There are no two ways about it – Jade Empire is flawed. I honestly can't see how anyone could give this game a perfect or near perfect score. Sure, it's good – very good in fact – but it's far from perfect. Bioware's latest effort may've provided me with some of my best gaming hours this year thus far, but I'm still able to acknowledge that the acclaimed developer sometimes lost the plot during the development process. They've put together one of the most complete fantasy worlds ever, filled with its own ancient mythology, deep, interesting characters, and truly beautiful environments, but there's a slip up for every three or four masterstrokes. Whilst these errors aren't exactly catastrophic, they certainly take off some of the shine.

Things get off to a good start. Making use of both in-game and pre-rendered footage, and featuring a sample of the game's superb score, the intro sequence will get those salivary glands working. The main menu is set against the beautiful backdrop of the game's first area, the peaceful village of Two Rivers. The soft, morning sunshine seeps through the trees, as autumn leaves gently float down to the lush grass and delicate, pink flowers below. Look past the buildings with their Venetian-red tiled roofs, and you'll notice clean, white waters cascading down a steep, gray rockface.