Jade Empire: Latest Screens From GDC

Bioware release a new set of screens from the forthcoming Xbox RPG in San Jose.

Bioware, the developer of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic has had a good week. First, news emerged that the sequel, KOTOR2 as we're imaginatively calling it, has been in development for some time at partner developer Obsidian. And, during GDC, Bioware also released the latest screens of its anticipated Xbox RPG, Jade Empire.

Ask any Xbox gamer what genre is really lacking on their system and the answer you'll most likely hear is RPGs. It's pretty amazing that after two years the Xbox still doesn't have a large RPG line-up. The system does have a handful of games in the genre including Shenmue II, and Sudeki is on its way very soon. But we need more! Enter this promising new contender, Jade Empire.

The story hasn't been fully explained. We know that it takes place in a past mythical China. In this fantasy world certain sinister events take place, sending your character on his way through an epic adventure to stop the forces of evil. Yes, it is very vague but that's all that's out there.

The team visited China in order to gather every last detail on Chinese myth and legend to make the game true to the ancient culture. This world is full of legendary creatures, magical spells, supernatural beings, and beautiful mythical environments.

The fighting system also promises considerable depth. There are over thirty fighting styles, ranging from hand to hand martial arts to magical attacks, as well as fighting with weapons. To truly harness the fighting system gamers will need to master several styles and switch through them in mid-combat.

We'll have much more on Jade Empire soon, in the meantime check out these new screens and the impressive trailer below.

Kikizo Staff
Haven't built their own empire... yet!