Microsoft Game Studios announced today that BioWare's action-RPG game Jade Empire has punched into North American retail outlets and is now available for an estimated price of $49.95 (U.S.). Jade Empire will be available in Europe starting on April 22.

Jade Empire players will find a rich world, deep story and incredible variety of fighting styles awaiting them. Over the course of the game, players can learn dozens of fighting styles including martial arts styles, magic styles and weapon styles. Players can achieve devastating mystical powers and even transform into towering supernatural monsters. Only by mastering the greatest fighting styles and defeating the most powerful enemies will players earn their place as a master of martial arts in the world of Jade Empire.

In addition to combat, Jade Empire will mesmerize players with a story richly inspired by the myths and legends of ancient China. More than 70 different voice actors lent their talents to the more than 17,000 lines of dialogue in the game. To complement the game's depth and attention to detail, BioWare captured the motions of real martial arts champions to animate the game's characters. The finished product fuses all of these elements and more into a thrilling gameplay experience that is sure to capture Xbox gamers in its powerful magical spell.