By 'brawler,' I mean toe-to-toe combat focused on your character. JE is an RPG, but not a party-centered one like Baldur's Gate. You're joined by one follower at a time, and each functions best in support mode, boosting one of your abilities. The block-and-punch (or -throw, -kick, etc) mechanic feels like an early version of the system in say, Batman:Arkham Asylum.
By 'old-school," I mean more than its age. Yes, it's old. JE was made something like 40 years ago, before Google, before duct-tape. But it was also made before storytelling became broadly edgy and full of angst. It's a classic tale of hero-saves-the-world, not an Asian version of Game of Thrones.
Is there a good Walkthrough/ Guide?
You don't need one - JE's simplicity allows you to make your choices as you wish, without worrying that you may have overlooked the Secret-I-Win-Weapon- but if you want a guide for reference, check out Papagamer's excellent walkthrough.
How does combat work?
Your character fights melee or in closed ranged-combat with one or more baddies. One of your followers can help, but you may find your followers work best in Support mode, boosting some of your abilities. It's your character, not your companions, who will win fights.
Fights proceed with rock-paper-scissors choices: Blocks stop Quick Attacks, Power Attacks break Blocks, and Quick Attacks outpace Power Attacks. Most styles also offer an Area Attack, by doing the Quick Attack and Power Attack simultaneously.
Evade lets you leap away from attacks, and the default view automatically turns your character toward your opponent. You may occasionaly wish to disable this auto-targeting to pick up an item.
Which Combat Style should I choose?
We're in the no-spolier section here, but it's safe to say that you need a Martial Style, a Support style, a Weapon and a Magic style. Certain enemies are immune to one or the other.
Choose whatever style you like in each category. You can easily sample the starting Martial styles by making new characters and starting a game: some have a bit more range, others are faster, others do more damage. Weapons are similar: a staff reaches further than a sword, but a sword cuts harder. They all work.
You can upgrade any style you enjoy. Really, they all work, though your starting Support style gets outclassed by styles you'll learn later. Aside from that exception, any style you like can carry you through the game.
What are Harmonic Combos?
When you immobilize an opponent with a Magic or Support style - usually with a Power Attack or Area Attack - you then have a few seconds to 'finish' an opponent with a Martial Power Attack, no matter how much health they have. Combos are great in the early game, but later, many opponents are immune.
Is there an alignment system?
You may choose between an Open Palm (charitable) or Closed Fist (Darwinian) path. They have certain in-game effects, but the two endings depend, KotOR-style, on a single choice you make near the finish. Don't worry: you won't miss it.
Are there romances?
Yes, and they're straightforward. They're nowhere near as complex as in other Bioware games, but I actually find that refreshing in this case, like a lighter meal.
Are there mods?
Some. The game doesn't really need them, but there was an impressive project at Jade Empire In Style, though a post last year on the forum there suggests it may no longer work with the latest JE patch (included in the Special Editions of the game).
Papagamer hosts a couple mods of additional styles; scroll to the end of his walkthrough, linked above.
How should I build my character?
Choose a portrait you like, then Customize the character: Health, Chi for Magic damage, Focus for weapon damage. You'll gain a lot of upgrade points, so don't worry about your starting choices.
Pick a Martial style you like. You can quickly create a new character to try one out.
Then it is time for you to leave, Grasshopper. Go out there and save the world!
Edited by CBGB, 18 August 2013 - 03:26 PM.
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