Bashing Bullies

Just as BioWare's legendary Xbox® roleplaying game (RPG) Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™ thrust you into a universe on the verge of destruction, Jade Empire™ slips you into the sandals of a promising young warrior tasked with saving a world in turmoil. Set in a mythical world inspired by Chinese culture and mythology, Jade Empire is picturesque but fraught with danger, and some of its inhabitants are less than friendly.

When words alone won't prevent a fight, you have to let your knuckles do the talking. If you want to get the last word in these physical conversations, you'll need to know your character's strengths and your enemies' weaknesses.

Check out our 100-percent spoiler-free pointers (we'll let you enjoy the thrill of discovery on your own). With inspiration from these tips, you'll wipe the floor with your enemies' hides.

Know Thy Enemy
Sun Tzu wrote in The Art of War, "One who knows the enemy and knows himself will not be in danger in a hundred battles." It's a simple concept, but it's often forgotten in the heat of a bloody skirmish.

Don't let your opponent's sheer size distract you from your goal. Instead, observe your enemy's behavior. If it's the first time you're encountering a particular character or monster, hold back and watch its movements. Watch how it attacks you or your follower.

Does it prefer ranged attacks over melee combat? Does it have supporters backing it up? Is it an agile opponent or is it slow and powerful? Is it immune to weapon attacks?

A good rule of thumb for fighting against a large group is to pick a target (either the most powerful enemy or the one with a ranged attack, which can sometimes be the same character) and take it down quickly. Lure it away from the pack.

If you are surrounded by its followers, use an area attack by pressing the A and X buttons to knock them off their feet and give yourself some breathing room. Maneuver so that your primary target stands between you and any other enemies.

Why target the strongest character first? Many powerful enemies possess special skills such as ranged magical attacks or status-inflicting tactics that can quickly bash your health into the ground. By removing this threat first, you prevent needless injury (especially the flaming-arrows-in-the-back type of injuries) to your character.

In some rare instances it's a good idea to take the leader down last, so don't be too surprised if he keeps healing himself while his buddies give chase. (We'll let you figure out when to use this tactic.)

Scour the Environment
Some fighting grounds—especially indoor areas—are littered with objects that can be used to bludgeon or burn your foe. Broken table legs and splintered chair fragments make great improvisational weapons. Light up the night by knocking troublesome enemies into the flickering flames of a nearby fire or oil lamp. Barrels and chests rigged with explosive traps can also damage anyone curious enough to get too close, so don't be shy about kicking enemies into inanimate objects.

There are other situations where you should use the environment to your advantage. Pay special attention to any item that your character can focus on. If it's important enough to look at, it probably serves a tactical purpose.

With a Little Help From My Friends
You assemble a sizable cadre of rogues, outcasts, and warriors throughout your quest. Take time to speak to each follower between battles. Not only will you learn something about their mysterious pasts, but you just might coax new fighting styles out of them.

You can choose which companions you'd like to accompany you while you explore, and you can order them to either attack enemies on sight or let them hang back in a support role.

Let your follower pull his or her own weight in a fight. Not only can your companions neutralize some baddies for you, but followers can also divert attacks away from your character. Don't fret if your partner gets knocked out—a follower's health is fully restored after you emerge victorious.

The Power Is in Your Hands
There are multiple ways to defeat every enemy. Use strong attacks when your enemies block. Jump away to avoid damage from a strong attack, and heal yourself before your health is fully depleted. Consider using and improving newly acquired fighting styles (like Spirit Thief) to diversify your offensive and healing moves, and remember to use Focus when wielding weapons.

There are many paths to victory; the one you choose is up to you. Keep an open mind (and a sense of humor), and you'll make short work of any obstacles in your way. 

By Bobby Stein