Producer Interview

Want the inside scoop on Jade Empire™? We talked to BioWare Producer Jim Bishop to bring you the latest info. Read on!

Xbox.com: The team working on Jade Empire has been responsible for some groundbreaking roleplaying games (RPGs) in the past, and this one looks like no exception. How did your previous experience affect your goals with the new game?

Bishop: Our goal at BioWare is to make each game better than the last, and Jade Empire is no exception. BioWare is made up of some of the most talented, creative, and hardworking people in the world, and they’ve poured their hearts into this game. We’ve used all the experience we’ve gained over the years to create a wonderful story-based game with deep character development, an intricate story, and fast-paced Martial Arts combat. We think fans of our past games will really enjoy the world that we’ve crafted in Jade Empire, and the real-time combat should appeal to a broad audience.

Xbox.com: Jade Empire is pretty, but different than any game world we've dug into on the RPG level before. What influences affected the look and art direction? What's the secret of balancing authenticity and originality?

Bishop: To allow us to create a great game experience, we decided to design a world inspired by the myths and legends of ancient China, with a few twists to make it a truly unique universe. I think, with the hard work and cooperation of the art and design teams, we’ve developed a believable world with a familiar yet mystical feel. The Xbox is the only platform that would have allowed us to push the visuals to such amazing heights, and we’re extremely proud of the result.

Xbox.com: Gamers probably expect a few family resemblances between Jade Empire and BioWare's Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™. What aspects of combat, roleplaying, and gameplay might be familiar to KOTOR players?

Bishop: At BioWare, we want to deliver the best story-based games in the world. Fans of our past titles will find a lot to like about Jade Empire: great character interactions, a fantastic story, in-depth character development are all included. On top of that, we’ve added the excellent real-time Martial Arts combat that allows you to employ dozens of fighting styles to overcome the weaknesses of your foes. The combat is quite tactical, as you face off against enemies with one of a dozen followers who can be used in support or attack roles.

Xbox.com: What are we looking at under the hood? Does Jade Empire use a new engine? An adapted and improved engine? How did you make the Martial Arts action so smooth and realistic?

Bishop: Jade Empire uses a brand-new graphics engine that takes advantage of the latest graphics technology, and we worked with Martial Arts masters to motion capture the wondrous combat moves for the game. The beautiful graphics, combined with the new real-time combat system, make Jade Empire a unique game that should appeal to RPG and action fans alike.

Xbox.com: In KOTOR, gamers could choose character gender and one of three classes to immediately begin shaping their hero, or a quick start option. What options to do you offer gamers for character creation in Jade Empire? How many different characters, classes, etc.?

Bishop: Gamers are presented with six character templates (seven if you secure a copy of the Jade Empire Limited Edition by pre-ordering). These are unique physical player models with various preset attributes and names. You can customize any character’s name; starting fighting styles; and attributes like Body, Mind, and Spirit. These attributes affect things like your health, Chi (which you can use to unleash magical attacks, heal yourself, or transform into mystical beasts), and Focus (which you’ll use to slow down time or to wield powerful weapons), as well as secondary attributes like your ability to intimidate or charm other characters.

Xbox.com: Characters can train in different fighting styles. Could you discuss what differentiates these styles and offer some examples? Other than styles, what major elements differentiate each player's unique Jade Empire experience?

Bishop: Jade Empire features dozens of fighting styles across a number of style types. There are Martial Arts, weapon, magic, and transformation styles, all of which can be upgraded as your character develops, and you can learn more styles in a variety of ways. Martial Arts styles rely on physical force, while weapon styles will drain your Focus, but cause significant damage to enemies and have greater reach to keep your enemies at bay. Magic styles utilize Chi and can have devastating effects. Dire Flame, for example, allows you to hurl fireballs at opponents or even summon a dragon to blow flames at your enemies. Transformation styles allow you to assume the form of a creature you have defeated, such as a massive Toad Demon. The sheer power of these creatures could turn the tide of a battle, but will quickly drain your Focus.

In addition to the combination of fighting styles that different characters will be able to learn, players will also be able to choose how to react to the characters that he or she encounters. Followers of the Way of the Open Palm will be helpful and benevolent, while those who follow the Way of the Closed Fist believe in an “everyone-for-themselves” philosophy. By deciding which path to follow, you will determine the reactions of others to your character, as well as unlock certain fighting styles and plotlines. Jade Empire has lots of side quests that are optional, but which will provide additional experiences and allow you to see even more of game depth.

Xbox.com: Jade Empire's combat system plays out in real time, while many past RPGs (KOTOR included) played with turn-based combat flexibility. Will gamers accustomed to turn-based RPGs have any difficulty with the transition to real-time fighting? Can a turn-based addict tweak the game to fit his or her play style?

Bishop: We’ve developed the real-time combat system with our turn-based fans in mind, so as to not exclude them from being able to have a lot of fun in Jade Empire. The combat is real-time, but depending on the styles you choose and the way you distribute your attribute points, you are able to give combat a more or less tactical feel. Some styles allow you to paralyze opponents, giving you time to think about your next action and the next fighting style you can employ. Additionally, you can always pause the game in combat to plan out your next course of action.

Xbox.com: Let's talk story. Branching paths with multiple endings have become the norm for single-player RPGs, and some games even change the story depending on the character you choose at the start. Does Jade Empire continue in this tradition? Can we expect multiple endings … a branching story line?

Bishop: Jade Empire contains a large number of side quests that will extend the gameplay experience and provide a significant level of replayability. Different plots are available based on your character’s alignment, responses to other characters, and more. How you deal with quests throughout the game will determine how the story will play out and which of the three very different endings you will experience.

Xbox.com: Care to dish on some of the more unusual adversaries that the heroes of Jade Empire may encounter?

Bishop: Jade Empire features a wide variety of enemies, ranging from humans to ghosts to monsters. We don’t want to spoil any particular encounters, but we can say that we’ll throw a few curves as the story and mystery of the Jade Empire unravel.

Xbox.com: How do non-player characters (NPCs) figure into the action? Does the player gather a party, or do the heroes of Jade Empire usually fight solo?

Bishop: Over the course of the game, you can recruit up to a dozen followers to your cause, one of which can accompany you in combat. They all have their own personalities and back stories, as well as contributions they can make to combat. Employ them in attack roles to help punish your enemies or in a support style to replenish your stats, as each follower has a unique service they can provide in a support style. You have the ability to choose which of your followers will accompany you in combat, allowing you to exploit their skills and support to suit the situation you’re in.

Xbox.com: How many hours of gameplay do you predict, on average, for the first playthrough? What aspects will drive gamers to return for another pass?

Bishop: We think gamers can expect between 20 and 30 hours of gameplay their first time through, with lots of side quests and variety to keep players coming back. Playing through the game as a brutish brawler provides quite a different experience from that of a magic user, and your alignment will also greatly affect how the world around you reacts. With three different endings as well as a multitude of side quests that you can open up by interacting with your followers or other NPCs, Jade Empire offers extensive replay value.

Xbox.com: Roleplayers love to obsess over details. Does the game use a version of KOTOR's d20 variant or an original BioWare game system?

Bishop: This real-time combat system is brand new. The system working behind the scenes won’t really be apparent to the player, as they’ll be engaged in real-time Martial Arts combat, where the results of your actions are immediately visible.

Xbox.com: Do you have any personal favorite weapons?

Bishop: Early in the game I’m usually all about swords. It just feels right being a Martial Arts master that is carving through hordes of bandits with a sharp blade. However, the game actually tracks what weapon is most used, and at the end of my last playthrough, Mirabelle stood at the top of my list. I think players will be literally blown away by the power of this weapon.

My favorite weapon, though, is the Limited Edition Spade Staff. I love the look of the spade and crescent heads, and it's got excellent reach for dealing with mobs.

Xbox.com: How about your personal favorite enemies?

Bishop: Without giving away any spoilers, my favorite enemy reigns as the gold-round champion in the Imperial Arena. I have a save game right before that fight, and after pumping up the difficulty to Grand Master, there is no challenge I like better.

I like a lot of the enemies just for cool factor. The Elephant Demon, Lost Spirit, and Golems are all fun just to watch (as well as to fight), but some of my favorite opponents are Lotus Assassins. Beating up Lotus Assassins just never gets old.

Xbox.com: Personal favorite allies?

Bishop: The Bun Master, Henpecked Hou. He's one of the funniest characters we've ever had in a BioWare game, and although he's physically very weak, he has an enormous ability to help you in combat. You'll have to try it to believe it.

Xbox.com: How about favorite levels?

Bishop: I definitely like the Imperial City. It’s massive, beautiful, and filled with interesting characters and engaging side quests. Our art team really nailed this level, and our designers brought it to life with amazingly detailed story elements.

From an art standpoint, I like the Lotus Assassin fortress. When you first enter, there's an amazing overlook of the level that really sets the mood nicely.

Xbox.com: Have any good tips for our readers?

Bishop: Make sure you maximize your follower’s impact on the battlefield. I found that I was most effective when I switched my followers between attack and support modes throughout combat. Dawn Star is a great example of this. When there are multiple opponents coming at you, and she is in attack mode, it’s nice to see her whip out her sword and take a few out for you. However, as the battle develops, switching her into a support role can turn the tide in your favor. Dawn Star’s support ability is that she replenishes your Chi, which gives you the tactical advantage of either healing yourself or hammering out more damage via Chi strikes.

Xbox.com: Any favorite lines of dialogue?
The Black Whirlwind on Pirates: "You gotta love pirates. All they do is drink, wench, and fight … and sometimes steal a little here and there, but nobody's perfect."

I also like it when Henpecked Hou looks at the bright side: "Life is not all bad, though. I may have lost all my dignity and self-respect, along with my ability to fight or even make a tight fist, but I am a bun master of some renown."

Xbox.com: What's next for BioWare and Xbox®?

Bishop: We’re really pleased with Jade Empire, as well as the past success we’ve had on Xbox. We’re not yet in a position to talk about future Xbox titles, but we are working hard on a number of games, including Dragon Age, the upcoming PC RPG revolution, as well as another title based on a brand-new BioWare-created property. Our Technology Architecture Group (TAG) is developing our next-generation game-engine technology, the BioWare Eclipse Engine.

Xbox.com: Thanks for the great info, Jim!