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Originally Posted by fable From what I can tell, it's really an action game with the most dumbed-down of RPG trappings. Not exactly my type of fare. I suspect others here are going to be of similar mind, given the games this group tends to like. |
That statement is pretty off base from my play. I'd recommend you try it before judging it as such.
It's true that Jade Empire is more action oriented than many traditional RPGs. It's more in line with games such as VtM Bloodlines and Fable in that regard, than turn based games or CRPGs like BG. Still, its nothing like other action RPGs such as Diablo or X-Men Legends. I've not played BG: DA. It's my inclination, from what I've read about the game, that it bears some similarities but that Jade Empire is much more substantial in terms of RPG content.
The game is propelled by an interesting main storyline, of which your character is at the heart of. There are major cities, many NPCs you can interact with, a variety of side quests (many of which do not require combat at all, or have charm/intimidate/intuition routes around combat). Moreover, there's a rich and complex history about the Jade Empire you can explore or ignore through various dialogue options, or scroll randomly placed throughout the game. You also have options as to how evil, neutral, or good you wish your character to be. It effects numerous outcomes through the game. The entire good/evil system is much more nuanced and interesting than the distinctions in Fable or KoTOR, from my estimate. There is more of a gray line in this game. Finally, while ultimately linear, the game has non-linear elements much like BG2, KoTOR I and II, NwN (you get to chose which order you do things in at various points, etc.).
The game has issues. It's not horribly difficult (though it probably is more challenging than a Final Fantasy or KoTOR title). Likewise, the NPC system is a lot like the NwN henchmen system. Finally, the itemization is really something that takes getting use to (largely gem based, as opposed to traditional armor, etc.).
So, while I don't think you would find it as satisfying of an RPG meal as a Morrowind or a Baldurs Gate (for your tastes), you'd probably enjoy the game as a piece of fluff, in the same vein you enjoy a KoTOR title.