Will Tuttle: After beating Jade Empire a few times, I can honestly say that it's leaps and bounds ahead of Knights of the Old Republic, the last game from the team at BioWare. Of course, that's really saying something, since KotOR was many people's choice for Game of the Year in 2003. While the game has a lot going for it, let's start out with something that's essential to a good RPG: the writing. The twisting and turning storyline is really impressive, especially if you play through as both Open Palm and Closed Fist. The dialogue is top-notch, too. I was half-expecting to hear characters that sound like fortune cookies, but the dialogue features a nice mix of philosophical musing, dark humor, and badass "let's-get-ready-to-fight" bravado. There's a tremendous backstory in place, too, if you take the time to read the materials from the scrollstands scattered around the world. Seems like it's ripe for a prequel...