Jade Empire (Microsoft Xbox, 2005)

Product Specs

Description

Canadian developer BioWare's first role-playing game after Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is set in a mythic version of ancient China, at a time when a parallel world of darkness and chaos threatens to cross over into the realm of the living. Players initially choose from a selection of predefined characters, each with a name, background, and distinct skill set. Although appearance cannot be changed, users may choose to rename their character as well as select different combat styles to begin the game with. They will then be able to gradually shape their character's fighting style from over 20 different types, from martial arts to weapons-based combat to even magic. Combat is performed in real-time from a third-person perspective, with players able to pause the game to execute specific commands during the fighting sequences. Body, mind, and spirit are the three primary attributes inherent in each character, and over time mastery over these guiding forces improves your character's strength and influence. Though the game follows the path of one character instead of a party, players can earn "followers" to their cause. Only one follower may be selected at a time to follow the protagonist into combat while the others will remain at a campsite and always be available for conversation. Throughout the game's seven chapters, players will travel between distant locations using a flying ship, at which time they may opt to skip or play a vertically scrolling shooter mini-game.