Jade Empire

Versions I own:  Xbox, PC

Well, after a erm, break, I have come back to reviewing BioWare video games.  I am currently going to post my reviews of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and the sequel, the Sith Lords, until I find out if I can get a copy of the Sith Lords for the PC.  Until then, all 3 of you who read this blog get my review of Jade Empire.  After looking around the Internet, quite a few people (myself included) didn’t expect much from this game.  Now, I purchased it later, after purchasing Star Wars: KotOR.  However, I saw a copy at my local video game store.  After looking at the cover and the back, it didn’t look like much.  It looked to me like a beat-em-up game set in generic old Japan.  And then I saw BioWare logo.  So, I bought the game, still with expectations a little low.  Then I played it, and guess what?  I enjoyed it!  Though character customization is limited and some parts of the gameplay are also limited, I stopped caring about it after playing the darn thing enough.  BioWare once again used their skills to make a deep and immersing storyline.  So much so, I think Mass Effect actually has a less deep storyline than Jade Empire.  Though not as good as the Star Wars BioWare games, this game still makes the grade.  With cool setting, intricate plot, and surprisingly fleshed out characters, this game certainly begs to be played again.  Which of course I did, choosing the “darker” storyline instead of the “good” storyline in my first playthrough.  (In the game, good is the Way of the Open Palm and bad is the Way of the Closed Fist.  I think, its 2:05 am, give me a break!)  Plus, who doesn’t love a storyline where you can become Emperor?  In fact, I even bought the Special Edition for PC just a week ago so I could play on my laptop while on the go.  I don’t want to ruin the storyline too much, but lets just say BioWare gives their usual surprise endings like in all their games.  I would definately reccomend going out and buying it.  Next time on Sciborg: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.  Note: Since I do not own any Baldur’s Gate games and could not play through one in time for my review, if I do a Baldur’s Gate review, it will be later.

Sciborg: 90

Metacritc: 89

GameRankings: 89