    Characters: The voice acting in this game is unparalleled to any other game. I don't just mean how everything comes across, I mean how well the dialog sounds and the choices you have to choose from sound. I've played games where you have a choice between good, kinda middle/bad and bad for your choice of things to say, this game isn't that. You invest in who you spend your time with and build a relationship with a lot.

    Side quests/length/extra: There are plenty of side quests and they aren't like GTA side quests either. Every single one is entirely different and original, and one even includes a cameo role from John Cleese which is hilarious and delightful. This game took me 40 hours to complete when i was like 11, but only took about 15 when I revisited it last year. Alas, 15 hours doesn't sound long for a game like this but the replayability of getting to know separate characters or being evil instead of good is just fine with me. Also, there are certain scenes that are just so amazingly awesome I'd watch them a hundred times.

    Music: Best music of any game ever. Other than journey, anything from naughty dog, deus ex:human revolution and a few other games, this is the best soundtrack I've heard by far. I honestly listen to some of the tracks occasionally for fun!

    If I had to rate it 9/10 because the length isn't that long and the gameplay isn't that impressive, but this game still holds up almost ten years later and that's definitely something to say!    … Expand
  50. artificeprime
    Jun 11, 2017
    9
    Jade Empire is an inventive and immersive masterpiece. It isn't perfect but it is a truly unique RPG and probably the most underrated Bioware game. The story is deep and complex, with great characters and twists that are both shocking and thought provoking. The combat is fast paced while still offering variety and strategy. It really is a shame that it never got a sequel because itsJade Empire is an inventive and immersive masterpiece. It isn't perfect but it is a truly unique RPG and probably the most underrated Bioware game. The story is deep and complex, with great characters and twists that are both shocking and thought provoking. The combat is fast paced while still offering variety and strategy. It really is a shame that it never got a sequel because its biggest weaknesses seem to be technical ones. It is good in almost every area and it is my favorite game for the Xbox console. It stands as one of the best western RPGs and is a great example of how to make an RPG that breaks convention.

    The gameplay in Jade Empire is still unlike any other RPG. Rather than simply learning new spells your character learns new magical martial arts styles and each style has a combination of abilities. This ties perfectly into the story because you usually need to meet and train with new people to learn new fighting styles. Some of the styles can only be gained if you have a certain moral alignment and so you can't earn ever style in one play through. I found this process far more rewarding and interesting than the level up systems of most other RPGs. It would have been nice to have more techniques for each style but there are over 20 styles to learn so there is no shortage of cool abilities. Outside of combat the gameplay is a little bit restrictive, it would have been nice to be able to interact more with the environment but that's a problem with nearly all RPGs from that time period. Where the game shines the most is the dialog choices and character interactions. These choices are both complex and rewarding. What you choose to say matters and the results range from hilarity to tragedy. There were so many great scenes that I was constantly excited to see what new character encounters would result in. Romances are an option and this game has some of the most interesting ones I have ever seen in a game. Your choices don't just impact how they respond to you, your conversations can even change the way your companions view the world.

    The story is one of the best of its time. Your moral choices matter. While you are fighting against villainous people, their motivations are complex and so are yours. You ultimately decide by each decision what type of person you are going to be and that leads to many different changes in the story. There are three endings that are all dramatically different. You can do things that are even more horrible and villainous than the people you are fighting against. I played through Jade Empire at least 5 times and each play through was different, and each one was satisfying in a different way.

    Probably my biggest complaint with the game is that the world is too small and restrictive. While most areas look great a lot of them are limited to pathways or confined spaces. You also don't have the opportunity to go back to some areas so that makes the world feel small by the end. While I thought location were all interesting I did find it disappointing not having more to explore. What is there is good but compared to a lot of other RPGs the game world felt quite small.

    The visuals design mostly very good. The environments thoughtfully crafted and they offer a great blend between recognizable Chinese designs and more fantasy based ideas. Monster designs are also creative and cool looking. Some scenes were truly breathtaking and the lighting was good for its time. Some areas looked a bit bland and the character models are fairly average when compared to games of that time. Animations are a bit stiff looking. It's a good looking game but not not quite as good looking as something like FFX which came out years earlier and definitely not on the level of Ninja Gaiden which came out the year before.

    Sound design is excellent. The voice acting is almost all great and there is a ton of dialog in the game. Even by modern standards it holds up pretty well. The sound effects are also quite good with each fighting style having unique sounds. The music is good and fit well with each area. The only weakness I would say is that there aren't a lot of songs that stand out as iconic.

    In terms of length and the amount of content, I felt that the game could have been longer. The main story took me a little more than 30 hours without rushing. That isn't bad but for an RPG that is below average. On the plus side though there is almost no padding, everything feels necessary and I never found myself bored with level grinding. There are also many decisions that can change the way the story unfolds and that gives the game a lot of replay value. Its a pretty good length for a focused action RPG but a fair bit shorter than a game like Dragon Age.

    Overall I think this is one of the best games of its time.

    I give Jade Empire 89%

    Gameplay - 8
    Story - 10
    World - 8
    Uniqueness/Ideas - 10
    Visuals - 8
    Sound - 9
    Length - 8
    Immersion - 9
    X-Factor - 9    … Expand
  51. Kotor98
    Mar 16, 2021
    10
    This game still holds up even today. This was back when Bioware was one of the best videogame developers. I still have a hard time finding many companies as good as Bioware when they were in their prime. The story is amazing, the soundtrack is well done, and the world is one I always go back to even 16 years later. One of Bioware's best and one of the best rpgs ever made. I highlyThis game still holds up even today. This was back when Bioware was one of the best videogame developers. I still have a hard time finding many companies as good as Bioware when they were in their prime. The story is amazing, the soundtrack is well done, and the world is one I always go back to even 16 years later. One of Bioware's best and one of the best rpgs ever made. I highly recommend Jade Empire.… Expand
  52. maintitle
    Jun 4, 2022
    9
    I love that this game allows me to live out the fantasy of terribly embarrassing a colonizing musketeer.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Xbox Game of 2005
6
#6 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2005
9
#9 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 84 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 84
  3. Negative: 0 out of 84
  1. Yahoo!
    100
    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.
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  2. Games Radar
    90
    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.
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  3. Boomtown
    90
    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.
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