PC Jade Empire

[clock sendak]

anybody played it? 

what're the controls like (I mean, in terms of PC interface how do you determine different fighting styles- is it like casting spells in bg2 or do you need a bloody hand controller cos it's really street fighter you're playing)?

[KIrving]

Sorry, I've only played the xbox version.  Just a complete stab in the dark, but I imagine the interface/controls might end up being KOTORish, *shrugs*.  (I really have no idea. )
In the xbox version it does give a fairly safe start and, initially, plenty of opportunity to have infinite practise bouts before choosing to advance the story.  I can't see them changing that for the PC version. 

I will say though that it is a fun game.  It seemed somewhat like a cross between Ninja Gaiden and KOTOR but without the, slamming controller in the head frustration, of Ninja Gaiden. 

[OfficerDonNZ]

I've got a copy of Jade for PC and all I can say is I prefer the xbox verson (yes I have a copy of that too) the amount of buttons you've got to remeber :shudders: It took me a while to get the hang of it and I'm seriously looking at getting a game pad to play it on the PC.

[Caedwyr]

I just use a gamepad when playing on my PC.  It works great.

[Rodman49]

Jade Empire is great, you don't need a controller or anything - the gameplay is really simple - plays more like an Action RPG like Diablo or simple MMO's.  Nothing at all like Ninja Gaiden or any type of fighting game.  I would recommend getting it if you can find it for $30 or less.  (One play through will last you about 15 hours).

[shiroryu]

Yes, pretty much action-RPG fare...am playing it currently...I was a bit disappointed as I was expecting a deeper combat engine, but I realize that they wanted to make it appeal to RPG fans as well. I'm a fighting game fan and an RPG fan, so was expecting this to be great. It's fun, but doesn't reach the heights Bioware could've taken it.  Am fervently wishing for a Jade Empire 2 with a better engine and more options.

Since they've gone with a stripped-down fighting engine (Quick Attack/Power Attack/Area Attack/Block) ( I heard that they had a much more impressive engine in the earlier stages of development, but nerfed it later), they've compensated with more 'fighting styles' - and while that is fun to play around with, there's a very clear hierarchy of styles that 'work'. For example, you get Drunken Master style in the game, but while it's fun initially, it doesn't grow in strength like other styles.

The story is good, however, and does draw you in.

[Rodman49]

Since they've gone with a stripped-down fighting engine (Quick Attack/Power Attack/Area Attack/Block) ( I heard that they had a much more impressive engine in the earlier stages of development, but nerfed it later), they've compensated with more 'fighting styles' - and while that is fun to play around with, there's a very clear hierarchy of styles that 'work'. For example, you get Drunken Master style in the game, but while it's fun initially, it doesn't grow in strength like other styles.

I hear that, Jade Golem kicks the crap out of all the styles too.

[shiroryu]

Haven't gotten there yet, but yeah, transformation styles take all the fun out of the game, IMHO. Jade Golem basically transforms you into this big near-invincible golem that kicks all sorts of ass. I think they left this in for pure roleplayer-people who weren't comfortable with the combat( not that there's anything wrong with that) and therefore could simply transform, kick ass, and then get back to the dialogue. It's far too unbalancing from the combat aspect.

Now that I've been able to play more of the game, the combat is pretty fun( except for the aforementioned Transformation styles ). Especially once you get the Storm Dragon/Stone Immortal/Tempest styles.

It's sad that there aren't any throw moves, or that your martial styles don't add on new moves as you grow stronger. An Oni-style combat engine, only with kungfu/weapon/magic moves would've been even cooler.