Jade Empire

 Xbox
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 149 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 117 out of 149
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 149
  3. Negative: 12 out of 149
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. VLG
    Aug 23, 2023
    5
    It just doesnt work. The plot is absurd and boring, the combat gets annoying very soon, there is no freedom at all...
  2. GameMan2005
    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    This game is peak Bioware! One of the best RPGs ever made and much better than any overrated game that Bethesda makes.
  3. maintitle
    Jun 4, 2022
    9
    I love that this game allows me to live out the fantasy of terribly embarrassing a colonizing musketeer.
  4. 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
  5. jadeblue11
    Jul 24, 2020
    0
    THE BEST GAME EVER! I love it! The story is fascinating, the graphics are awesome for the time, you have to think well your responses before chosing them because they will affect one way or another, you must play it, NOW
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. FLYINGTOADXX
    Nov 18, 2011
    4
    I laugh at those who rate this game with a 10. Do not get me wrong, Jade Empire is a good game, but that is all it will ever be. 'good' not great, wonderful, amazing. just 'good'. Lack of any real story or character depth has lead to the low rating of '4'.
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. SeanL
    Dec 23, 2009
    10
    An absolutely beautiful game. It's a stunning achievement and my favorite game to come from Bioware.
  21. JacobR.
    Jan 16, 2008
    5
    Boring. Too much talk. Story is a letdown and too complicated for its own good. Limited moves. Fails to keep my attention and isn't worth investing either money or time. If you've recieved this game for free, still use it as a coaster or sell it to your nearest gamestop.
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. AliceB.
    Nov 29, 2005
    4
    an ok game, way to repetative though. its pretty boring unless you like games where all you do is talk, then fight a little, talk, fight a little, repeat. a waste of 20 dollars. the story line is completely boring although the different use of abilities is pretty cool although the entire game you'll probably be using the same 2 abilities the ENTIRE time. as i said its a wast of money an ok game, way to repetative though. its pretty boring unless you like games where all you do is talk, then fight a little, talk, fight a little, repeat. a waste of 20 dollars. the story line is completely boring although the different use of abilities is pretty cool although the entire game you'll probably be using the same 2 abilities the ENTIRE time. as i said its a wast of money so if you really want to see it, rent it and see how bad it is. (Y.M. has a good point about morrowind).… Expand
  27. MikeK.
    Oct 29, 2005
    5
    This has to be one of the most overrated games that I can think of. Boring storyline (unless you are a hardcore RPG fan aka nerd) and repetitive gameplay. I wish that game critics would get off the BioWare bandwagon already. KOTOR was a solid game, easily the best RPG on Xbox next to Fable, but c'mon some of these reviews makes me wonder who their working for.
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
prev
Page:

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

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
See all critic reviews »