Support NeoGAF

[XboxGamers]

This game is shaping up great!

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit the Edmonton offices of BioWare, the developers of some of the most celebrated RPGs of the last 10 years. A group of fellow journalists and I came to town to take a tour of the studio, spend a little quality time with the creative team, and check out one of the most anticipated games of 2005, the martial arts epics Jade Empire. While the first night in town was spent eating, drinking, and socializing with our gracious hosts, day two was all about the game.


The morning started in the auditorium, where BioWare's Joint CEOs, Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk, talked a bit about the company's past, present, and future. They told us how proud they were to have been chosen as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers, then showed us a picture of a large group of smiling employees, who had obviously been unchained from their desks only long enough to pose. We also heard about their new online store, which allows gamers to buy games and expansion packs directly from the company, benefitting both parties.

After the fine doctors finished up, Jim Bishop, the Producer of Jade Empire stepped up to the plate to tell us about the game, as well as shows us some new levels and characters. He told us that the game has been in the works for over 10 years, a dream project of sorts for the two CEOs. While the game combines realtime combat with true RPG elements, he stressed that it's not a typical brawler. There's a deep storyline with multiple endings and plot arcs that are completely dependent on your play choices, ensuring that the game will be different each time you play through it (and trust me, you'll want to finish it a few times).

More here!


More screens here!

 

[explodet]

Shiny.

 

[paul777]

This game is what will make me buy an Xbox. A BioWare RPG with true real time combat is something I've wanted since Baldur's Gate 2.

 

[Quartet]

for what i saw of that game on TV so far (some guy from bioware was playing) it seemed to be very bad game. It especially looked quite repetitive and not involving particular skill.

From what i saw of it, altered beast of sega look to be a better game even if not itself looking great so far. For those that don't see the link with the 2 game, wait to see gameplay of it.

Stop messing around bioware and do me another game in the MDK universe!

 

[Lakitu]

Man I can't wait!!

When's it released in U.K?

 

[Deku Tree]

At first, they were going to reuse the engine that was used to create Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, but they realized that it simply couldn't handle the combination of realtime action and gorgeous graphics. A new engine has been built from the ground up, featuring rim lighting techniques on the characters, as well as pixel flare on the visual effects.

That's not what they were saying at e3 IIRC. I thought they were saying it was the KotOR engine reworked.

This is BioWare's best-written game to date, and its been penned by alumni of the Baldur's Gate series.

I really hope that's true.

 

[XboxGamers]

Man I can't wait!!

When's it released in U.K?

Got this from the Official Jade FAQ.

1.08: What is your target release date? (Back to Top)

The target release date for Jade Empire is Q1 2005. As for international versions, our goal is to release all versions of the game around the same time worldwide.

 

[Lakitu]

Got this from the Official Jade FAQ.

1.08: What is your target release date? (Back to Top)

The target release date for Jade Empire is Q1 2005. As for international versions, our goal is to release all versions of the game around the same time worldwide.

That's great news, thanks!

 

[Comfort_Eagle]

Man, I cannot wait for this game! It really looks to be golden.

 

[Triumph]

This game will be the most face rockingly awesome game of 2005. That is KNOWN.

Buy it, or I shall be forced to punch you in the genitals.

 

[Blimblim]

That's not what they were saying at e3 IIRC. I thought they were saying it was the KotOR engine reworked.

The graphics/animation/fighting engines are brand new. They only used the "event" engine from KOTOR.

 

[Redbeard]

 

[Odysseus]

Jade Empire > All

Oh, it's true.

 

[bitwise]

can't wait!

 

[krypt0nian]

Sweet Bioware + martial arts + magix = love beyond measure

 

[StoOgE]

these actually look pretty close to what Fable was *supposed* to be.

 

[jedimike]

Definitely my most anticipated game of all time. I think Asian "mythology" is very fascinating. I love the characters and can't wait to see what the Doctors can cook up for us.

I've been playing "The Champions of Kamigawa" block on Magic the Gathering and every ime I see screens of Jade Empire, it reminds me of some of the characters. I can't wait to fight Demons, Spirits, Shamans, and Samarai in Jade Empire.

 

[Overseer]

Never again ask the question: Should I buy an XBOX?

 

[Do The Mario]

Looks awesome, my most anticipated of 2005 by a mile!

Can’t wait to go all Bruce Lee on some monsters!

 

[CrimsonSkies]

In my top 5 for 2005.

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

This game is what will make me buy an Xbox. A BioWare RPG with true real time combat is something I've wanted since Baldur's Gate 2.

It shall do what Fable failed to accomplish. BRING ON THE HORSE DEMONS!!! :lol

 

[ElyrionX]

I've got this feeling that the game will be awesome but will not be well-received by the general gaming crowd. The eastern mythology theme will probably turn off quite a number of people..

 

[MightyHedgehog]

I don't think the appeal has to do with the theme, so much as there isn't enough info out there yet. I just hope they make sure to add in some appropriate animations for being attacked...the hit-anims that they've shown, up to now, in videos look weak and non-existent, for the most part. Otherwise, I think that this is going to be BioWare's best work yet.

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

I've got this feeling that the game will be awesome but will not be well-received by the general gaming crowd. The eastern mythology theme will probably turn off quite a number of people..

Strangely enough, that's what sold me on it. I'm pretty tired of mythology filtered thru Japanese pop culture, DQ, Final Fantasy, or D&D. It's nice to get a straighter fix once in a while.