The presentation in Jade Empire, well that's a bit of a mixed bag. Playable characters are fluid and graceful, and your moves look the part, albeit in an arcadey fashion. Many of the NPCs are a little more stilted however. Seeing as you're often part of a posse of players (each bitching and cracking onto each other, no less) it's kind of reminiscent of the days you and your friends thought it was oh so cool to be popping and locking at that under 18 club. You know better now, at least. And while it's a huge task cramming so much story into one disc, some of the movements are a little exaggerated. If you saw a person on the street busting out the flailing gesticulation of some of the JE characters when they're agitated, you slip them a couple of dollars and wish them the best of luck with their neurosurgery.


In ancient times, wearing a singlet at the gym was optionalThe environments, well they're gorgeous. Top marks to BioWare for not just giving KOTOR an Asian coat of paint, but actually making an effort here. The locations are bursting with life, and an in-game map makes getting around a very easy proposition, if you spend time getting acquainted. The size of some of the bad guys is pretty impressive also. You won't be constantly bombareded with spectacular, Devil May Cry style baddies, but it's still colourful and imaginative while retaining that eastern feel.