Jade Empire
Developed by Bioware
Available for Xbox
People who write about videogames love to talk about two things: How videogames are art, and how increasingly great the games are. In a lot of ways, both are true: The current level of artistic expression in games is higher than anything we’ve seen yet, and it’s stunning how far games have come–not only in terms of graphics, but also with regard to depth–since the clunky days of Atari.
But rarely are artistic expression and technology married as seamlessly as in Bioware’s Jade Empire. What Jade Empire is can be easily summed up: An action role-playing game set in a mystical, mythical empire in the Far East. Jade Empire‘s player takes on the role of a young martial arts student; when the student’s mentor is kidnapped, the player ventures into the vast Jade Empire, teaming up with characters that range from a demure fellow student to a powerful demon.
What can’t be summed up so neatly is the cohesion, beauty, scope, and detail of Bioware’s world: The Jade Empire lives and breathes, from its densely populated cities to its countrysides of softly swaying grass, and scattered throughout the Empire are hints of an immense history.
A lot of this isn’t new, of course–hell, the game’s examination of ethical quandaries is swiped from Bioware’s previous game, the Star Wars-themed Knights of the Old Republic–but Jade Empire‘s extraordinary in how beautifully its elements come together. The setting and characters feel real; the plot lets you explore but keeps you propelled forward, the chop-socky combat is challenging and fun. Across the board, Jade Empire is riveting.
After all that praise, I have to confess: I haven’t finished the game yet. I’m 19 hours in, and while other gamers are finishing after 20 or 25, I find myself delaying the conclusion. It’ll have to end soon, I guess, but until then, I’m happy exploring the Empire, talking with my companions, and kicking some ass with my near-invincible kung fu. I’m content, for the moment, with being just one more of the Jade Empire’s denizens. ERIK HENRIKSEN