Jade-Empire
Latest
EA games 60% off on GOG this weekend
Over 33 games (some in bundles) from the Electronic Arts back catalog are on sale this weekend through GOG.com for $2.39 apiece, a 60 percent savings off the regular price. The sale includes classic franchises like Wing Commander, Ultima, Syndicate and Populous. Also not to be overlooked are Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri and Jade Empire. If decisions like this are too difficult, grab everything on the list for $84.07. Our rough guesstimate is that this would boil down to something like $0.06 per game hour. Oh, and one more thing: Remember that you get The Witcher for free with any GOG purchase through October 17.
Jade Empire still 'near and dear' to BioWare
BioWare is busy, but it hasn't forgotten about its diamond in the rough, 2005's Jade Empire -- the company is "just looking for the right way to deploy it," co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk said at Eurogamer Expo 2011. Muzyka said BioWare is passionate about Jade Empire because it's an IP, and fans may see something from its universe "in the near future." This is consistent with BioWare's previous proclamations of Jade Empire love, when Mike Laidlaw called it a "staff favorite" in 2009. Laidlaw said BioWare didn't have anything to announce at that time, a sentiment echoed by Muzyka this week -- we may have to wait another two years to see what exactly this new non-announcement means, or to get another vague, nostalgic claim about Jade Empire.
Ex-BioWare employee claims to have worked on Jade Empire 2 in 2006, 2007
It could just be a very, very specific, unintentional typo, but we're gonna bet that ex-BioWare lead level designer Rafael Brown knew what he was doing when he included "Jade Empire 2 (360/PS3/PC)" in his list of "unreleased" games that he worked on in his LinkedIn profile. The listing suggests a current-generation sequel was planned for the 2005 Xbox/PC/Mac Jade Empire. The listing also indicates he was working on the title at BioWare somewhere between April 2006 and April 2007 -- the year that Brown was employed by the company. His job description at the dev even specifies he was the "lead level/world designer on an unannounced project." Meanwhile, other folks still employed at BioWare were feeling optimistic about the Jade Empire IP as recently as 2009. The BioWare of 2011, however, had yet to respond as of publishing.
BioWare would 'love' to revisit Jade Empire (so would we)
Speaking to Stragety Informer, BioWare's Mike Laidlaw had some simultaneously pleasing and disappointing news for Jade Empire fans. When asked directly when we would see a sequel to the Asian fantasy RPG, Laidlaw opted for the always handy -- and always frustrating -- PR Jedi mind trick, stating that BioWare hasn't made any announcements regarding Jade Empire 2. On a brighter note, he added that the game is a "staff favorite," saying, "We'd love to revisit it at some point." He then quickly switched gears back to disappointment, noting that the company is currently focused on Dragon Age and Mass Effect 2. Dear team BioWare, you are most assuredly not the only ones that would love to revisit Jade Empire. Grab a sticky note and write that down, tuck it under your pillow and think about it. Think hard. Thanks.
A game without violence? BioWare thinks it's possible with the right audience
Skimming through the Interweb this morning, we stumbled upon statements made by BioWare's Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka, spelling out their interest in creating games more reliant on story than combat. Well no duh, guys. However, digging deeper, we found that the BioWare docs aren't just talking about the usual marriage of story and gameplay that their studio focuses on, but removing combat nearly entirely from games in the future."We talk a certain amount internally about whether you need to have combat as part of the experience ... are there possibilities to actually start separating pieces of the game and actually tailor it to the audience," Zeschuk said to GamesIndustry.biz. "There are different audiences that would maybe just enjoy the story," he continued, hinting at the possibility of future BioWare games without any violent actions whatsoever. Though we're inclined to point to the plethora of adventure games out there, we're more hopeful for a Jade Empire sequel with extra spoonfuls of violence rather than too much reliance on story. We can hope, can't we?
The Digital Continuum: Blizzard's mysterious MMO
We've got a good reason to believe that Blizzard's next MMO is in actuality a new IP, which means it's the perfect time to discuss the potential of this newly crafted world. Assuming that Games Workshop isn't the inspiring factor for yet another Blizzard game, I'll lay out five settings that I hope will catch a few of you off guard.Here's the thing about Blizzard, they rarely stick to vanilla settings. Diablo is the only real exception, but even it had the addition of the Japanese inspired Assassin class and Celtic inspired Druid class. StarCraft's races range over a several influences and Warcraft pulls stuff from all over the place, chief among them being some steampunk.Will it be the same for this new IP?
Jade Empire now an Xbox Original
We've always thought that Jade Empire gets a bad rap, perhaps in part because it came from BioWare, a house normally known for its sterling quality. After all, it's got a decent story, sort of decent combat, and roster of characters that walks the line between stereotypical and racist. ... Come to think of it, it's not really their best effort, is it? Luckily, you don't have to take our word for it: The game is now available for $15 as an Xbox Original.We were going to heartily recommend it, but now, after having a bit of a think, we're not so sure. Let's open it up to our loyal commenters: Is Jade Empire worth the cash and time?[Via X3F]
Jade Empire now officially an Xbox Original
Remember way back in February when Jade Empire was rumored to be releasing as an Xbox Original, but was later flat out denied? Yeh, well maybe that was true then, but today we call shenanigans because Jade Empire just released to the XBLM as part of the Xbox Originals catalog. For 1200 Microsoft points and around 6.2GB of your precious hard drive space, you'll be able to experience BioWare's classic RPG, martial arts and travel magical lands. Oh happy day.
Jade Empire joins Xbox 'O' team
Team Originals is about to get another member added to the roster, according to the Gamescore Blog. On July 21, Jade Empire will be added to Xbox Originals -- the downloadable portal for Xbox titles on the Live Marketplace. BioWare's role-player adventure of martial arts and mystical powers will run gamers the standard 1200MS points. The version made available is the standard edition of the game as the limited edition has had issues with Xbox backwards compatibility in the past. Oh, and before you ask, yes there are dialog trees in the game. We are talking about a BioWare game, remember? Sorry, no blue aliens.
Bioware wants to try 'something different' with their MMO
If you've played even one of BioWare's many wonderful games, then you're well aware of the kind of quality they strive for when they craft them -- especially the stories offered. Well all right, there was that one game called Jade Empire that had some strange story pacing and lackluster combat -- but otherwise Bioware strikes gold nearly every time.So what's their plan for finding the same success with their upcoming MMO venture?
Sorry, no Xbox Originals Conker or Jade Empire
We're sorry to burst the sixteen or so Xbox Originals fans who were eagerly anticipating the rumored downloadable versions of Conker: Live & Reloaded and Jade Empire, because they aren't releasing anytime soon.Earlier this week we found out that new Conker and Jade Empire press materials mysteriously popped up on one of Microsoft's FTP websites, which made us jump to the conclusion that both games were headed to the land of Xbox Originals. But our speculation was a bit ... erm, wrong. We recently found out that the Conker and Jade Empire press materials were uploaded to to the FTP site per the request of trivia website Kwanzoo. You see, Kwanzoo will be launching new video game trivia in the next few weeks and in preparation, got in touch with Microsoft to request images of older Xbox titles. This is why the images were uploaded to the FTP press site, for trivia's sake.So, no Xbox Originals Conker or Jade Empire, but look on the bright side. You won't have to even think about spending 1200 Microsoft points on either game and you have Xbox trivia to look forward to. See, not too bad now is it?
Rumor: Xbox Originals to get Conker & Jade Empire
The crew over at 360sync discovered that Microsoft's press materials for Conker: Live & Reloaded and Jade Empire have been recently updated. Now, that wouldn't be all that newsworthy if it weren't for the fact that both games are backwards compatible and Microsoft's press materials usually only get touched when there is news about the product being announced. So, so our speculative thoughts lead us in the direction of the Xbox Originals program.It isn't entirely crazy to think that Conker and Jade Empire could be making the Xbox Originals jump seeing that both studios (Rare and BioWare) have tight connections with Microsoft, but it's far from being set in stone. And to be fair, while confirming Conker and Jade Empire's updated materials, we noticed that the press materials for Rare's Kameo and Perfect Dark Zero were also updated the same day. Take the rumor for what it's worth.
Rumorang: Jade Empire sequel in the works
With Mass Effect developer BioWare no doubt busying itself with post-acquisition shenanigans and practicing game of the year acceptance speeches in the mirror, it's understandable that news has been sorely lacking regarding the studio's upcoming releases. Nowhere has the rumor mill been more silent than with the follow up to Jade Empire, the as-yet-unannounced sequel to BioWare's 2005 action RPG with an Asian flair.Despite any official confirmation, we presumed the game to be in development ages ago, though since that time there has been little to go on. Now, however, San Jose Mercury News game journo Dean Takahashi has taken a break from sipping eggnog long enough to mention that he has spoken with "someone" who has actually been in the presence of "code for Jade Empire 2." While the rumored confirmation ends there, we believe it's only a matter of time before Jade Empire's successor becomes a reality. Our only request is that BioWare leave the project in the oven until it's done, unlike the studio's last serving of 'Shepard's' pie.[Thanks, Kyle]
Jade Empire: Special Edition goes gold
The "Special Edition" part referring to the PC (and potentially politically correct) version of BioWare's KOTOR-but-with-Kung-Fu epic, Jade Empire. The 2K-published RPG, which now boasts higher resolutions, improved AI, an extra difficulty level, an art book and a poster, has officially gone gold and should be in North American stores by February 27th. Europe will receive the game a few days later on March 2nd. Of course, no Jade Empire press release is complete without referencing IGN's frothing demand for the 2005 Xbox release. It scored a 9.9, you know.
BioWare embracing episodic content for all future projects
BioWare looks to start swinging episodes like it was 1993 again (LL Cool J? "Back Seat"? Too obscure?). The Mass Effect developer recently pledged to support all of its confirmed upcoming titles with post-release episodic content, including Dragon Age and Jade Empire: Special Edition. BioWare even claimed that its "other" (read: announced) titles would be treated to digitally distributed content, suggesting the studio's total adoption of a longevity model built on episodic releases. The strategy will span both "console and PC" platforms, confirmed CEO Ray Muzyka. "Consoles," eh? Could BioWare be expanding its console development beyond Xbox 360? After all, a DS title is in the works.
Mass Effect combat video uses the force
If you sat down last night to watch ... The G-Hole (shudder), expecting to see the new Mass Effect trailer, you were sorely disappointed. We have received word that trailer had to be cut due to time constraints. If you feel slighted, then fear not, for the trailer is available on MTV's cavernous flash site. If you'd rather not traverse such fetid places -- even if it is the only place you'll find the trailer in hi-res -- you can watch the YouTubified version after the break.
Mass Effect trailer debuts on MTV tomorrow
It's been a long time coming. So long in fact, that we damned near fell out of our collective chairs when we found out there was actual news about Mass Effect. For those that don't know (or don't remember) Mass Effect is the latest RPG offering from Bioware, creators of hits Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire. Seriously, the last "news" we had about Mass Effect was a picture pack before X06. A picture pack! At any rate, the news is this: MTV will be featuring a new trailer for Mass Effect during tomorrow's episode of, ahem, The G-Hole (who comes up with these names?). The G-Hole, MTV's first show specifically about video games, will air tomorrow night at 8PM EST as part of MTV's Gamer's Week 2.0. The trailer, along with other exclusive Mass Effect content, will be available at Games.MTV.com after the television debut. So, all you enterprising YouTubers out there, grab this trailer when it debuts so we won't have to wade through the flash based nightmare that is MTV's website. (Actually don't do that, because it's, like, totally copyright infringement or something. And don't think you can get away with it just because there's absolutely nothing we can do to stop you, either.)
Jade Empire's grand PC makeover
BioWare's three-year absence from the PC (not counting those fine Neverwinter premium mods) is about to come to an end in January when the revamped Jade Empire ships. According to project director Diarmid Clarke, the 3 million-strong fan community asked for some overdue PC love, and the Canadian developer responded. Speaking with FiringSquad, Clarke discusses Jade's new levels and fighting styles, reveals a few new enemies, and explains the decision to recruit Gray Matter (Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Call of Duty: United Offensive) to assist with the port from Xbox.The high-res coat of paint and enhanced effects are evident in the latest batch of screens, but it will be interesting to see if fans take their Chinese kung fu mythology with the fully customizable mouse and keyboard controls, or the more familiar Xbox controller. Which will you choose?See also: Mass Effect rumored for the PC BioWare exec confirms Jade Empire continuation
Mass Effect rumored for the PC
An article scan from the latest PC Gamer UK reveals that BioWare's Mass Effect could be heading to the PC. This is most welcome news for Windows gamers, but hardly surprising when you consider the Canadian developer's previous two Xbox titles followed the same path. Knights of the Old Republic started out as an Xbox exclusive, and its PC conversion followed four months later. Also, a special edition PC port of Jade Empire was announced at E3 and will ship in January. Mass Effect doesn't arrive on the Xbox 360 until Q2, so we probably wouldn't see the rumored PC release until late next year. We'll let you know if we hear any confirmation details.[Thanks to the readers who sent this in!]
2K Games publishing Civilization compilation, Jade Empire PC
For those discerning gamers who prefer to employ their hands in sculpting lives and constructing sprawling empires, 2K Games have announced the forthcoming release of a completely compelling compilation of Civilization games. Though the chosen title, Sid Meier's Civilization Chronicles, may lead you to believe that the package comprises a stack of yellow paper hastily scribbled upon by the esteemed Mr. Meier and thoroughly detailing his development trials, tribulations and battles with encroaching madness ... it actually just contains all the games in the series. Those would be: Sid Meier's Civilization I Sid Meier's Civilization II Civilization II: Fantastic Worlds Civilization II: Conflicts in Civilization Civilization II: Test of Time Sid Meier's Civilization III Sid Meier's Civilization III: Play the World Sid Meier's Civilization III: Conquests Sid Meier's Civilization IV Sid and Nancy's Civilization 2K6: Stoned Age (unconfirmed) In addition, the undoubtedly heavy box will house a Civilization tabletop card game with over 250 custom cards, a 96-page book detailing the history of the series, a making-of DVD, tech-tree posters, podcast MP3s, wallpaper images and, err, more (it says here). Grab it from a shelf this October and, should you choose to pay for it, hand the inept cashier $69.99. 2K Games also revealed that they will be publishing the PC (that's personal computer, in this case) version of Bioware's martial arts RPG, Jade Empire. Picking it up in lieu of the April 2005 Xbox version will net you enhanced graphics and AI, new fighting styles, more monsters, an art booklet and an unusual desire to dispense flying kicks. Get it this January and struggle to find out why Sid Meier's Jade Empire isn't a real game. Read -- Sid Meier's Civilization Chronicles press release Read -- Jade Empire PC press release
