Anyone picking up Jade Empire today?

[SirFozzie]

looking at the initial reviews.

9.9 out of 10
98 out of 100.
95 out of 100.


Goddddddamn. Even taking in the hype machine and overinflation of scores, looks like we got a game of the year contender right now.

I pick up my Limited Edition copy tonight on the way home from work :D

[Blackadar]

Not until after I move in two weeks, but this is high on my radar screen.

[Ragone]

I am!

[hukarez]

Never got a chance to preorder in time...and it looks like I'll have to wait until Thursday to get a copy -- some stores here in SD aren't getting them in until today, and that's for folks who've preordered it. I'll have to check again after work, however.

[ISiddiqui]

Damn.... been looking forward to this for a while. But I'm going to have to hold off on getting it because I got a big ass paper due tomorrow.

[Calis]

Got my copy this morning, plan on firing it up tomorrow as I've got nothing else to do.

That's if I can manage to pry myself away from Shadow Hearts Covenant.

I have heard some bad things about the combat system and such from people who've played it, but no clue. Just a bit awkward, and there's been a few reviews a little more "grounded". Either way, I'm excited to play it.

[Eaglesfan27]

looking at the initial reviews.

9.9 out of 10
98 out of 100.
95 out of 100.


Goddddddamn. Even taking in the hype machine and overinflation of scores, looks like we got a game of the year contender right now.

I pick up my Limited Edition copy tonight on the way home from work :D
I just picked up my Limited Edition copy on the way home from work. Gamespot "only" gave it an 8.4 and pointed out a few shortcomings including relatively short length (max of 20 hours), streamlined RPG system that some might find dumbed down. Stats aren't as important as most RPG's because it is more of an action game. Also, there is not much to do with money as equipment is virtually non-existant in the game. Also, this said the fighting system is a bit simplistic.

They listed strengths as a great storyline, good replayability with different approaches to subquests, a good vs evil system ala KOTOR except that it is better done, excellent graphics, unique setting, and that it was fun to play.

All of that being said, I'm post call and tired, but I can't wait to try this game for a few hours after I finish eating dinner and catching up on FOFC.

[Tigercat]

Sounds like its a lot like Fable in strengths and weaknesses for better and for worse.

[sabotai]

They listed strengths as a great storyline, good replayability with different approaches to subquests, a good vs evil system ala KOTOR except that it is better done, excellent graphics, unique setting, and that it was fun to play.

Hmmm.....hmmm....*looks in wallet*....mmmmm......*looks in wallet*........HMMMMM

I'll have it by the weekend....

[sterlingice]

I'm curious to get some reports as to how this is.

SI

[Calis]

From just my 2 hours or so of fiddling around this afternoon I'd have to say I dig it. Didn't blow my mind or anything, but seems pretty solid.

Those expecting a serious "action" RPG will be dissapointed, as the controls are not very twitchy at all. It is however a lot more involved than KOTOR. Loads and loads of dialog also. I'm usually all for this, but I find myself getting sick of listening to them talk quite a bit in here, but forcing myself through it. It is very RPG-lite, with no real inventory, but it's a pretty decent romp so far.

Yeah, it reminds me quite a bit of Fable, with some of KOTOR thrown in. So if you liked either of those you'll probably enjoy it.

Of course, I'm just now finishing up with what basically amounts to the tutorial portion of the game, so I'll give a better feel for it sometime tomorrow when I get a chance to put some more hours in.

Oh, there's no question I'm going back through it to follow the different path though. Some great dialog options for the closed fist folks.

[Eaglesfan27]

I just played for a little over 2 hours, and while it didn't impress me as the best game ever, I thought it was *very* fun. I'm really enjoying the combat. It is very dialog heavy, but the voice acting is solid so far. I find the story very intriguing so far. It might end up being cliche, but so far it has me hooked. I'm looking forward to playing it more later tonight or tomrrow.

I like how weapons are powerful, but you can only use them limited times due to the intense focus using a deadly weapon requires. Although there isn't much inventory (almost none?), I find this to be very RPG-like in that there are some very interesting subquests, conversations, and character development already.

Also, there are 6 characters to choose from (7 if you have the pre-ordered limited edition, but I haven't figured out how to access the 7th character yet), and I found it to be a tough choice as several of them appear interesting on first blush. I ultimately went for the most balanced male character, but I can easily see myself playing through the game again with at least one or two other characters. I'm going for the open palm path this game (i.e. the good path) and I'm sure I'll try the closed fist path at some point as well.

Oh yeah, I'm very glad that the action isn't too "twitchy" or difficult. As I get older, I find myself having more problems with ultra intense action games such as Ninja Gaiden (which I played at a friend's house.) This game isn't very difficult so far, but there is a harder difficulty level than the default as well for those who want a more difficult challenge. There is also an easy difficulty level.

Anyway, I'll probably play a bit more tonight if I'm not too tired. I can't wait to play much more this weekend.


Edited to add: Comparsions to Fable are very likely to occur. While I enjoyed Fable, I think I will ultimately enjoy this game *much* more.

[Dutch]

Is this a D&D universe?

[Eaglesfan27]

Is this a D&D universe?
No. It is reportedly a totally new universe, however, I can see a few aspects of ideas from KOTOR. However, this is a game set in a mythical Eastern Asia type of atmosphere.

[Dutch]

No. It is reportedly a totally new universe, however, I can see a few aspects of ideas from KOTOR. However, this is a game set in a mythical Eastern Asia type of atmosphere.

An intersesting design decision. I'll keep my eye on this one. My first gaming passion is SP CRPG's. But they have to be done well for me to enjoy them.

(This is a SP game not a MMORPG I assume.)

[hukarez]

Also, there are 6 characters to choose from (7 if you have the pre-ordered limited edition, but I haven't figured out how to access the 7th character yet)
I was talking to my buddy about this; and I think you're going to need to insert the bonus disc to load it to your save file. He tried loading the bonus disc first to see if there's some kind of "behind the scenes" or something, but got a message stating that no 'save file' was detected. Not quite sure, haven't tried this myself yet but I'd be willing to bet that would be it.

[Calis]

Yep, single player only game.

Eagles- I had an issue for a minute also with that. I tried to install the character without playing the game first, obviously you've played already. You should be able to just plop in that 2nd DVD, navigate the menu to the extra character, click on it, and then it'll copy it over to your HD and the game will recognize it when you start it up. I'm actually using the bonus character for mine, since I just liked the look.

I got to put in a bit more time before I had to jet for class, and I'm starting to like it more. The mini game seemed kinda weird, but that's seems to be the new deal to throw one of those in, and it also appears to be optional, so you can't beat that. The only thing that I wonder about, is when I chose to do one when given the option, I don't think I gained anything from doing it. Maybe I missed it though. Only the first time is mandatory though from what I gather, and it's pretty simple.

I'm waiting to find the super-cool NPC in this one, like HK47 was in KOTOR, and the almighty Minsc was in BG.

Tomorrow is dedicated to this game.

Also I'd like to take this time to state my hatred of the typical Random Encounter Console RPG...that drives me INSANE. This game doesn't have that, but playing it makes me realize how much that annoys me.

[kurtism]

I'm waiting to find the super-cool NPC in this one, like HK47 was in KOTOR, and the almighty Minsc was in BG.

Buttkicking for justice, meatbag!

[Bearcat729]

I was able to pick up a Limited Editon version today without a preorder. I guess that going to the new gamestop up the road from me is better than the one that's been around for a while. I never tried to find the extra character though.

This game has been fun so far, and I've had a little bit of a challenge since I tend to forget to block or dodge attacks.

[TargetPractice6]

Buttkicking for justice, meatbag!I'm really wanting a miniature giant space hamster right about now.

[Eaglesfan27]

I decided to play for just a half hour more after my last post... well that turned into about 2 and a half more hours of playing, despite being very tired. Perhaps it is because I listen to the dialog (which is well voiced in my opinion), but I don't think I'm too far into the game despite playing for almost 5 hours.

I'm immensely enjoying this game. It has that just 5 more minute feel to it.

I also find this game challenging at times because I forget to block as well.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I'm agreeing with Eaglesfan27 pretty strongly here. I want to play some more, but I'm afraid that it'll keep me up all night.

[tucker342]

If I had money, I would go buy it right now... but I dont:(

[Qwikshot]

Fable is coming to PC with additional content, wonder if the same will happen with Jade Empire.

[Eaglesfan27]

Jade Empire has helped me relax despite my frustrations with UPS (see other thread.) The story has been very good so far, and I'm enjoying this game more than any RPG since KOTOR 1.

[ISiddiqui]

I just picked up Jade Empire at Target. Will be playing it later tonight :D.

[TargetPractice6]

I hope this comes to the PC.

[Calis]

Ok, after playing it most of the day today I'd say I'm very much enjoying it. The combat while simplistic, is fun to me...I'm not sure why, but it is. Really though, the combat is just to get to more story.

So what's everyone favorite styles or what do they use? I find myself sticking with Thousand Strikes and Tian's Staff almost exclusively. I love my staff, but man does Thousand Strikes do some damager, especially against the demons I've been seeing lately. I've tried a few others, but always end up coming back.

Favorite NPC also? I'm not sure on mine. I keep on going back to Dawn Star, as she's interested me the most dialog-wise. None of them really jump out at me, and it's quite the decision who to take when you only get 1.

[Pumpy Tudors]

How could anyone not like Dawn Star? *drool*

[ISiddiqui]

I wrote this on another forum:

So far, so good. I'm not too far in it (like 1 hour). But it is very interesting. It has good dialog and characters. You really get the Far East feel. The combat takes a while to master, especially remembering to switch styles while fighting. The 'Focus' meter is something new. You can't wield a weapon if you have no focus, so sometimes in a big fight, you have to put your sword away and do some martial combat.

The game looks BEAUTIFUL! One of the best looking games on the system (though I haven't played Doom III yet).

The character creation seemed a bit weak, so I did something I NEVER do, I took one of the pre-made characters. I'm 'Wu the Lotus Blossom' (or something), who is a balanced character with Legendary Palm and Something Wave fighting styles.

So far its really fun. It has its own good/bad dicotomy, though they say it is more than good or bad in the game. Should be fun to see how it turns out.

Looks like a good game for replay purposes too, if what I've been reading is correct.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm about 8 hours into the game, and I definitely think that I'm not even close to half way through it. I don't see any possibility that I will be done this game in 20 hours. Perhaps, the game is playing longer for me because I actually listen to every bit of voice acting (unless it is a repeat.)

This game is so much fun for me. The combat is very enjoyable, and I actually find it challenging at times. I made a few mistakes in battles today and actually died in 2 battles. I think the storylines are great. The sidequests are varied and some of them are VERY funny. The characters seem like they are going to be nicely developed as I unveil more of their story. This game was reportedly in development for almost 3 years and the polish really shows. KOTOR 2 *might* be better (particularly once the users release the mod which restores the lost endings), but otherwise I think this will be my favorite RPG of this year. I highly recommend this game to anyone who has enjoyed KOTOR 1 or just likes a good RPG.

[SirFozzie]

I just hit the patented "Bioware Twist"

*blink, blink*

Well now.. THIS was unexpected!

[ISiddiqui]

I'm 3 hours in the game... nice to hear there is a twist :D.

I like the game so far. The graphics are AMAZING! And I like the flyer mini-game as well.... looks familar, eh? ;) The story is very interesting so far and the backstory of the world really interests me. Wish there were more than just one page scrolls. I'd love to see like a 10 page scroll on the history of the Jade Empire. I guess that shows it was a great RPG story, when you want to know the backstory behind it.

The combat is a mixed bag, IMO. I think I'd rather perfer a style where you can do real time or real time/turn based (like KOTOR). However, that might make the game too easy. It is fun, but I forget about most of my other fighting styles about half of the time in battles.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm 3 hours in the game... nice to hear there is a twist :D.

I like the game so far. The graphics are AMAZING! And I like the flyer mini-game as well.... looks familar, eh? ;) The story is very interesting so far and the backstory of the world really interests me. Wish there were more than just one page scrolls. I'd love to see like a 10 page scroll on the history of the Jade Empire. I guess that shows it was a great RPG story, when you want to know the backstory behind it.

The combat is a mixed bag, IMO. I think I'd rather perfer a style where you can do real time or real time/turn based (like KOTOR). However, that might make the game too easy. It is fun, but I forget about most of my other fighting styles about half of the time in battles.
I think the fighting styles become more important as you go further into the game. Now that I'm 9 or 10 hours into the game, I switch styles more often.

[Bearcat729]

Yeah I just reached the battle with the Emperor and I've been using a few different fighting styles for a while.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah I just reached the battle with the Emperor and I've been using a few different fighting styles for a while.
I don't think I'm even close to that far into the game. I'm just in the 2nd village (if you count the school/village as the first one.) However, I frequently use at least 3 different styles and occasionally a 4th.

[Bearcat729]

Yeah I just beat the game. The credits are actually pretty good.

Took me about 18 hours, but I missed a bunch of side quests when I took a wrong turn.

[ISiddiqui]

Ah man, some of the followers are funny as Hell. And Drunken Master is a hilarious style to boot! Though too annoying to do regularly (since you gotta get back to where your follower is around to pick up the bottles).

[hukarez]

Has anyone been doing Harmonic Combos? I'm told you could produce 'flesh explosions' and what not, but I'm having trouble figuring out the timing for switching styles, etc...

[Eaglesfan27]

Has anyone been doing Harmonic Combos? I'm told you could produce 'flesh explosions' and what not, but I'm having trouble figuring out the timing for switching styles, etc...
I've had a difficult time activating a Harmonic Combo.

[hukarez]

I've had a difficult time activating a Harmonic Combo.
I think I've figured it out, finally -- I managed to make a flesh explosion that produced a health power up for me. I'm assuming it's initiated with a Support Style's Power Move, and then finished off with a Martial Style's Power Move. Time consuming, but Focus mode sure helped out tons for that.

*Now* I see what the 'M' rating is for. http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif

[ISiddiqui]

I saw what the M rating was for in the cutscene right before you face "Mother". ;)

[ISiddiqui]

LOL!

I just ran into the "Outsider" (Sir Roderick) in the Scholar's Garden in the Imperial City. When I first heard the voice, I was tickled... what a FABULOUS choice for an annoyingly upper-class twit of an Englishman! :D

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Which time period is the game in? Albeit fantasy does it take place in a medieval asian fantasy world or further back in time.

[ISiddiqui]

It seems Renaissance-era Asian Fantasy. I wasn't sure myself until you run into the Outsider, who is a midevil English soldier who's got a primative gun. I'd say mid 1600s, perhaps?

[Eaglesfan27]

I just hit the patented "Bioware Twist"

*blink, blink*

Well now.. THIS was unexpected!
I just hit it too. I thought I knew what it was going to be, but it actually surprised me. Another great story from Bioware. This game is my favorite RPG of the last year.

FWIW, I'm now in Chapter 5 and I'm already 30 hours into the game. If you do all of the side quests (I've done every one for the Open Palm I *think*, the game has plenty of length to it IMHO. I suspect I have a few hours left til I get to the end of the game after that twist.

[Bearcat729]

Hmm if this is the twist I am thinking of you really don't have a lot of time left.

[Pumpy Tudors]

OK, now you guys have me ready to play again to see the twist. I'm only up to where I had my meeting with Gao the Greater.

[Eaglesfan27]

OK, now you guys have me ready to play again to see the twist. I'm only up to where I had my meeting with Gao the Greater.

You'll have a while to go if you do all of the side quests :)

[ISiddiqui]

Just hit the 'twist'. WOW! What a shock! I was guessing what it could be, but when I actually hit it, it wasn't even close to what I thought!

[Eaglesfan27]

Hmm if this is the twist I am thinking of you really don't have a lot of time left.
I guess you were right. I'm too tired to finish the game tonight but I doubt I have more than another half hour left in the game. I'm looking forward to the grand ending tomorrow :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

I just finished this game, and I highly recommend it to any fans of RPG's. Great storyline. I'm looking forward to retrying it in the near future and following the closed fist path.


Edit: I also second those who said that the credits are pretty good. I thought they were humorous.

[daedalus]

Dola -

I just finished this game, and I highly recommend it to any fans of RPG's. Great storyline. I'm looking forward to retrying it in the near future and following the closed fist path.


Edit: I also second those who said that the credits are pretty good. I thought they were humorous.On the one hand, I'm thrilled about your thoughts on the game since I'm always looking forward to Bioware games. On the other hand, I have to be honest that my first thought when I read that you were done with the game was: "Cool, he's going back to FM!"

Sorry, EF27. :D

[Eaglesfan27]

On the one hand, I'm thrilled about your thoughts on the game since I'm always looking forward to Bioware games. On the other hand, I have to be honest that my first thought when I read that you were done with the game was: "Cool, he's going back to FM!"

Sorry, EF27. :D
Don't be sorry. I take it as a compliment that you and others are enjoying my dynasty. :)

[ISiddiqui]

Definetly is a good RPG. Bioware does it again. Not as good as the original KOTOR (considering when it came out), but isn't too far off from it. A very good action-RPG. I hope Bioware decides to switch between paused real-time combat games (like KOTOR) and action-RPG games. Hopefully they don't decide that action-RPGs is where it is at.