Jade Empire

[Dis]

can you pause the game? I know it's real time action. But I'd like to know how action-y it really is. Do you have to aim or do weird symbols to cast spells (those are really annoying and I won't play a game with thsoe in it). I doubt it though since it's on a controller for the xbox. It would be difficult to draw symbols.

But I really don't like the trend in rpg's to turn them into action games.

Even the new D&D online MMORPG will be like an action game in that you have to aim for specific part of the body. Although that might not be too bad. It might default for the torso, but if you choose to, you can aim for the legs, arms, or head.

[Nostromo]

Dont' think you can pause it. Not like you can do in KOTOR. Jade empire is an action rpg.

So Imran, have you finished it yet? It seems its very short, like 20 hours or so.

[Imran Siddiqui]

can you pause the game? I know it's real time action. But I'd like to know how action-y it really is. Do you have to aim or do weird symbols to cast spells (those are really annoying and I won't play a game with thsoe in it). I doubt it though since it's on a controller for the xbox. It would be difficult to draw symbols.

You can pause the game (the "<" button), and target someone else while paused (or change fighting styles), but all the fighting and magic have to be done real time.

There aren't spells like in other RPGs... basically there are magical fighting styles. One is Dire Flame and when you pick that you shoot fire in your regular and power attacks.

There are two basic attacks. A regular attack (A button), and a power attack (hold down X button). Then there is a block (B).

So Imran, have you finished it yet? It seems its very short, like 20 hours or so.

No... and I have played around 15 hours (IIRC)... and I'm just about half through, I believe.

[Dinner]

So is it better then NWN or no?

[Boris Godunov]

I've been playing this all week.

First, the IGN rating of 9.9 is a joke. The game simply is NOT that wonderful. I think the reviewer went overboard.

That being said, it is an excellent game and is quite entertaining. However, if you've played either KOTOR, you'll be struck by the fact that the rehash a lot of the same plot devices and gimmicks of that game. All of the "puzzles" I've encountered have been ridiculously easy and taken no time to solve.

The pantheon of supporting characters you have seem, overall, rather useless. I suppose having a wide variety adds some nuance, but it makes little difference which sidekick you use in terms of the effect on the game.

The combat is fast-paced and fun, but I ultimately agree with Gamespot in terms of it becoming repetitive and there is no need to get into all the intricate combos. Just leaping, slashing and blocking is pretty much all you need to do in 99% of the fights.

The graphics are gorgeous, the soundtrack superb and the voice acting well-done. Some famous names have cameos, including [celebrity name edited out to preserve Imran's widdle feelings ]. I've not encountered any bugs of note. The story line is alright, nothing outstanding--plenty of cliches to wade through, but also some clever stuff. I think I'm slightly less enamored with it than I am KOTOR II, but that's not saying anything bad, since I loved that game.

I'd give it a 9.0/10

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by Oerdin
So is it better then NWN or no?

I've only played the demo of NWN... and didn't buy it on that basis... so I'd say yeah .

[Imran Siddiqui]

Boris... edit out the 'famous name'. It was quite a shock when I played it to hear him as a character. I was really surprised... in a good way. Don't want to ruin the surprise for others.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Btw, just want to let you guys know. The 'patented Bioware twist' is absolutely shocking. It may even be better than the one in KOTOR .

[Dis]

maybe I'll get this game if it comes out for the PC

How's the replayability? It doesn't look like it will have much.

[Boris Godunov]

Less than KOTOR, I imagine, just because it's shorter with fewer subplots. You can follow a good or evil course, though, so there's that. I haven't noticed too much difference in choosing different classes of characters.

BTW, I heard that Fable will be released to the PC with TONS of new material, different quests and endings, etc. But they're not doing an update with that stuff for the Xbox.

[snoopy369]

Originally posted by Boris Godunov
Less than KOTOR, I imagine, just because it's shorter with fewer subplots. You can follow a good or evil course, though, so there's that. I haven't noticed too much difference in choosing different classes of characters.

BTW, I heard that Fable will be released to the PC with TONS of new material, different quests and endings, etc. But they're not doing an update with that stuff for the Xbox.

lol ... I thought Fable was something of a disaster? The new DaiKatana?

[Nostromo]

Far from it. Fable is a fun game, but its too damn short.

[Boris Godunov]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
Btw, just want to let you guys know. The 'patented Bioware twist' is absolutely shocking. It may even be better than the one in KOTOR .

I think I've already figured it out, actually, or have a pretty good idea what it is.

[Boris Godunov]

Originally posted by nostromo
Far from it. Fable is a fun game, but its too damn short.

Yup. Fable is terrific in most aspects, but it felt like there wasn't enough of a game there.

[snoopy369]

Originally posted by Boris Godunov


Yup. Fable is terrific in most aspects, but it felt like there wasn't enough of a game there.

I guess I just mean that it didn't live up to admittedly massive expectations, and came out well after it was initially supposed to. DaiKatana wasn't a horrible game either, just not the superstar game it was alleged to be.