In fact, you'll probably never have to use many of the styles employed, because for 80 percent of the game it feels like you're wailing on a kitty rather than taking down a mystical evil force. That makes for a pretty screwy learning curve. A walk in the park followed by a stroll in the lower depths of hell does not a good game make. It's an odd oversight from BioWare, which usually comes to the party with games that always feel like a challenge, but not one that's unattainable.
The story plays out like an epic poem and the characters you meet along your journey are all memorable in their own way. In your journey you'll run across an elderly bun-maker on the run from his wife who supports your drunken monkey fighting style, an ancient demon manifested within a small girl and a crazed scientist who likes nothing more than a good explosion. (Who doesn't?) There's also a quite memorable cameo from John Cleese, who revels in his role as the brash outsider you have to take down a few pegs. Think Basil with a musket and you're there.
Of course, what would a BioWare RPG be without your obvious stereotypes? From the rogue who travels with you to redeem his dark past to the simple village girl with an extraordinary gift, they're all here. The performances are strong enough that you actually want to travel with them, rather than hit them over the head with a two-by-four like so many other games in the past.
Of course, for each of the overwhelming positives to come out of this game there is a niggling negative that you can't ignore. In fact, in a number of unintentionally self-referential moments, the characters in Jade Empire mention a small flaw in your character's fighting style that draws opponents into a false sense of security.
The irony could not more delicious. This precious lotus flower never fully blossoms, but it's still a sight to behold.
Recommendation: Buy it. It's still a damned good game.
